Car Accident Attrorney in Centralia, IL

Car accident attorney in Centralia, IL. When you or a family member is hurt or killed in a car accident someone else caused, you need a car accident attorney is able to get you the damages you deserve and make the responsible driver or company pay for the damage they have caused. When you want a dedicated and experienced Centralia, IL car accident lawyer on your case, you come to Burger Law. Call (573) 500-HURT now to speak to a Centralia, IL car accident attorney of Burger Law about your claim at no obligation.

If you were injured in a car accident in Centralia or any other part of Illinois see how much your claim may be worth by using 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 Centralia, IL. Discover how the Centralia, IL car accident lawyers of Burger Law can win your case and help you and your family recover with a free consultation. Take the first step towards getting the compensation you deserve by calling us today at (573) 500-HURT or contact us now.

Our Centralia, IL car accident attorneys deliver great compensation in a variety of car accident types, including:

• 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

Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Centralia, IL?

Each car accident is different. For many, a car accident is an upsetting event that causes no small amount of residual stress. Any time you are injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you are entitled to financial compensation from the person who caused you harm and their insurance company. However, to receive the compensation you are rightfully owed, you may need a good car accident attorney to pursue your claim.

While some minor car accidents can be resolved successfully without the use of an auto accident attorney, there are certain situations that call for legal representation. It is essential that you have a car accident attorney on your side if the following applies to your case:

• You sustained serious injuries in a car accident
• The insurance company is not offering a fair settlement
• The other driver is uninsured or underinsured
• You need help with the insurance and legal process
• The negligent driver or their insurance company is blaming you for your injuries
• You are dealing with complex legal issues, such as being in a multi-car accident, hit and run accident or were injured by a government vehicle

Resources for Your Centralia, IL Car Accident Claim

Our philosophy at Burger Law is that, as your personal injury law firm, our responsibility is more than simply arguing your case and negotiating with the insurance company; we have also taken it upon ourselves to offer free education 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 Centralia, IL Car Accident Claim

When you are facing a legal issue, it is crucial to pick the right law firm to represent you. Burger Law is a well-respected and experienced law firm that has been defending the rights of the injured for over 30 years. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Burger Law for your case.

Award-Winning Attorneys Know How to Win

Choosing the right personal injury lawyer for your claim is crucial. You want someone with a history of winning similar cases and who you know is not afraid to take the case to trial if they have to. In order to have a good understanding of the abilities of a law firm, you need to take into account 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 noteworthy achievement awarded to not more than 5 percent of all lawyers in the country
• 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 award that is comprised 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 attorneys are certified by an ABA accredited certification board.

Understanding and Experienced Attorneys

At Burger Law, we know that being injured through another’s negligence is stressful and overwhelming. That is why we have a client-centered approach. With over three decades of experience, our attorneys are willing to take on the tough cases other law firms are not. We are committed to helping our clients recovery both physically and financially, and we work faithfully to ensure that their rights are protected. You need to focus on healing; trust in us to stand up to the insurance company.

Customized Approach

At Burger Law, we know that every client and every case is unique. That is why we treat each claim individually. Our attorneys explain the legal process to you and keep in constant contact so you know the status of your claim.

Dedication to Excellence

At Burger Law, we are devoted to excellence in everything we do. We have high moral standards for the way we pursue compensation and the way we communicate with our clients. We pursue every possible avenue to get you the compensation you deserve.

Our Ratings and Victories

A car accident attorney can say just about anything, 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.

Get a free consultation with an car accident attorney in Centralia, IL now at (573) 500-HURT, or keep reading to find out more about pursuing compensation in a car accident and what Burger Law can do for you.

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

Assigning fault in a car wreck is the first step toward getting compensation. 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 owe all others on the road “due care.”
2. Breach of duty — That they neglected their obligation. Did they drive with excessive speed or drive drunk?
3. Cause in fact — That the wreck caused your injury. For example, you were t-boned and broke your arm.
4. Proximate cause — That their negligence 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 harm because of the injuries. Do you have medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering you can make a claim for?

Liability is determined by a police officer, insurance adjuster, attorney, mediator or jury. Sometimes, the negligent driver will admit that they are to blame, but too often irresponsible drivers try to avoid being held accountable for their actions. After an accident, police officers will write a report explaining who they link is liable. Then, insurance adjusters will analyze the police report and other evidence to assign fault. While this is part of an adjuster’s job, their primary goal is to make sure their company’s profits stay high by denying and minimizing claims. That means they may deny that it was the other driver’s fault, even if that is demonstrably untrue.

When that happens, you need to hire a car accident attorney to ensure you get the compensation you are owed. 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 compile a settlement demand letter to the insurance adjuster.

If the insurance company remains firm, your attorney may recommend mediation, where a neutral third party helps analyze the evidence and determine fault. If that fails, your car accident attorney can file a lawsuit in civil court, 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 can recover 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 will receive $70,000. It is important to note 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 share more of the blame than the other party, you cannot make a recovery in Centralia, IL.

Serious Injuries in Centralia, IL Car Accidents

Serious injuries in car accidents have a significant impact on your life, leading to long-term physical, mental and economic 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 loss of balance, to grave, such as loss of consciousness or lifelong disability.
• Spinal cord injuries — These can occur when the spinal cord is damaged, resulting in loss of movement or feeling in the arms, legs or other parts of the body. In severe cases, they can lead paraplegia or quadriplegia.
• Broken bones — Fractures can often heal well, but cause months or years of pain and discomfort.
• Internal injuries — These can include damage to the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver and others, and require prompt medical attention in order not to be deadly.
• 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 change your life in an instant. 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 Centralia, IL?

The car accident claim process can be stressful and time-consuming, and many of our Centralia, IL clients have doubts about how things will proceed. 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 step you need to take is to gather 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.
• Getting medical treatment — While you obviously need to do this to ensure your physical recovery, 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 medical expenses you have, the higher your financial recovery. If you do not go to the emergency room or urgent care, make an appointment with your primary care physician promptly.
• Reporting the accident — If you did not call police at the time of the accident, you should file a police report as soon as possible. Report the accident to both insurance companies – most require you to report it within 30 days.
• Consulting with a car accident attorney — You need to at least consult with an attorney after a car accident injury. If your injuries were minor and you did not lose much time from work, you might not need a lawyer to get fair compensation. Higher damages 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 our attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we take a percentage 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 acquire 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 liable parties or if there is more insurance coverage available if your damages exceed the policy limits.While this is going on, you should keep a journal of how your injuries are affecting you. In addition to your medical bills, keep receipts of any over-the-counter medications or out-of-pocket expenses, and the lost wages you have incurred from time off work.
• Settlement demand and negotiations — Once your attorney knows the value of your claim, they will send a settlement demand letter to the insurance adjuster, explaining how their policyholder was responsible for your injuries, and demand maximum compensation. The insurance company will likely respond with a lower offer, but your Centralia, IL car accident attorney will continue to demand the full amount.
• 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; we want to put the insurance company on their heels. Often, the threat of a lawsuit from experienced trial attorneys is sufficient to get the insurance adjuster to finally be fair.
• Further negotiations, mediation and pre-trial — Filing a lawsuit does not mean we stop negotiating. We always prefer to get our clients their compensation as quickly 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 share what evidence they will use at 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 go all the way to trial, when you hire a Burger Law Centralia, IL car accident attorney, you will get a full recovery. We will not stop fighting until you get it.

Mistakes to Avoid in Your Centralia, 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 Centralia, IL car accident attorney now at (573) 500-HURT.

How Much Compensation Should I Expect in a Car Accident Settlement in Centralia, 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 Centralia, IL car accident attorney. Those at Burger Law will demand you get 100 percent of the compensation you deserve.

Other cases we handle in Centralia, IL include:

• Survival Action Lawyer in Illinois
• 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 Centralia, IL Today

We work arduously to communicate with you and insist fair payment from the responsible party’s insurance company so that you can rest assured that you have lawyers on your case who care about the outcome. We work relentlessly to get you complete damages and to make the responsible party pay for their negligence. The Centralia, 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 injured or killed in a car accident caused by someone else, you deserve payment. To get the true value of your case, you must have a skilled and dedicated Centralia, IL car accident attorney from Burger Law on your side. Take the first step right away by speaking to a real lawyer about your case for free in a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. 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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