Car Accidents

Leading Atlanta auto accident lawyer Thomas Nagel is dedicated to providing the highest quality legal representation to injured victims in Atlanta and other cities in Georgia. I have successfully handled all types of personal injury cases arising from car accidents caused by the negligence of others. While principally located in Atlanta, our firm offers its services to injured parties not only in Fulton County, Cobb County, DeKalb County, Gwinnett County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County and Douglas County, but also throughout the State of Georgia.

Car collisions are the leading cause of accidental death and injury in Georgia and the United States. Even low-speed accidents can result in traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that Georgia tops the list of annually recorded traffic accidents, with over 300,000 collisions reported in 2010 alone. For every multiple car collision, there is usually one driver at fault.

Drivers have a legal duty to safely operate their vehicles. Negligent motorists breach that duty when their reckless driving places others in danger. Negligent driving can occur under a variety of circumstances, such as when the motorist fails to pay attention or operates the vehicle while impaired, causing a crash. Victims harmed in such accidents can bring a personal injury claim against the negligent parties, holding them legally responsible for the injuries they cause.

Examples of negligent driving include:

• Violating traffic rules
• Driving while intoxicated
• Refusing to yield while merging
• Failing to stop at an intersection
• Talking or texting while driving
• Failing to leave a safe “buffer zone”
• Excessive speeding or frequent braking
• Failing to adapt driving to road conditions

Georgia law protects motorists who are injured by another driver’s negligence. State law requires drivers to carry automobile insurance protecting the named insured, relatives, and other persons operating the motor vehicle against liability for personal injury or property damage in case of a crash. Basic traffic laws are codified in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. These “road rules” hold reckless drivers financially responsible for the accidents they cause. Victims injured in accidents may therefore be entitled to damages resulting from another motorist’s negligence.

Under Georgia law, DUI is proved by impairment of normal faculties or unlawful blood alcohol levels of 0.08 or above. The Dram Shop Act also prohibits bars, restaurants, and other businesses from serving alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated adults. The Georgia Supreme Court recently applied this law to convenience stores, even if they only sold “closed containers” of alcohol “not intended for consumption” on the premises. Georgia law also provides stiff penalties for underage drinkers and repeat DUI offenders, including revocation of their driver’s license and steep criminal fines.

Injured parties who demonstrate harm caused by someone else’s negligence may be entitled to various forms of damages. First, they can recover compensation for past and future medical expenses, from the emergency care they received at the scene of the accident to ongoing treatment for the injury. Second, injured victims are entitled to the lost income and future earnings resulting from their inability to work. Finally, they may recover damages for pain and suffering and punitive damages. These are all costs that the negligent parties and their insurers must pay.

If you are injured in an auto accident, Atlanta auto accident attorney Thomas Nagel can help. My firm is a passionate advocate of car accident victims throughout Georgia, helping them recover the compensation they deserve. My law firm has extensive trial experience and expertise in personal injury law. We are devoted to providing each client with individualized attention and achieving the best outcome in each case. For a free consultation, call (404) 255-1600 or contact us online.