BUFORD, GEORGIA | Gwinnett County 
Personal Injury Lawyer

Buford Personal Injury Lawyer

$53.9M+ Recovered in Personal Injury Settlements Since 2012

The Coker Accident Lawyers

Buford straddles two counties — about 78% of the city sits in Gwinnett, with the remaining 22% in Hall County. I-985 runs through town and has a documented history of serious crashes, including a fatal five-car pileup and a tanker truck fire. The Mall of Georgia area has also seen tragic pedestrian accidents in its parking lots and access roads. If you were hurt in a Buford accident, you need a lawyer who knows these roads and how to fight the insurance companies who defend them.

At Coker Accident Lawyers, attorney R. Michael Coker has spent 15 years recovering compensation for accident victims across Gwinnett County, with more than $53.9 million won for clients.

96% Client Satisfaction Rating

According to past client reviews and feedback.

Trustworthy. Expertise.

The representation you need. The results you deserve.

About the firm

Why You Need a Buford Personal Injury Lawyer Who Knows Gwinnett County

Written and reviewed by — Georgia personal injury attorney, representing accident victims across Gwinnett and Barrow Counties for more than 15 years.

Buford has deep roots as a manufacturing town — founded in 1872 and once nationally known as "The Leather City" for the Bona Allen Company's shoe, saddle, and harness production. That industrial history built out the road network that still carries Buford's traffic today, and I-985 in particular has a documented history of serious crashes: a fatal five-car pileup, a fatal wreck involving speed and alcohol, and a tanker truck fire that shut down all lanes in both directions. Gwinnett County has also confirmed a separate fatality on I-985 northbound south of Buford Drive.

The Mall of Georgia area brings its own risks — parking lots and access roads see heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic mixing, and this area has seen tragic pedestrian accidents. Because Buford spans both Gwinnett and Hall Counties — roughly 78% Gwinnett, 22% Hall — where exactly your accident happened can affect which county's court has jurisdiction.

Personal injury cases arising in the Gwinnett portion of Buford move through the Gwinnett County court system. A lawyer who appears regularly in Gwinnett County State Court and Superior Court has a real advantage over a firm that doesn't practice locally.

Georgia law also creates important rules every Gwinnett County accident victim should know:
Modified Comparative Negligence

If you are found 50% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any damages under Georgia law. Insurance adjusters push hard to put you above that 50% line.

2-Year Statute of Limitations

Generally, you have only 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia, but the deadline might be shortened if the case involves a government entity or employee. Missing the deadline could mean losing your right to compensation permanently.

Georgia is an At-Fault State
Driver-liability rule

The driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages, but proving fault and the full extent of your losses requires legal experience and evidence preservation that starts immediately after the accident.

Coker Accident Lawyers has been featured in the following publications

Why choose us

Here's What We Have Recovered.

Coker Accident Lawyers has recovered more than $53.9 million for accident victims across Georgia, including Gwinnett County and Barrow County

Recent recoveries by practice area:

Premises liability
$ 0 M
Car accident
$ 0 M
truck accident
$ 0 K
Motorcycle accident
$ 0 K
Wrongful death
$ 0 K
DUI accident
$ 0 K
Practice areas

Accident and Injury Cases We Handle in Buford, Georgia

Coker Accident Lawyers represents Buford residents across the full range of personal injury and accident matters.

Personal Injury

If you have been injured in any type of accident in Buford, Georgia law allows you to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by another party's negligence. With 15 years of experience and more than $53.9 million recovered, Coker Accident Lawyers handles every category of personal injury case through the Gwinnett County court system.

Learn more about our personal injury representation ›

Car Accidents

Most Buford car accidents happen on I-985 or in the Mall of Georgia retail corridor, where heavy traffic mixes with drivers turning into and out of parking areas. We help you pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Learn more about our car accident representation ›

Truck Accidents

I-985 carries significant commercial truck traffic through Buford, and the corridor has seen severe truck-involved crashes, including a tanker fire that closed the interstate in both directions. Truck accident cases are uniquely complex — federal trucking regulations (FMCSA) govern driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading, and trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at the scene within hours. We move quickly to preserve black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records on your behalf.

Learn more about our truck accident representation ›

Motorcycle Accidents

Riders face an unfair bias in Georgia accident claims — insurance adjusters often assume the motorcyclist was at fault even when the evidence shows otherwise. We push back with accident reconstruction, witness testimony, and a deep understanding of Georgia's helmet and comparative negligence rules.

Learn more about our motorcycle accident representation ›

Pedestrian Accidents

The Mall of Georgia's parking lots and access roads see heavy pedestrian traffic mixing with turning vehicles, and this area has seen tragic pedestrian accidents, including a fatal collision in a mall parking lot. Victims and families deserve full compensation from the negligent driver.

Learn more about our pedestrian accident representation ›

Wrongful Death

I-985 and the Mall of Georgia area have both been the site of fatal accidents in Buford, including a five-car pileup on I-985 and a fatal pedestrian accident in a mall parking lot. When a family loses someone in a preventable accident, Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2) allows the surviving spouse, children, or parents to file a wrongful death claim. The damages include the full value of the life of the deceased.

Learn more about our wrongful death representation ›

Slip and Fall / Premises Liability

Buford's Mall of Georgia and historic Main Street retail areas see their share of slip and fall accidents. Georgia premises liability law places the burden on the injured person to prove the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition. These cases require fast evidence preservation — security footage, witness statements, incident reports — before the property owner makes the hazard disappear.

Learn more about our slip and fall representation ›

DUI Accidents

If you were struck by a drunk or impaired driver in Buford, you may be entitled to both compensatory and punitive damages. Speed and alcohol have been documented factors in fatal I-985 crashes near Buford. Your personal injury claim against the impaired driver is entirely separate from the criminal charges they face.

Learn more about our DUI accident representation ›

Dog Bites

Under Georgia's dog bite statute (O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7), dog owners are liable when they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous, or when the animal was not properly restrained. Dog bite injuries in Buford's residential neighborhoods range from puncture wounds to severe lacerations and infection.

Learn more about our dog bite representation ›

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice cases involve healthcare provider negligence — surgical errors, misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and medication mistakes at the hospitals and clinics serving Buford, including Northside Hospital Gwinnett. Georgia requires an expert affidavit before a malpractice lawsuit can proceed, and the medical evidence in these cases is complex.

Learn more about our medical malpractice representation ›

Apartment Shooting Victims

When an apartment complex fails to provide adequate security — missing locks, broken gates, poor lighting, or no security patrols — and a resident or visitor is shot, the property owner may be liable under Georgia premises liability law. These negligent security claims are separate from any criminal prosecution of the shooter.

Learn more about our apartment shooting victim representation ›
Local danger zones

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Buford, GA

Buford's worst accident locations cluster around I-985 and the Mall of Georgia retail corridor.

1

I-985 Corridor

I-985 has a documented history of serious crashes near Buford, including a fatal five-car pileup, a fatal wreck where speed and alcohol were contributing factors, and a tanker truck fire that shut down all lanes in both directions. Gwinnett County has confirmed a separate fatality on I-985 northbound south of Buford Drive.

2

Mall of Georgia / Mall of Georgia Drive

This retail corridor's parking lots and access roads see heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic mixing, and the area has seen a tragic fatal pedestrian accident in a mall parking lot.

3

Hamilton Mill Road & Bart Johnson Road

This intersection has been the site of a serious crash involving a school bus.

After an accident

What to Do After an Accident in Buford

If you are involved in an accident in Buford:

01

Call 911

A Gwinnett County police or Georgia State Patrol report creates the official record your case will rely on.

02

Get medical attention

Northside Hospital Gwinnett in Lawrenceville is the nearest full-service emergency room and trauma center — Buford itself has urgent care locations but no full hospital ER. Some injuries — concussions, spinal injuries, soft tissue damage — take days to show symptoms.

03

Document everything

Photographs of vehicles, the intersection, road conditions, your injuries. Get the other driver's insurance and witness contact information.

04

Do not give recorded statements to the insurance company

The insurance company will call quickly. Politely decline until you have a lawyer.

05

Contact a personal injury lawyer

The sooner you have representation, the faster evidence can be preserved.

Insurance company tactics

How Insurance Companies Try to Lowball Gwinnett Accident Victims

In 15 years handling Georgia accident cases, I have watched insurance companies use the same tactics against Gwinnett County residents:

Fast lowball settlement offers

Designed to close your file before you understand the full cost of your injuries. These initial offers rarely cover future medical treatment, lost earning capacity, or pain and suffering.

Recorded statement traps

Friendly-sounding questions designed to capture any statement that can be twisted and used against you later.

Disputes over medical care

Arguing you waited too long to seek treatment, that your treatment was excessive, or that your injuries were pre-existing and not caused by the accident.

Long delays

Stalling tactics designed to pressure you into accepting less than your case is worth because you need money now.

A personal injury attorney handles the insurer directly, removes the pressure, and protects your case from every angle.

Free consultation

Injured in Buford, Georgia? Get Your Free Consultation Today.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a Buford accident, time matters. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the insurance company is already building its defense.

R. Michael Coker and Coker Accident Lawyers are ready to fight for you. The consultation is completely free, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Available 24/7 · No fee unless we win

$53.9M+
Recovered
for accident victims across Georgia.
15 YEARS
Experience
in the Gwinnett and Barrow County court system.
TOP 5%
Lawyer in Georgia
as named by Superlawyers Magazine.
DIRECT
Attorney access
with a lawyer handling your case personally.
LOCAL
Gwinnett and Barrow County Office
with attorneys appearing regularly in Gwinnett and Barrow County courts.
Why choose us

Why Buford, Georgia Residents Choose Coker Accident Lawyers

R. Michael Coker built this firm in Gwinnett and Barrow County to give northeast Georgia residents the kind of personal representation that high-volume firms cannot provide.

4.8
Based on 232 reviews
DeAndre S.
3 months ago
They have a great team that makes you feel like the priority. From their fast responses on updates about my case to the transparency they provided throughout the entire process, I have nothing but positive feedback and remakes about Coker Accident Lawyers.
Alicia W.
3 months ago
I had a slip and fall incident at a restaurant and needed some help and this firm did just that. They were informative and super helpful. I appreciate everything they put their time and effort into
Jocolyn P.
3 months ago
10/10 recommend.
Karol G.
3 months ago
I can't thank the Coker Accident Lawyers enough for such a stress-free experience. When I finally spoke with Michael Coker, he was in full force to go to war on my behalf, and he did exactly that with grace and respect. His entire team is professional and admirably organized. They have become our trustworthy lawyer for the future for me and my entire family as they witness the impeccable service and treatment I received. Thank you all so very much!
Shakima H.
4 months ago
Coker Accident Lawyers have been awesome to work with after my car accident. They truly work with you every step of the way and make sure you receive the care, support, and compensation you deserve. The team has been professional, compassionate, and responsive throughout the entire process. I highly recommend them to anyone needing help after an accident.
Emily D.
4 months ago
After my husband and I were hit by a drunk driver, we initially hired a different law firm that someone recommended to us.

We quickly realized we needed better representation and transferred our case to Coker Accident Lawyers. Switching to Coker was the absolute best decision we could have made! A true night and day difference.

Magen was our main point of contact and she was completely amazing. The entire operation at the firm is incredibly organized, fast, and efficient. Every step of the process was handled smoothly, and they made an incredibly stressful situation so much easier for us to navigate.

They secured an incredible outcome for us.

It was a genuine pleasure working with Magen and the whole team. We are so pleased with our experience and will always recommend Coker Accident Lawyers to our friends and family.
Also reviewed on Avvo Justia Martindale-Hubbell
$53.9M+
Recovered
for accident victims across Georgia.
15 YEARS
Experience
in the Gwinnett and Barrow County court system.
TOP 5%
Lawyer in Georgia
as named by Superlawyers Magazine.
DIRECT
Attorney Access
with a lawyer handling your case personally.
LOCAL
Gwinnett and Barrow County Office
with attorneys appearing regularly in Gwinnett and Barrow County courts.
Communities we serve

Areas We Serve Near Buford, Georgia

Coker Accident Lawyers represents accident victims throughout Gwinnett County. We have dedicated location pages for each major city we serve:

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Buford personal injury lawyer cost? +
Nothing upfront. Coker Accident Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis — no attorney fees unless we win your case.* The initial consultation is free.
How long do I have to file an accident claim in Buford, Georgia? +
Georgia generally gives you 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). Wrongful death claims also generally carry a 2-year deadline. Claims against government entities however could be shorter.
Buford spans two counties — does that affect my case? +
It can. Buford is roughly 78% in Gwinnett County and 22% in Hall County, and where your accident happened can affect which county's court has jurisdiction over your case. We help determine the correct jurisdiction as part of every Buford case we take.
What is my Buford, Georgia car accident case worth? +
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and Georgia's comparative negligence rules. A free consultation gives you a realistic estimate.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance? +
If the at-fault driver in your Buford accident does not have insurance, you may still have a path to compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Georgia law requires insurance companies to offer UM/UIM coverage, and many drivers carry it without realizing it. We review every available coverage option on every case to maximize your recovery.
Do you handle hit-and-run accidents in Buford, Georgia? +
Yes. If you were injured by a hit-and-run driver in Buford, Georgia, you may still recover compensation through the uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your own auto policy — even if the at-fault driver is never identified. Report the crash to police right away, and we will pursue every avenue to try to identify the driver and protect your claim.
Coker Accident Lawyers | Gwinnett County

Lawrenceville Office

90 Langley Dr, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
No appointment required
(678) 935-6000

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Mulberry Office

2550 Hamilton Mill Road, Suite 110, Buford, GA 30519
By Appointment Only
(678) 935-9538

Open in Google Maps
Free Case Evaluation

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You only have a limited amount of time to settle or bring your case. We recommend that you contact an attorney immediately. Failure to act quickly could forever cause you to lose your claim. The Law Offices of R. Michael Coker, LLC and its attorneys do not represent you, and no attorney-client relationship is created by completing this form.

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Need to Speak With Us Now?
(678) 935-6000
Available 24/7  ·  No Fee Unless We Win
Attorney Assessment
WE BELIEVE YOU HAVE A GOOD CASE
Even if you are unsure, do not walk away. Our attorneys have helped many people who thought they had no claim. A free call with our team could change everything.
(678) 935-6000 Available 24/7  ·  No Fee Unless We Win
Do Not Wait — Time Limits Apply Georgia law limits the time you have to bring a personal injury claim. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your chances of protecting your rights.
Attorney Assessment
WE BELIEVE YOU HAVE A GOOD CASE
Fault in personal injury cases is rarely black and white. Shared fault, disputed liability, and third-party responsibility are common. Do not assume you have no claim — let our attorneys review the facts for free.
(678) 935-6000 Available 24/7  ·  No Fee Unless We Win
Do Not Wait — Time Limits Apply Failure to act quickly could permanently cause you to lose your right to recover. Call an attorney immediately.
Attorney Assessment
WE BELIEVE YOU HAVE A GOOD CASE
Our firm primarily handles Georgia cases, but we will connect you with a qualified attorney in your state at no cost to you. You deserve strong legal representation no matter where you are.
(678) 935-6000 We Will Find You the Right Attorney
Do Not Wait — Time Limits Apply Every state has a deadline to file a personal injury claim. Call us now and we will make sure you are connected with the right attorney fast.
Attorney Assessment
WE BELIEVE YOU HAVE A GOOD CASE
Many serious injuries — whiplash, internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries — do not show symptoms right away. If you were in an incident, please seek medical attention and call us immediately before you assume you are fine.
(678) 935-6000 Available 24/7  ·  No Fee Unless We Win
Do Not Wait — Time Limits Apply Delaying medical care and legal counsel can hurt both your health and your claim. Call us now to protect yourself.