Collinsville, IL Car Accident Attorney

When you or a loved one is seriously injured in a car accident another driver caused, you need a car accident attorney who has an extensive background in cases like yours, is dedicated to understanding your personal experience, and is obsessed with fighting to get complete compensation. In other words, you need the Collinsville, IL car accident lawyers of Burger Law. Dial (314) 500-HURT now to consult a Collinsville, IL car accident attorney of Burger Law about your case at no obligation.

If a careless driver harmed you in Collinsville, IL see what compensation you may be eligible for by submitting 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 Collinsville and beyond. Find out how the Collinsville, 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 (314) 500-HURT or contact us now.

Our Collinsville, IL car accident attorneys have gotten great results in a wide range of car accident cases, 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 Collinsville, IL?

Everyone who has been injured in a car accident has a unique experience. For many, a car accident is a shocking event that introduces sudden pressure. Regardless of the specifics, when you are injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you deserve financial compensation from the responsible person and their insurance company. However, to receive the compensation you are rightfully owed, you may require the help of a good car accident attorney to fight for you.

Sometimes you can resolve a minor car accident in a way that is favorable for all parties without involving car accident attorneys. However some factors require legal help. It is crucial that you have a car accident attorney on your side if the following applies to your case:

• Your injuries are severe
• The insurance company’s offer does not come close to covering your damages
• The other driver does not have insurance or enough insurance to cover your damages
• You need help with the insurance and legal process
• 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 hit by a government vehicle

Resources to Help With Your Collinsville, IL Car Accident Claim

Our philosophy at Burger Law is that, as your personal injury law firm, our responsibility is more than simply presenting 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 written books on car accident and personal injury cases, is active on our Youtube channel and is always available to answer questions.

Other Resources

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

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

When you are injured through no fault of your own, 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 protecting the rights of the injured for over 30 years. Below are some of the reasons why you should choose Burger Law for your case.

Recognized Leaders in Car Accident Claims

It can be hard to know how to choose the best personal injury lawyer for you. You want someone with a history of winning similar cases and who you know will not back down from a fight. In order to have a good understanding of the abilities of a law firm, you need to take into account their previous victories, and their reputation among their clients and peers. The numerous 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 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 honor that is made up of the most qualified lawyers 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 American Bar Association accredited certification board.

Understanding and Experienced Attorneys

At Burger Law, we know the terrible financial, physical and mental hardships an injury can create. That is why we have a client-centered approach. After having fought for over 30 years, our attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to handle even the most complex legal cases. We are dedicated to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcome, and we work tirelessly to ensure they do. You need to spend your energy on healing; allow 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 tailor our legal strategies to meet the specific needs of each client. Our attorneys explain the legal process to you and always keep you up-to-date on the status of your claim.

Commitment to Excellence

At Burger Law, we are devoted to offering the highest standard of legal advocacy. We have high ethical 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.

Discuss your case for free with an car accident attorney in Collinsville, IL now at (314) 500-HURT, or read on below to discover more about car accident claims and what Burger Law can do for you.

How Do You Determine Fault in Car Accident in Collinsville, IL?

Assigning liability 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 a responsibility to keep you from unreasonable harm. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, all drivers owe all others on the road “due care.”
2. Breach of duty — That they neglected their responsibility. Did they run a red light or drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
3. Cause in fact — That the crash 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 following you too close, or because a mechanic was negligent and the other driver has faulty brakes.
5. Damages — That you sustained losses because of the injuries. Do you have medical expenses, lost wages and emotional anguish you can make a claim for?

Fault is determined by a police officer, insurance adjuster, attorney, mediator or jury. Sometimes, the negligent driver will admit fault, 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 evaluate the police report and other evidence to assign liability. While this is part of an adjuster’s job, their primary goal is to pay out as little money as possible. That means they may say they do not owe you a recovery, even if that is demonstrably false.

When that happens, you need to hire a car accident attorney to ensure you get the compensation you are owed. The attorney will gather more evidence, take depositions of all parties involved, and hire crash experts to determine how the accident likely occurred. Then they will compile a settlement demand package to the insurance company.

If the insurance company refuses to be fair, your attorney may recommend mediation, where a neutral third party helps analyze the evidence and determine fault. If they will not be fair in negotiations, 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 portion of the blame you do not bare.

Meaning, if your damages total $100,000 but you share 30 percent of the blame for your injury, you will receive $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 share more of the blame than the other party, you cannot make a recovery in Collinsville, IL.

Serious Injuries in Collinsville, IL Car Accidents

Catastrophic injuries in car accidents have devastating consequences for your life, causing long-term physical, mental and financial consequences. Some common examples of serious injuries in car accidents include:

• 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 feeling in the arms, legs or other parts of the body. In severe cases, they can lead permanent paralysis.
• Broken bones — Fractures 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 can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
• 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 be made whole again. Call us immediately for a free consultation at (314) 500-HURT.

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

The car accident claim process can be long, and many of our Collinsville, IL clients have doubts about how things will proceed. While each claim and client is unique, 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 anyone who saw the accident. 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, it also has implications for how successful your claim will be. Save all medical bills, and go to every appointment that is medically necessary. 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 your insurance company and that of the other driver – you usually have to do so within 30 days.
• Hiring 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 severe 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 the money you deserve. A good lawyer will be upfront about whether or not you need their services.As our attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we accept a portion 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 add significant value to it.
• 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 parties you can make a claim against or if there is more insurance coverage available if your damages exceed the policy limits.While this is going on, you should keep detailed records 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 injuries, they will send a settlement demand letter to the insurance company, detailing how their policyholder was responsible for your injuries, and insisting on maximum compensation. The insurance company will likely respond with a lower offer, but your Collinsville, 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; the insurance company to know that we mean business. Often, the appearance 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 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 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 Collinsville, IL car accident attorney, you will get a full recovery. We will not stop fighting until you get it.

Mistakes to Avoid in Your Collinsville, 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 Collinsville, IL car accident attorney now at (314) 500-HURT.

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

Other cases we handle in Collinsville, 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 Collinsville, IL Today

We work arduously to communicate with you and insist 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 fearlessly to get you complete damages and to make the responsible party pay for their negligence. The Collinsville, IL car accident attorneys of Burger Law are tough on insurance companies because we believe you deserve compensation to make you and your family whole again.

If you or a family member were injured or killed in a car accident caused by someone else, you deserve payment. To get the complete damages you are owed, you must have a skilled and experienced Collinsville, IL car accident attorney from Burger Law representing you. Begin today by speaking to a real lawyer about your case for free in a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. Call us 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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