Super Lawyers
Justia Lawyer Rating
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
AVVO Rating
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
NBTA
Martindale-Hubbell
Bar Register Preeminent Lawyers
Georgia Trend Legal Elite
Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
America's Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys

Athens / Clarke County Georgia Trucking Accidents

Athens, the "Classic City" and home of the University of Georgia, can be a good place for trial of a catastrophic personal injury or wrongful death arising from a tractor trailer, big rig, semi truck or other commercial motor carrier accidents.

Founded as a frontier trading settlement on the Oconee River in the late 1700s, was the site of the first land grant state university in the nation, when Franklin College (later the University of Georgia) was chartered in 1785 and eventually established in 1801.That same year, Clarke County was established, named after frontier Revolutionary War hero Elijah Clarke. The village was named for Athens, Greece, site of the academy of Plato and Aristotle, and the town and the university grew up together.

During the Cold War, Athens was designated to become the capital of Georgia if Atlanta were incinerated by an atomic bomb. Some loyal Bulldog fans might say that it would be a good idea even now.

Civil cases in Athens are tried in the Superior Court of Clarke County, the State Court of Clarke County, or the U. S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, which has a courthouse in Athens. Many interstate motor carrier cases are litigated in federal court because the plaintiffs and defendants are residents of different states.

Ken Shigley has litigated cases in Clarke County and the Middle District of Georgia on and off since the mid-1980's. He has strong friendships among Athens and Clarke County lawyers, and is comfortable about trying cases there.

Mr. Shigley is available to meet with prospective clients by appointment in Athens.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"My family hired Ken after our parents were killed in a trucking accident in GA in 2013. We worked with Ken for 19 months before our case settled. During this time I thought Ken was outstanding. He was accessible to us at all times and maintained consistent communication. He was patient with us and took time to explain the finer points of law. While we avoided going to trial, he prepared diligently and I felt like he was leaving nothing to chance. I am relieved that our case is complete and I will miss working with Ken. He was very thoughtful and caring while helping us to stay relaxed. I would highly recommend him to anyone who requires these types of services." David U., Client, Vermont
★★★★★
"When tragedy struck our family in the form of the wrongful death of our son and caused me physical injuries and changed our lives forever, we dragged our feet about hiring a lawyer. I didn't want to face having to go through the stress. Big mistake. The first thing you do is hire local counsel. I found Mr. Shigley by surfing the web, and we got a listening ear. He was realistic, professional and worked very hard in our behalf. Not only that, he showed a genuine concern for our family, and ran interference for us on a number of issues relative to our case. If I had it to do over again, I would have hired him sooner." Carolyn R., Newnan, GA
★★★★★
"After my parents were killed in a tractor truck accident on December 2013, he fought hard against the insurance companies to help my brother, sister, and I. He was honest and always available to answer any questions I had. Ken went out of his way to meet with my brother and I while on vacation in New England. He was awesome in explaining everything to us in detail and looked out for us with every step of the lawsuit. I would highly recommend him." Joan M., Client, Massachusetts
★★★★★
"I first met Ken when I watched him try a very difficult case involving catastrophic injuries. He was an incredibly effective advocate and was able to obtain justice for his client. I have since come to know him as one of the state's leading trial lawyers, particularly in trucking cases, which involves complex regulatory and legal issues not involved in other types of cases. I do not hesitate to recommend Ken for any kind of personal injury case." John H., Attorney, Atlanta
★★★★★
"Ken Shigley is an excellent trial lawyer in the area of commercial trucking. He knows the specialized rules for handling truck wreck cases for the victims and their families when tractor-trailers leave a devastating loss, catastrophic injuries and deaths. He is an advocate who understands the impact on his clients and is highly effective in bringing them justice." Myles E., Attorney, Atlanta