Car Accident Attrorney in Wood River, IL

Car accident attorney in Wood River, IL. After you or a family member is seriously injured in a car accident that was not your fault, 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. For the best available representation in your case, choose the Wood River, IL car accident lawyers of Burger Law. Dial (312) 500-HURT now to speak to a Wood River, IL car accident attorney of Burger Law about your accident at no obligation.

If a negligent driver hurt you in Wood River, IL see what compensation you may be eligible for by submitting our free personal injury calculator.

The Wood River, IL car accident attorney team at Burger Law are prepared to fight for your Wood River, IL car accident case and force the responsible party to take responsibility for their irresponsible actions. Our firm has a proven record of success in hundreds of car accident and other personal injury cases throughout the Wood River, IL area and across the country, representing some of the toughest car accident claims and recovering over $200 million in settlements for our deserving clients. Learn how the Wood River, IL car accident lawyers of Burger Law can win your case and help you and your family recover with a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. To begin your journey towards winning your car accident case, call us today at (312) 500-HURT or contact us now.

Our Wood River, IL car accident attorneys take on a wide range 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 Wood River, IL?

There are countless factors involved in car accidents that make each case different. For many, a car accident is a jarring event that leaves your head spinning. Regardless of the specifics, when you are injured in a car accident caused by someone else, you deserve compensation from the responsible person and their insurance company. To get the full compensation for your damages, you will often need 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 there are certain factors that call for legal representation. It is crucial that you have a car accident attorney to fight for your if the following applies to your case:

• You sustained serious injuries in a car accident
• The insurance company’s offer does not come close to fairly compensating you
• 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
• There are other complications to your case, such as those involving multiple parties, hit and run accident or were injured by a commercial vehicle

Resources to Help With Your Wood River, 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 communicating with the insurance company; we believe it is also important to provide free materials and resources to people injured in car accidents to to help them make the most of their injury claims. Burger Law has published 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 Terms Glossary
• Legal Podcasts
• Legal Videos About Car Accidents
• Car Accident Blog

Why Choose Burger Law For Your Wood River, IL Car Accident Claim

When you are injured in a car accident, it is important to choose the best law firm to fight for you. Burger Law is a well-respected and experienced law firm that has been protecting the rights of the injured for more than 30 years. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Burger Law for your claim.

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 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 the cases they have won, and their reputation among their clients and peers. The many awards, honors and accolades Burger Law has received from the Wood River, IL legal community include:

• Martindale-Hubbell Award — AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® from NexisLexis® – a noteworthy 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 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. Less than 4 percent of all practicing lawyers are certified by an ABA accredited certification board.

Compassionate and Experienced Attorneys

At Burger Law, we know the terrible financial, physical and emotional hardships an injury can create. That is why we strive to build personal relationships with our clients. After having fought for more than 30 years, 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 tirelessly to ensure that their rights are protected. You need to focus on healing; trust in us to fight the insurance company.

Customized Approach

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

Dedication to Excellence

At Burger Law, we are 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 leave no stone unturned when we investigate cases and search for insurance coverage.

Our Ratings and Results

A car accident attorney can say just about anything, but proving they are qualified is another matter entirely. We are one of the highest-reviewed law firms, with a 4.9 rating from over 480 reviews. You can also look at our client testimonials and case results.

Get a free consultation with an car accident attorney in Wood River, IL now at (312) 500-HURT, or keep reading to learn more about seeking compensation in a car accident and how Burger Law can help.

How is Fault Determined in Car Accident in Wood River, IL?

Assigning fault in a car accident is the first step toward collecting damages. 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 need to “exercise due care to avoid colliding” with others on the road.
2. Breach of duty — That they neglected their responsibility. Did they drive reckless or drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
3. Cause in fact — That the accident directly led to your injury. For example, you were rear ended and got a concussion from hitting your head on the dashboard.
4. Proximate cause — That the breach of duty caused the crash. Were you rear ended because a driver was looking at their phone, or because a mechanic was negligent and their brakes were not working.
5. Damages — That you sustained harm because of your injuries. Do you have medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering you can make a claim for?

Liability can be determined through a number of factors. Sometimes, the other driver will admit that they are to blame, but too often irresponsible people try to avoid taking responsibility for their actions. After an accident, police officers will write a report explaining who they link is liable. Then, insurance adjusters will review the police report and other evidence to assign liability. While adjusters are trained to do this, their real job is to pay out as little money as possible. That means they may deny that it was the other driver’s fault, even if that is demonstrably untrue.

In those cases, you need to hire a car accident attorney to ensure that you are treated fairly. The attorney will launch a full investigation into the accident, take depositions of all parties involved, and hire crash experts to interpret photographs and the damage to both vehicles to show how the accident occurred. Then they will send this information to the insurance adjuster to get them to be fair.

If the insurance company refuses to be fair, your attorney may recommend
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 that fails, 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. 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.

Meaning, if you share more of the blame than the other party, you cannot make a recovery in Wood River, IL.

Devastating Injuries in Wood River, IL Car Accidents

Serious injuries in car accidents have devastating consequences for your daily life and future, 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 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 grave, 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 lead paraplegia or quadriplegia.
• Broken bones — Broken bones can often heal well, but cause months or years of pain and discomfort.
• Internal injuries — These can include bleeding or other injuries to the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver and others, and 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 find justice, recognition and a financial recovery. Call us now to discuss your case at (312) 500-HURT.

What is the Car Accident Claim Process in Wood River, IL?

The car accident claim process can be stressful and time-consuming, and many of our Wood River, 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 is usually consistent:

• Gathering evidence at the scene — The first thing you need to do is to obtain as much evidence as you can, including the names and contact information of the drivers involved, insurance information and the names and contact information of any witnesses. Take photos of the vehicles involved and the scene of the accident.
• Seeking medical attention — While you obviously need to do this to ensure your physical recovery, you cannot make a claim for an injury if there is no record of that injury. Save all medical bills, and get every kind of treatment your doctor recommends. 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 as soon as possible.
• 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 your insurance company and that of the negligent driver – you usually have to do so 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, an attorney might not be able to add value to your claim. More severe injuries almost always require an attorney to get fair compensation. A good lawyer will be upfront about whether or not you need their services.As we charge a contingency fee, meaning we accept a percentage of your compensation as our fees and only get paid once we successfully resolve your claim, we have no reason to take on your claim unless we think we can get you significantly more money.
• Investigation and documentation — Your attorney will obtain 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.During this phase, you should keep a diary about how your injuries are affecting you. In addition to your medical bills, keep records of any pain relievers or out-of-pocket expenses, and the lost wages you have incurred from time off work.
• Settlement demand and negotiations — Once your attorney knows the value of your claim, they will send a settlement demand package to the insurance adjuster, explaining how their policyholder caused your injuries, and insisting on maximum compensation. The insurance company will likely respond with a lower offer, but your Wood River, 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 court. Burger Law files lawsuits quicker than most law firms; we want to put the insurance company on their heels. Often, the appearance of a lawsuit from reputable trial attorneys is sufficient to get the insurance adjuster to finally be fair.
• 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 the hopes of avoiding a trial.During this phase, we will also conduct 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 pursue intense litigation, when you hire a Burger Law Wood River, IL car accident attorney, you will get a full recovery. We will not stop fighting until you get it.

Mistakes to Avoid in Your Wood River, 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 Wood River, IL car accident attorney now at (312) 500-HURT.

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

Other cases we handle in Wood River, 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

Speak to Car Accident Attorney in Wood River, IL Today

We work arduously to keep you informed and demand that the negligent driver’s insurance company pays out fairly so that you can rest assured that you have lawyers on your case who care about the outcome. We work fearlessly to get you complete damages and to make the responsible party pay for their negligence. The Wood River, IL car accident attorneys of Burger Law are tough on insurance companies because you deserve the financial relief that will help make you and your family whole again.

If you or someone you know have been hurt or killed in a car accident another driver caused, you deserve payment. To get a fair settlement, you must have a talented and experienced Wood River, 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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