Car Accident Attrorney in Brookfield, IL

Car accident attorney in Brookfield, IL. After you or a loved one is hurt or killed in a car accident another driver caused, you need a car accident attorney is able to get you the damages you deserve and hold the negligent driver or company responsible for the harm they have caused. When you want the best Brookfield, IL car accident lawyer on your case, you come to Burger Law. Call (573) 500-HURT now to consult a Brookfield, IL car accident attorney of Burger Law about your case at no cost to you.

If you were injured in a car accident in Brookfield, IL see how much your claim may be worth by completing our free personal injury calculator.

Car accidents are a common occurrence in Illinois, and when they happen, the aftermath can be overwhelming and confusing. The process of filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and seeking compensation for damages can be complicated, especially for those who have no prior experience. In such cases, you need the services of an experienced car accident attorney who will dedicate themselves to justice in your case. Burger Law has obtained over $200 million in compensation for our clients in a wide variety of personal injury cases in Brookfield, IL. Find out how the Brookfield, IL car accident lawyers of Burger Law can win your case and help you and your family recover with a complimentary consultation. Take the first step towards being made whole again us today at (573) 500-HURT or contact us now.

Our Brookfield, IL car accident attorneys have gotten great results in a wide range of car accident types, such as:

• Pedestrian Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Hit and Run
• Drunk Driving
• Distracted Driving
• Texting and Driving
• Speeding Accidents
• Fatal Car Crash
• Head-On Collisions
• Rear-Ended
• Multi-Vehicle Accidents
• Intersection Accidents
• Road Construction Accidents
• Carpool Accidents
• Backup Accident
• Whiplash Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Brain Injuries
• Underinsured Motorist Claims
• Uninsured Motorist Claims
• Phantom Motorist Claims

Is It Worth It to Hire Car Accident Attorney in Brookfield, IL?

Everyone who has been injured in a car accident has a unique experience. For many, a car accident is a shocking event that leaves your head spinning. Any time you are injured in a car accident caused by someone else, you deserve financial compensation from the responsible person and their insurance company. However, to receive the compensation you are rightfully owed, you may need a good car accident attorney to fight for you.

While some minor car accidents can be resolved successfully without the use of an auto accident attorney, some factors require legal help. It is crucial that you have a car accident attorney to fight on your behalf if the following applies to your case:

• Your injuries are significant
• The insurance company is not offering a fair settlement
• The other driver does not have insurance or enough insurance to cover your damages
• You are unsure of the legal procedures and rights following a car accident
• The other driver disputes liability or fault in the accident
• You are dealing with complex legal issues, such as being in a multi-car accident, hit and run accident or were injured by a commercial vehicle

Resources for Your Brookfield, IL Car Accident Claim

Our philosophy at Burger Law is that, as your personal injury law firm, our responsibility extends beyond arguing your case and negotiating with the insurance company; we believe it is also important to provide free materials and resources to people injured in car accidents to to help them through their injury claims. Our team has published books on all types of personal injury cases including car accidents, created a Youtube channel and is always available to answer questions.

Other Resources

• Illinois Personal Injury Resources
• How a Lawsuit Works
• Legal Terms Glossary
• Legal Podcasts
• Legal Videos About Car Accidents
• Car Accident Blog

Why Choose Burger Law For Your Brookfield, IL Car Accident Claim

When you are injured in a car accident, it is crucial to pick the right law firm to represent you. Burger Law is highly respected and experienced law firm that has been fiercely fighting for the injured for over 30 years. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Burger Law for your claim.

Acclaimed Attorneys That Get Results

To ensure you get full compensation, you need to put your case in the capable hands of a car accident attorney who has earned the respect of the Brookfield, IL legal community and knows how to get results. In order to have a good understanding of the abilities of a law firm, you need to look at the cases they have won, and their reputation among their clients and peers. The many awards, honors and accolades Burger Law has received from other attorneys include:

• Martindale-Hubbell Award — AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® from NexisLexis® – a significant achievement awarded to not more than 5 percent of all attorneys in the U.S.
• Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocate Honor — Members of the Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an honor only given to 1 percent of attorneys in the United States.
• Top 100 Trial Lawyers Honor — Selected to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only honor that is made up of the most qualified attorneys in each state.
• Board Certified By the National Board of Trial Advocacy — Board certified in Civil Trial Advocacy and Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Fewer than 4 percent of all practicing lawyers are certified by an ABA accredited certification board.

Empathetic and Knowledgeable Attorneys

At Burger Law, we know the terrible financial, physical and mental burdens an injury can create. That is why our attorneys are compassionate and dedicated to helping our clients be made whole again. With over 30 years of experience, our attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to handle even the most complex legal cases. We are dedicated to helping our clients recovery both physically and financially, and we work faithfully to ensure they do. You need to spend your time on healing; let us take on the insurance company.

Customized Approach

At Burger Law, we know that every client and every case is unique. That is why we take a personalized approach to each case. Our attorneys explain the legal process to you and always keep you up-to-date on the status of your claim.

Dedication to Excellence

At Burger Law, we are committed to excellence in everything we do. We have high moral standards for the way we handle cases and the way we communicate with our clients. We leave no stone unturned when we investigate cases and search for insurance coverage.

Our Reviews and Victories

Any car accident attorney can say they will fight for you, but proving they are qualified is another matter entirely. We are among the most- and best-reviewed law firms, with a 4.9 rating from over 480 reviews. You can also check out our client testimonials and case results.

Discuss your case for free with an car accident attorney in Brookfield, IL today at (573) 500-HURT, or keep reading to learn more about car accident claims and what Burger Law can do for you.

How is Fault Determined in Car Accident in Brookfield, IL?

Determining fault in a car crash is the first step toward collecting damages. To do that, you and your car accident attorney must prove the five elements of negligence:

1. Duty of care — That the other driver had an obligation to keep you from unreasonable harm. Under Illinois Law, all motorists need to “exercise due care to avoid colliding” with pedestrians, bicyclist and other vehicles.
2. Breach of duty — That they failed in their responsibility. Did they run a red light or drive drunk?
3. Cause in fact — That the wreck directly led to your injury. For example, you were rear ended and that gave you a whiplash injury.
4. Proximate cause — That the breach of duty caused the crash. Were you rear ended because a driver was looking at their phone, or because a mechanic was negligent and their brakes were not working.
5. Damages — That you sustained losses because of your injuries. Do you have medical bills, lost wages and emotional distress you can make a claim for?

Fault can be determined through numerous factors. Sometimes, the other driver will admit fault, but too often negligent actors deny they did anything wrong. After an accident, police officers will evaluate the accident scene and speak to both parties to help make their report. Then, insurance adjusters will evaluate the police report and other evidence to determine liability. While this is part of an adjuster’s job, their real job is to pay out as little money as possible. That means they may deny that it was the other driver’s fault, even if that is patently untrue.

In those cases, you need to hire a car accident attorney to ensure that you are treated fairly. The attorney will launch a complete investigation into the accident, take depositions of both drivers and eyewitnesses, and hire crash experts to interpret photographs and the damage to both vehicles to show how the accident occurred. Then they will send this information to the insurance adjuster to get them to change their position.

If the insurance company refuses to be fair, your claim might require a mediation, where an unbiased attorney or judge helps analyze the evidence and determine fault. If that fails, your car accident attorney can take your claim to trial, present the evidence to a jury and convince them the other driver was at fault.

The Illinois Comparative Negligence Rule

In many states, including Illinois, adjusters, lawyers and juries can apply the comparative negligence or comparative fault rule to personal injury claims. In comparative fault, you will be compensated for the percentage of the accident that is not your fault.

Meaning, if your damages total $100,000 but you share 30 percent of the blame for your injury, you can recover $70,000. Keep in mind that 735 ILCS 5/2-1116 states that:

The plaintiff shall be barred from recovering damages if the trier of fact finds that the contributory fault on the part of the plaintiff is more than 50 percent of the proximate cause of the injury or damage for which recovery is sought.

That means that if you are more than 50 percent to blame for the accident, you cannot make a recovery in Brookfield, IL.

Catastrophic Injuries in Brookfield, IL Car Accidents

Catastrophic injuries in car accidents have a significant impact on your daily life and future, causing long-term physical, emotional and financial consequences. Some injuries we have helped people get compensation for are:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — This can occur when the the brain twists inside of the skull, causing bleeding and disrupting the brain’s function. Symptoms can range from mild, such as a headache or dizziness, to significant, such as loss of consciousness or permanent dysfunction.
• Spinal cord injuries — These can occur when the spinal cord is damaged, resulting in loss of movement or sensation in the arms, legs or other parts of the body. In severe cases, they can lead permanent paralysis.
• Fractures — Broken bones can often heal well, but cause months or years of pain and discomfort.
• Internal injuries — These can include bleeding or other injuries to the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver and others, and require immediate medical attention in order not to be fatal.
• Burns — Burns can occur from the ignition of fuel or from contact with hot surfaces, such as a vehicle’s engine or exhaust system. They can cause significant pain and scarring.

At Burger Law, we know how serious injuries can completely turn your life upside down. But, with the help of Burger Law, you can be made whole again. Call us today for a free consultation at (573) 500-HURT.

What is the Car Accident Claim Process in Brookfield, IL?

The car accident claim process can be long, and many of our Brookfield, IL clients do not know what to expect when making a claim. While the specifics of each injury and accident are different, the personal injury claims process usually stays pretty consistent:

• Gathering evidence at the scene — The first thing you need to do is to obtain as much evidence as you can, including the names and contact information of the drivers involved, insurance information and the names and contact information of any witnesses. Take photos of the vehicles involved and the scene of the accident.
• Seeking medical treatment — While this is obviously necessary to ensure you recover safely, you cannot make a claim for an injury if there is no documentation of that injury. Save all medical records, and go to every appointment your doctor recommends. The the more treatment you receive, the more you will receive in compensation. If you do not seek treatment immediately after the accident, make an appointment with your physician for a day or two after the accident.
• Reporting the accident — If you did not call police to the scene, you should file a police report in the following days. Report the accident to both insurance companies – you usually have to do so within 30 days.
• Consulting with a car accident attorney — Any time you are injured in a car accident, you need to speak with an attorney quickly. If your injuries were not significant and you did not lose much time from work, an attorney might not be able to add value to your claim. More severe injuries almost always require an attorney to get fair compensation. A good lawyer will be honest with you about how they can help your claim and how much more money they can get you.As we charge a contingency fee, meaning we take a part of your compensation as our fees and only get paid once we successfully resolve your claim, we will not agree to take on your claim unless we think we can get you significantly more money.
• Investigation and documentation — Your attorney will gather and analyze the evidence needed to prove your car accident claim while you focus on healing and medical treatment. They will find out if there are multiple parties you can make a claim against or if there is more insurance coverage available if your damages exceed the policy limits.During this phase, you should keep a journal of how your injuries are affecting you. In addition to your medical bills, keep records of any pain relievers or out-of-pocket expenses, and the lost wages you have incurred from time off work.
• Settlement demand and negotiations — Once your attorney has calculated the amount of compensation you are owed, they will send a settlement demand letter to the insurance company, detailing how their policyholder was responsible for your injuries, and demand maximum compensation. The insurance company will likely respond with a lower offer, but your Brookfield, IL car accident attorney will not agree to anything but the best possible results.
• Filing a lawsuit — If a settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, your attorney will file a lawsuit to seek compensation at trial. Burger Law files lawsuits quicker than most law firms; the insurance company to know that are serious. Often, the threat of a lawsuit from reputable trial attorneys is enough to get the insurance adjuster to finally offer a fair settlement.
• Continued negotiations, mediation and pre-trial — Filing a lawsuit does not mean negotiations are off the table. We always prefer for the process to be as quick as possible, so we will continue negotiating and in order to try and avoid a lengthy trial sample.During this phase, we will also start the pre-trial “discovery phase.” In discovery, both sides will gather testimony and more evidence, and request documentation from the other side and seek out expert witnesses. You and the defendant will both take depositions and be questioned by both lawyers under oath. This is how each side develops their argument for trial.
• The trial — The Bureau of Justice Statistics reported in 2005 that 96 percent of personal injury claims are settled out-of-court. Still, on the off chance you do go to trial, your car accident attorney will fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury. A trial has six steps:
  1. Voir dire, or jury selection
  2. Opening statements
  3. Testimony and cross-examination
  4. Closing arguments
  5. Jury instruction
  6. Jury deliberation and verdict

  In a jury trial, the jury will follow the judge’s instructions to determine a) if the other party is liable for your injuries, and b) the total extent of your damages in a dollar amount.

The car accident claim process can be complex and time-consuming, but an experienced car accident attorney can help guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve. Whether we get you a settlement quickly or have to pursue intense litigation, when you hire a Burger Law Brookfield, IL car accident attorney, you will get complete dedication to your recover.

Mistakes to Avoid in Your Brookfield, IL Car Accident Claim

While lawyers can do a great deal to help your claim, you have to be careful not to hurt it. Making mistakes in a car accident claim can jeopardize your ability to get a full recovery. Here are some common mistakes to avoid in your car accident claim:

• Failing to seek prompt medical attention — It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you do not feel like you are seriously injured. Some injuries may not become apparent until days or even weeks after the accident. If you wait too long to get medical treatment, the insurance company may say your injuries were caused by something else, or cannot be that bad if you waited so long.If you do not seek medical attention at all, you will not have documentation of your injuries and expenses, and likely will not be able to make a claim.
• Failing to gather evidence at the scene — It is understandable to be nervous or shell-shocked after an accident, but try to keep a cool head and remember to document what you can. You will not be able to get certain evidence like pictures of the surrounding area and eyewitness contact info later on. You want as much evidence possible to help in your claim.
• Giving recorded statements to the insurance company — Be cautious about giving recorded statements to the insurance company, as these statements can be used against you later. Instead, it is best to consult with an experienced car accident attorney before providing any statements to the insurance company. When you first report the accident, tell them what happened in a concise manner. After that, let your attorney handle communication with them, and only give a recorded statement after being prepped bu your attorney.
• Accepting a quick settlement offer — Insurance companies may offer you a quick settlement in order to resolve your claim quickly and cheaply. However, this settlement will likely be a lowball offer. The insurance adjuster may try to say they cannot or will not offer more – do not believe them until you speak to an attorney.
• Failing to keep records — Keeping accurate records of all expenses related to your accident, including medical bills, lost wages and other damages, is crucial. This will help ensure that you receive full compensation for all of your damages. You can keep a journal detailing how your injuries affect you physically and emotionally to keep records of your non-economic damages.
• Posting on social media — It is natural in today’s world to want to share life events with the online community, but do not post anything about your injuries or what you have been doing on social media. The insurance company will be looking at your accounts and take note of anything they can use against you. If you say your injuries make walking painful, but post pictures of you and your friends at a bowling alley, it may undermine your claim.
• Not calling an experienced car accident attorney — An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights and ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve. Our consultations are free, so there is no risk in calling us to look over your claim. Speak to an experienced and knowledgeable Brookfield, IL car accident attorney now at (573) 500-HURT.

How Much Compensation Should I Expect in a Car Accident Settlement in Brookfield, IL?

The amount of compensation you can expect in a car accident claim will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and how they have affected your life.

Typically, compensation in a car accident claim can include:

• Medical expenses — This can include costs for hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost wages — If you have been unable to work as a result of your injuries, you deserve compensation for lost income and benefits.
• Out-of-pocket expenses — This can include compensation for transportation to and from medical appointments, or having to hire help to do household chores.
• Non-economic damages — This is compensation for the physical and emotional distress you have experienced as a result of the accident, as well as permanent disability, scarring or loss of enjoyment of life.

It is important to note that each car accident is unique and the compensation you can receive will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. It will also depend on the skill and tenacity of your Brookfield, IL car accident attorney. Those at Burger Law will demand you get 100 percent of the compensation you deserve.

Other cases we handle in Brookfield, IL include:

• Truck Crash Lawyers in Illinois
• Wrongful Death Lawyers in Illinois
• Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Illinois

Hire Burger Law

Call to Car Accident Attorney in Brookfield, IL Today

We work hard to communicate with you and demand fair payment from the responsible party’s insurance company, giving you confidence that we are on the job and care about your case. We work relentlessly to get you complete damages and to make the responsible party pay for their negligence. The Brookfield, IL car accident attorneys of Burger Law are tough on insurance companies because you deserve the financial relief that will help make you and your family whole again.

If you or someone you know have been hurt or killed in a car accident caused by someone else, you deserve payment. To get the true value of your case, you need a skilled and experienced Brookfield, IL car accident attorney from Burger Law fighting for you. Take action today by discussing your case with a qualified lawyer for free. Give us a call today at 314-648-8348 or send us a message now.

Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Juanita Matthews

Year of 2023

This law firm is absolutely amazing. They took on my case, when nobody else would! They fought hard for me when it seemed there was no hope. They kept me informed and always asked for my input before making decisions on my case. Gary puts himself into every case unlike most law firm owners. Gary and his team really care about every one of their clients, and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. They actually won my case out of court, and then reduced my fees to make sure I could get my car fixed and be able to get back to some normality. I would recommend Burger Law over and above any other firm! If you go somewhere else you aren’t getting the best!

Shaunda S.

7 months ago

I am very happy with the staff at Burger Law. I mostly worked with Michael Sheldon, and he did an amazing job. I trusted him completely with my case, and he did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this team if your ever in need of good attorneys.

Emelia M.

3 months ago

Burger Law Firm is fantastic. Laura and Genevieve were so amazing and helpful throughout the entire process. They helped me with my personal injury case every step of the way and succeeded at getting me the results I desired.

Helen L.

a year ago

We had a great experience with Burger Law for representing us after a serious car accident. Truly impressed by how professional and supportive the entire team is. And, many thanks to Genavieve and Laura – you are amazing!

Judy M.

a year ago

They did an amazing job on my case! Communication with them was great!!! Kept me informed and in the loop with everything that was going on!!! Will definitely be the 1st ones I’ll call if ever I’m in another accident!!! Thank you very much!!!

Chelsea C.

5 months ago

Let me tell you something about Burger Law.. they are so attentive and kind. Jennifer is my savior!! I love the whole team!!! They are truly a miracle team!! I appreciate their business and would recommend it to others.

David D.

2 months ago

Absolutely the best law firm in the St. Louis area. No matter the size of your case you are treated as if you are the only client on the roster. Will explain anything thoroughly and they work around your availability. Very impressed and appreciative of the service.

Lisa B.

11 months ago

Gary and Casey took great care of me for 2.5 years as my lawsuit was finally settled. I feel he helped me achieve justice for me and my 4 children after their father died from medical malpractice and neglect. Thanks to Gary, my kids now have a great start to their college and adult lives. Thank you Gary and Casey, for fighting for us so hard at our most trying and difficult time in our lives thus far. Love and God bless from my family to yours!

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