Normal, IL Car Accident Attorney

Car accident attorney in Normal, IL. After you or a loved one is seriously injured in a car accident someone else caused, you need a car accident attorney who is familiar with auto accident cases, understands your personal experiences, and will work tirelessly to get you the settlement you deserve. In other words, you need the Normal, IL car accident lawyers of Burger Law. Dial (314) 500-HURT now to talk to a Normal, IL car accident attorney of Burger Law about your accident at no obligation.

If you were injured in a car accident in Normal, IL see what compensation you may be eligible for by submitting our free personal injury calculator.

The Normal, IL car accident attorney team at Burger Law are prepared to take on your Normal, IL car accident case and demand the negligent party to take responsibility for their harmful actions. Our firm has demonstrated our skill time and time again by winning hundreds of car accident and other personal injury cases throughout the Normal, IL area and across the country. We have taken on some of the most challenging cases and have recovered over $200 million in settlements for our deserving clients. Learn how the Normal, IL car accident lawyers of Burger Law can add value to your case and aid in your recovery with a complimentary consultation. To begin your journey towards winning your car accident case, call us today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us now.

Our Normal, IL car accident attorneys take on a variety of car accident claims, 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 Normal, IL?

Everyone who has been injured in a car accident has a unique experience. For many, a car accident is a jarring event that causes no small amount of residual stress. Regardless of the specifics, when you are injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you deserve compensation from the person who caused you harm and their insurance company. However, to receive the compensation you are rightfully owed, you will often require the help of 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, there are certain factors that call for legal representation. It is vital that you have a car accident attorney on your side in the following situations:

• Your injuries are severe
• The insurance company is not offering a fair settlement
• 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-vehicle accident, hit and run accident or were hit by a commercial vehicle

Resources for Your Normal, IL Car Accident Claim

At Burger Law, we believe that our role as your personal injury law firm extends beyond presenting your case and negotiating with the insurance company; we have also taken it upon ourselves to offer free materials and resources to people injured in car accidents to to help them make the most of their injury claims. Our team has published books on car accident and personal injury cases, created a Youtube channel and we are always willing 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 Normal, IL Car Accident Claim

When you are injured by someone else’s negligence, it is essential 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 over 30 years. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Burger Law for your legal needs.

Acclaimed Attorneys That Get Results

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 is not afraid to take the case to trial if they have to. 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 numerous awards, honors and accolades Burger Law has received from our peers include:

• Martindale-Hubbell Award — AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® from NexisLexis® – a remarkable achievement awarded to not more than 5 percent of all lawyers 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 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. Less than 4 percent of all practicing lawyers are certified by an American Bar Association accredited certification board.

Empathetic and Knowledgeable Attorneys

At Burger Law, we know the terrible financial, physical and emotional burdens an injury can create. That is why we strive to build personal relationships with our clients. After having fought for over 30 years, our attorneys are willing to take on the tough cases other law firms are not. We are dedicated to helping our clients recovery both physically and financially, and we work relentlessly to ensure that their rights are protected. You need to spend your time on healing; allow us to fight the insurance company.

Customized Approach

At Burger Law, we know that no two clients or cases are alike. 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 offering the highest standard of legal advocacy. We have high ethical expectations for ourselves and the insurance adjusters we stand up to. We pursue every legal avenue to get you the compensation you deserve.

Our Reviews and Results

A car accident attorney can say just about anything, but having a demonstrated track record of success is another matter entirely. We are one of 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 Normal, IL now at (314) 500-HURT, or keep reading to discover more about car accident claims and how Burger Law can help.

How Do You Determine Liability in Car Accident in Normal, IL?

Assigning liability in a car crash 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 safe. Under Illinois Law, all drivers owe all others on the road “due care.”
2. Breach of duty — That they neglected their responsibility. Did they text while driving or drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
3. Cause in fact — That the crash directly led to 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 speeding, 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 bills, lost wages and pain and suffering you can make a claim for?

Liability can be determined through numerous factors. In some cases, the negligent driver will admit fault, but too often reckless actors try to avoid being held accountable for what they did. After an accident, police officers will evaluate the accident scene and speak to both parties to help make their report. Then, insurance adjusters will review the police report and other evidence to assign fault. 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 demonstrably untrue.

In those cases, 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 all parties involved, and hire crash experts to evaluate how the accident likely occurred. Then they will compile a settlement demand letter to the insurance adjuster.

If the insurance company remains firm, your claim might require a mediation, where an unbiased attorney or judge helps analyze the evidence and determine fault. 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 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.

Meaning, if you are over 50 percent to blame for the accident, you cannot make a recovery in Normal, IL.

Devastating Injuries in Normal, IL Car Accidents

Serious injuries in car accidents have devastating consequences for your daily life and future, causing 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 head is violently shaken or struck, causing damage to the brain. Symptoms can range from mild, such as a headache or loss of balance, to severe, such as loss of consciousness or permanent 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 the worst case scenario, they can cause permanent paralysis.
• 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 damage 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 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 (314) 500-HURT.

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

The car accident claim process can be long, and many of our Normal, 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 step you need to take is to acquire as much evidence as possible, 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 care — 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 higher your medical bills, the higher your financial recovery. If you do not seek treatment immediately after the accident, make an appointment with your primary care physician for a day or two after the accident.
• Reporting the accident — If you did not call police at the time of the accident, 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 as soon as possible. If your injuries were not severe and you do not have many lost wages, 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 upfront about how they can help your claim and how much more money they can get you.As we charge a contingency fee, meaning we accept a portion of your recovery as our fees and only get paid after we win, 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 evaluate the evidence needed to prove your car accident claim while you continue 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.During this phase, you should keep detailed records of how your injuries are affecting you. In addition to your medical bills, keep records of any over-the-counter medications 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 package to the insurance company, detailing how their policyholder was responsible for the accident, and insisting on maximum compensation. The insurance company will likely respond with a lower offer, but your Normal, IL car accident attorney will continue to demand the full amount.
• Filing a lawsuit — A lawsuit begins the formal process of the claim going to trial. Burger Law files lawsuits quicker than most law firms; the insurance company to know that are serious. Often, the appearance of a lawsuit from experienced trial attorneys is enough to get the insurance adjuster to finally be fair.
• Further 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 the hopes of avoiding a trial.While this is happening, we will also carry out 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 Normal, IL car accident attorney, you will get complete dedication to your recover.

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

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

Other cases we handle in Normal, 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 Normal, IL Today

We work arduously 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 fearlessly to get you all the compensation to which you are entitled and to hold the negligent driver responsible for their actions. The Normal, 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 a family member have been injured or killed in a car accident caused by someone else, you deserve compensation. To get a fair settlement, you must have a skilled and experienced Normal, IL car accident attorney from Burger Law fighting for you. Begin today 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!

View More Reviews on Google Maps and Yelp