Car Accident Attrorney in Champaign, IL

Car accident attorney in Champaign, IL. When you or someone you loved is seriously injured in a car accident another driver caused, you need a car accident attorney can secure the damages you deserve and make the responsible driver or company pay for the harm they have caused. In other words, you need the Champaign, IL car accident lawyers of Burger Law. Dial (573) 500-HURT now to talk to a Champaign, IL car accident attorney of Burger Law about your claim at no cost to you.

If a reckless driver harmed you in Champaign 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 Champaign and beyond. Find out how the Champaign, IL car accident lawyers of Burger Law can help you and your family recover from your accident with a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take the first step towards being made whole again us today at (573) 500-HURT or contact us now.

Our Champaign, IL car accident attorneys take on a variety of car accident cases, 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

Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney in Champaign, IL?

Everyone who has been injured in a car accident has a unique experience. For many, a car accident is an upsetting event that introduces sudden stress. Any time you are injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you are entitled to compensation from the person who caused you harm and their insurance company. However, to receive the compensation you are rightfully owed, you will often 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, some factors necessitate legal help. It is important that you have a car accident attorney to fight for your if the following applies to your case:

• Your injuries are significant
• The insurance company is not offering a fair settlement
• The other driver is uninsured or underinsured
• You are unsure of the legal procedures and rights following a car accident
• The other driver or their insurance company is blaming you for your injuries
• You are dealing with complex legal issues, such as being in a multi-vehicle accident, hit and run accident or were hit by a government vehicle

Resources to Help With Your Champaign, IL Car Accident Claim

At Burger Law, we believe that our role as your personal injury law firm is more than simply presenting your case and communicating 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 make the most of their injury claims. Our team has written books on all types of personal injury cases including car accidents, is active on our Youtube channel and is always available to answer questions.

Other Resources

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

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

When you are facing a legal issue, it is crucial to pick the best law firm to fight for you. Burger Law is highly respected and experienced law firm that has been fiercely fighting for the injured for more than 30 years. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Burger Law for your claim.

Recognized Leaders in Car Accident Claims

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 Champaign, IL legal community and knows how to get results. In order to gauge the abilities of an injury law firm, you need to look at their previous victories, 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 less than 5 percent of all attorneys nationwide
• 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 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. Less than 4 percent of all practicing lawyers are certified by an American Bar Association accredited certification board.

Understanding and Knowledgeable Attorneys

At Burger Law, we know the terrible financial, physical and mental hardships an injury can cause. 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 committed to helping our clients recovery both physically and financially, and we work faithfully to ensure they do. 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 take a personalized approach to each case. 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 providing the highest standard of legal advocacy. We have high ethical standards for the way we pursue compensation and the way we treat our clients. We pursue every legal avenue to get you the compensation you deserve.

Our Ratings and Results

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 look at our client testimonials and case victories.

Discuss your case for free with an car accident attorney in Champaign, IL immediately at (573) 500-HURT, or read on below to find out more about car accident claims and how Burger Law can help.

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

Assigning fault in a car wreck is the first step toward getting compensation. Fault comes down to proving the five elements of negligence:

1. Duty of care — That the other driver had a responsibility to keep you from unreasonable harm. Under Illinois Law, all drivers owe all others on the road “due care.”
2. Breach of duty — That they failed in their responsibility. Did they drive with excessive speed or drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
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 failure caused the crash. Were you rear ended because a driver was tailgating, or because a mechanic was negligent and their brakes were not working.
5. Damages — That you sustained losses because of the injuries. Do you have medical expenses, lost wages and emotional distress you can make a claim for?

Fault can be determined through numerous factors. Sometimes, the negligent driver will admit that they are to blame, but too often negligent people 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 analyze the police report and other evidence to assign liability. While this is part of an adjuster’s job, their primary goal is to save their insurance company money. That means they may deny that it was the other driver’s fault, even if that is patently false.

When that happens, you need to hire a car accident attorney to ensure you get the compensation you are owed. The attorney will investigate the case further, take depositions of both drivers and eyewitnesses, and hire crash experts to determine how the accident likely 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 attorney may seek mediation, where a neutral third party tries to help both parties find common ground. If they will not be fair in negotiations, your car accident attorney can file a lawsuit in civil court and take your claim to trial.

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 portion of the fault you do not share.

Meaning, if your damages total $100,000 but you share 30 percent of the fault 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.

Meaning, if you are more than 50 percent to blame for the accident, you cannot make a recovery in Champaign, IL.

Serious Injuries in Champaign, IL Car Accidents

Catastrophic injuries in car accidents have a significant impact on your daily life and future, leading to long-term physical, emotional and economic consequences. Some common examples of serious injuries in car accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — This can occur when the the brain shakes inside of the skull, causing bleeding and disrupting the brain’s function. Symptoms can range from mild, such as a headache or confusion, to significant, such as loss of consciousness or permanent cognitive impairment.
• Spinal cord injuries — These can occur when the spinal cord is damaged, resulting in loss of mobility or sensation in the arms, legs or other parts of the body. In the worst case scenario, they can lead paraplegia or quadriplegia.
• Broken bones — Broken bones can occur in any part of the body in a car accident, leading to severe pain and long-term disability.
• Internal injuries — These can include bleeding or other injuries to the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver and others, and require prompt 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 upend your life. But, with the help of Burger Law, you can find justice, recognition and a financial recovery. Call us now to discuss your case at (573) 500-HURT.

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

The car accident claim process can be stressful and time-consuming, and many of our Champaign, IL clients have doubts about how things will proceed. While the specifics of each injury and accident are different, the personal injury claims process is usually consistent:

• Gathering evidence at the scene — The first step you need to take is to acquire 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 anyone who saw the accident. Take photos of the vehicles involved and the scene of the accident.
• Getting medical treatment — While this is obviously necessary to ensure your physical recovery, it also has an impact on how successful your claim will be. Save all medical bills, and get every kind of treatment that is medically necessary. 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 as soon as possible.
• 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 – 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 not severe and you do not have many lost wages, you might not need a lawyer to get fair compensation. 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 percentage of your recovery as our fees and only get paid after we win, we have no reason to take on your claim unless we think we can get a much better settlement than what the insurance company is offering.
• Investigation and documentation — Your attorney will acquire and evaluate 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 expenses, keep records of any pain relievers or out-of-pocket expenses, and the lost wages you have from time spent recovering.
• 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 the driver under their coverage was responsible for the accident, and insisting on maximum compensation. The insurance company will likely respond with a lower offer, but your Champaign, IL car accident attorney will not agree to anything but the best possible results.
• Filing a lawsuit — A lawsuit begins the formal process of the claim going to court. Burger Law is more aggressive than most law firms when it comes to filing suit; we want to put the insurance company on their heels. Sometimes, 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 for the process to be as quick as possible, so we will continue negotiating and in the hopes of avoiding a trial.While this is going on, 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 only four percent of personal injury cases go to trial. 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 Champaign, IL car accident attorney, you will get a full recovery. We will not stop fighting until you get it.

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

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

Other cases we handle in Champaign, 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 Champaign, 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 hold the negligent driver responsible for their actions. The Champaign, IL car accident attorneys of Burger Law never go easy 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 were injured or killed in a car accident another driver caused, you deserve compensation. To get the complete damages you are owed, you must have a talented and dedicated Champaign, IL car accident attorney from Burger Law representing you. 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.