Car Accident Lawyer Chicago Ridge, IL

If you were harmed on the road because of another person’s negligence in Chicago Ridge, IL, call a Burger Law car accident lawyer right away at (312) 500-HURT or contact us online for a complimentary consultation. We help our clients in Chicago Ridge and anywhere in Northern Illinois collect full financial recoveries for their injuries. You do not owe us any fees until we win your case.

In a perfect society, everyone would drive safely and no one would get hurt. In a moderately less perfect world, when people injure others they would admit liability for their actions and their insurance company would offer you fair compensation without you having to argue with them. In the real world, liable drivers frequently do not want to be held accountable for hurting you and their insurance companies will do whatever they can to undervalue your claim. That is when Burger Law acts. Our car accident lawyer team empowers the injured and vulnerable in Chicago Ridge and throughout Northern Illinois to insist on full compensation for their damages, and we do not stop until you recover it. Your life can be turned upside down in a split second because of someone else’s thoughtless behavior, and Burger Law will stand by your side to ensure you get the justice and economic security you deserve for your auto wreck.

In more than three decades of defending the rights of the vulnerable, our car accident lawyer team has delivered more than $175 million in verdicts and settlements for our Illinois clients. If you were hurt because another driver broke the rules of the road, find out the value of your case by filling out our complimentary personal injury calculator.

How Common are Car Accidents in Chicago Ridge and Illinois?

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2020 there were 246,752 motor vehicle accidents in the state, which caused 72,989 injuries and 1,195 deaths. In 2021, close to half of fatal crashes happened in metropolitan areas such as Chicago and Cook County. Over 25 percent of Chicago and Illinois crashes involved alcohol and over 33 percent of the motorists who died had drunk alcohol before the wreck. Illinois is the 10th most dangerous state for winter driving, and the 10th most hazardous state altogether.

While there is the uncommon accident that may be inevitable, such as an animal leaping out in front of your car, just about every Chicago Ridge, IL car wreck is preventable. Human error is the leading cause of traffic crashes, as it contributes to 94 percent of crashes. When you are left to pick up the pieces after you are harmed due to a driver’s negligence or careless actions, you may experience a variety of emotions, which could include vulnerability, distress and doubt about how you will pay for all the medical expenses, particularly if you have to miss work. You do not have to go it by yourself. Every car accident lawyer at Burger Law has devoted their career to offering professional and compassionate support and legal representation to injured residents of Chicago Ridge, IL. We will help shield you and your family’s future by securing you the best possible financial recovery not only for your medical expenses, but for any mental or physical distress and inconvenience you experienced. Call us straight away at (312) 500-HURT to take the first step toward becoming whole again.

Common Causes of Car Accidents | Chicago Ridge, IL Car Accident Lawyer

There are countless ways that people can get injured on the road. The National Safety Council has established 23 factors that commonly cause motor vehicle wrecks. Below are some of the most frequent causes that your Burger Law car accident lawyer sees in Chicago Ridge, IL:

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving and drug-impaired driving are main causes of death and injury in traffic crashes cases. About 28 people die every day due to drunk driving, or one person every 52 minutes. Drunk driving wrecks are one of the only instances in personal injury lawsuits where you may also be able to get punitive damages. When we sue drunk drivers on your behalf, we do it so they know precisely how dangerous and careless their actions were.

Distracted Driving

The idea that we can multitask is a myth. While we may think we can multitask behind the wheel, frequently to save time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ascribed 3,142 fatalities to distracted driving in 2020. It is never worth those two extra minutes to finish shaving in the car.

Texting and driving can slow a driver’s reaction time more than when they are intoxicated.

Speeding

According to data from the 2020 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics, of the 246,752 motor vehicle wrecks in Illinois, a third entailed speeding, including 37.3 percent of wrecks that caused injury and nearly half of fatal crashes. Speeding is dangerous because it substantially lessens the reaction time of both the at-fault driver and others on the Chicago Ridge, IL roads, and it generates more force in accidents.

Drowsy Driving

While many people are aware of the hazards of distracted driving or driving while impaired, driving while drowsy has similar effects to drunk driving. Losing merely two hours of sleep is the equal to drinking three beers. Drivers always need to pull over to the side of the road and rest if they are feeling sleepy.

Inclement Weather

You cannot sue the weather, but the Illinois Rules of the Road establishes clear safety measures that drivers have to bear in mind in inclement weather, for example signaling long before turning in fog or expanding following distance when in winter conditions. If another driver in Chicago Ridge, IL does not drive properly for weather conditions and causes you injury, your Burger Law car accident lawyer will be able to bring a claim against them for negligent driving.

Defective Parts

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that defective components were the critical cause in approximately 2 percent of auto crashes. Manufacturers must safely design vehicles, test them and issue recalls whenever a faulty parts is reported. If your injuries were due to defective brakes or an airbag that did not deploy, your Burger Law car accident lawyer will help you make a claim against a manufacturer.

No matter the cause of your injuries, the Chicago Ridge, IL car accident lawyer team of Burger Law will discover the reason your crash occurred, ascertain who is to blame, hold them accountable and deliver you maximum compensation for your damages. We pride ourselves on offering accomplished and empathetic legal advocacy to Chicago Ridge, IL residents who have been injured through no fault of their own, regardless of of their financial standing. If a thoughtless driver hurt you, get in touch with a Chicago Ridge, IL Burger Law car accident lawyer immediately at (312) 500-HURT.

Have a look at some of the following links to see the great results Burger Law’s Chicago Ridge, IL car accident lawyer team has secured for our clients:

• • $2 million Multi-Vehicle Collision Settlement
  • $765,000 Wrongful Death Car Accident Settlement Against Fire Department
  • $327,000 Settlement for Rear-End Collision
  • $250,000 Settlement for Crash After A Driver Ran a Red Light
  • $205,000 Settlement After Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign
  • $125,000 Settlement After Rear-End Collision at a Stop Light
  • $100,000 Settlement for Distracted Driving
  • $100,000 Settlement for Head-On Collision
  • $90,000 Settlement for an Injured Passenger

Winning Your Car Crash Case | Chicago Ridge, IL Car Accident Lawyer

In order to prove your case, your car accident lawyer must prove the five elements of negligence found in tort law:

1. Duty of Care: Your car accident lawyer must show that the other driver had a responsibility to prioritize your safety. In car collision cases this is a given. The Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1) stipulates that motorists are “to exercise due care.” So anybody who drives automatically owes you a duty of care.
2. Breach of Duty: Next, your car accident lawyer must show that the defendant disregarded that duty. In motor vehicle collisions, there can be egregious breaches like driving while intoxicated or reckless driving, and there can be less clear cases such as driving too fast for weather conditions. Your Chicago Ridge, IL car accident lawyer at Burger Law knows the law and how to investigate wrecks to show how another person was negligent and hurt you.
3. Cause in Fact: Also known as “causation,” you have to show that the driver’s violation of duty directly caused your injury. Occasionally insurance companies try to tell you that you already had your injuries, or that they are owing to decline with old age. Your car accident lawyer at Burger Law knows how to conclusively show exactly how the wreck caused your injuries. For example, we can show through presentations and medical expert official statements that your whiplash injury was caused by being rear-ended.
4. Proximate Cause: This is what finally decides liability. Imagine a situation where somebody does not stop at a stop light and runs into you in an intersection, resulting in your injuries. If the driver was distracted, they are clearly liable. If the other driver’s brakes were inherently dangerous and did not work correctly, then a manufacturer, mechanic or vendor could be held accountable in a product liability suit.
5. Damages. The final aspect to demonstrate is that there was some type of loss, for instance medical bills, mental pain and suffering or lost wages or lost earning capacity. One of the largest advantages to hiring a car accident lawyer is that we know every sort of loss you deserve and know how to put a figure on them. The other driver and their insurance company will try to minimize your damages, but the Chicago Ridge, IL car accident lawyer team of Burger Law will demand that you collect full compensation.

Can I Still Receive a Financial Recovery in Illinois if I Was Partially at Fault? | Chicago Ridge, IL Car Accident Lawyer

If you were partly liable for your traffic crash in Chicago Ridge, IL, your car accident lawyer will still be able to get you a financial recovery, yet the total will be less. Illinois is a modified contributory fault state, which means that your recovery will be decreased by the portion of blame you share in your crash.

Meaning, if you are granted $100,000 for damages sustained in a rear-end collision, but a jury finds that you are responsible for 30 percent of the blame because you stopped all of a sudden, you will collect $70,000 in total. It is important to note that 735 ILCS 5/ §2-1116 states that:

The plaintiff shall be barred from recovering damages if the trier of fact finds that the contributory fault on the part of the plaintiff is more than 50 percent of the proximate cause of the injury or damage for which recovery is sought.

That means that if you are over 50 percent at fault for the accident, you will not be able to collect any compensation in Chicago Ridge or anywhere Illinois.

Transferring blame onto you is a familiar trick insurance companies employ to minimize claims or get out of paying them at all. The Chicago Ridge, IL car accident lawyer team of Burger Law pushes back against bullies like insurance companies who use unethical tricks to eschew their obligation to reimburse you what you are rightfully owed. If an insurance company in Chicago Ridge, IL is wrongfully trying to place blame for your crash on you, call a Burger Law car accident lawyer now at (312) 500-HURT.

How Long Do I Have to Make an Injury Claim in Illinois? | Chicago Ridge, IL Car Accident Lawyer

Following an injury in a traffic accident, the state of Illinois’s statute of limitations stipulates how long you have after the injuries occur to bring your claim.

• Typically, Illinois Compiled Statute §735 ILCS 5/13-202 states that you have two years after the injuries occur to file a personal injury claim.
• To make a wrongful death claim, Illinois Compiled Statute §740 ILCS 180/ states that you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death – not the wreck.
• If your claim is only for property damage, you have five years from the date of your accident to make a claim, pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statute §735 ILCS 13-205.
• Under Illinois Compiled Statute §735 ILCS 13-211, if the injury was incurred by a minor, they have up to two years after the date of their 18th birthday to file a claim. Similarly, if someone is under a disability at the time of the accident, they have until two years following the date the “disability is removed.”

If you have been hurt in an auto collision, the clock is already winding down for when you can file your claim. Do not delay, contact a Burger Law car accident lawyer immediately at (312) 500-HURT to get justice and the best possible compensation for your damages. We get to work on your case straight away and do not let up until we win your case.

How to Avoid Auto Accidents | Chicago Ridge, IL Car Accident Lawyer

More than three quarters of people who die in motor vehicle collisions are drivers. Every Burger Law car accident lawyer has seen with their own eyes the damage that a negligent driver can cause. While you cannot always control other people’s behavior, there are many actions you can take to ensure your own safety as well as the safety of others on the Chicago Ridge, IL streets.

• Always wear a seatbelt. In 2017, seatbelts saved approximately 14,955 people from death. Over four-fifths of drivers and passengers who are completely ejected from the vehicle perish, and the majority of the rest sustained grave, life-altering injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that wearing a seatbelt reduces the chances of death by 45 percent and moderate to critical injury by 50 percent.
• Be familiar with the rules of the road. The Illinois Secretary of State provides a Quick Guide to Safe Driving for anyone on the Chicago Ridge, IL roads. Simple suggestions like driving at lower speeds and increasing following distance in poor weather not only go a long way in keeping you and other drivers and passengers safe, but they also protect you from liability or being partially blamed for a crash if you do find yourself in one.
• If you are a motorcyclist, use a helmet. While Chicago Ridge, IL does not have laws forcing motorcycle drivers to use helmets, they are literal life-savers. In 2017, helmets saved 1,872 lives.
• Put away your cell phone. While you can always text somebody later, you can never take back the effects of a car wreck. Pull over safely if you need to make an urgent call. If you use your phone for directions, turn the volume up and do not listen to music or podcasts so you can clearly hear the directions and do not have to look down at your phone.
• Have the right attitude. We all share the road, and we all should be respectful to other drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Be aware of the fact that you are controlling thousands of pounds of metal moving at high speeds. Safety should be your prime concern. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, almost one-fourth of motor vehicle deaths are people under the age of 25. Maturity is likely a contributing factor.
• Drive with both hands on the wheel. Only driving with one hand can substantially diminish your control of the car. Quickly changing the radio is likely OK, but both hands should be on the wheel the majority of the time.
• Call a taxi or ridesharing service if you have been drinking. Not only does alcohol significantly impede your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, but it also boosts your confidence and makes you feel more powerful, so you might think driving while drunk will be fine. Your brain might deceive you into believing you can drive home safely, but it is never true.

You can take every possible precaution when you get behind the wheel, but unfortunately the reckless behavior of irresponsible drivers can still cause you injury. When you get hurt because someone else broke the rules of the road, you are owed full compensation for all of your damages. Every Chicago Ridge, IL car accident lawyer at Burger Law takes on and wins the tough cases, and knows how to get great results.

Learn more about our various practice areas by clicking the links below:

• Truck Crash Lawyers in Illinois
• Wrongful Death Lawyers in Illinois
• Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Illinois
• Car Accident Attorney in Illinois

CALL BURGER LAW NOW

Car Accident Lawyer Chicago Ridge, IL

You should never have had to bear the economic, physical and emotional burden of another driver’s poor choices and reckless behavior. Fortunately, the law provides a path to restitution, but you only have one chance to attain it. Trust in a car accident lawyer in Chicago Ridge, IL who has achieved results and won the hard cases before. Burger Law persistently pursues lawsuits so insurance companies know we will take nothing less than full and fair financial recovery. Insurance companies fear us because they know we use our hard work, knowledge, experience, perseverance and devotion to regularly get the best possible results for our Chicago Ridge, IL clients and see them made whole again. When you hire a Burger Law car accident lawyer, we get to work on your case at once and do not let up until you get the full financial recovery you deserve. Call a Burger Law car accident lawyer in Chicago Ridge, IL immediately at (312) 500-HURT or fill out our online form for a free case evaluation.

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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