Car Crash Law Firm in Chicago, IL

Defending the rights of the injured and vulnerable

How Common Are Car Accidents in Chicago and Illinois? | Chicago, IL Car Crash Law Firm

Despite less people being on the roads because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was the most dangerous year for Illinois drivers, passengers and pedestrians since 2007. According to the National Safety Council, that trend was true nationwide. In 2021, car accidents resulted in 46,020 deaths and an estimated 5,246,000 injuries in the United States.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation's Crash Facts and Statistics, there were 246,756 motor vehicle crashes in Illinois in 2020, 21.1 percent of which resulted in injury. Over half of those resulted in "A-injuries," which incapacitate the injured person either temporarily (such as broken bones) or permanently (such as paralysis). Roughly half of all crashes occurred in Chicago and Cook County.

If you were one of the many people in Chicago and throughout Illinois that was injured in a car accident because someone else broke the rules of the road, you only have one chance to receive compensation for your injuries. Trust in the car crash law firm of Burger Law to get you the great results you deserve. We have the experience, skill, knowledge and tenacity required to hold negligent parties accountable and put you back on the road to recovery. Call Burger Law's Chicago-based Illinois car crash law firm today at 312-500-HURT for a free case evaluation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents | Chicago, IL Car Crash Law Firm

Car accidents happen for a variety of reasons and amid a variety of circumstances. Determining who is liable for your injuries will depend on who and what caused your crash. Our Illinois car crash law firm in Chicago has almost three decades of experience investigating crashes, proving negligence, holding the negligent or reckless party accountable and securing maximum compensation for our clients.

Driver Error | Chicago, IL Car Crash Law Firm

According to a 2016 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 94 to 96 percent of car accidents are caused by human error.

Some common examples of driver error our car crash law firm sees in Chicago and Illinois are:

• Distracted Driving. In Illinois, texting and driving, or otherwise using a cellphone behind the wheel, is prohibited. Other examples of distracted driving are:
  • Grooming
  • Looking at roadside distractions
  • Having an animated conversation
  • Using a navigation system
  • Eating or drinking
  • Tobacco use
  • Putting on or removing clothing
  • Daydreaming
• Drunk Driving. Drinking and driving is illegal under federal law. Our car crash law firm sues drunk drivers so they think twice before getting behind the wheel again.
• Drowsy driving. Being sleepy affects your ability to drive in similar ways that alcohol does. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions estimates that drowsy driving can kill up to 6,000 people a year.
• Speeding. According to the National Safety Council, speeding was a factor in 26 percent of all traffic fatalities, killing an average of 25 people per day. Speeding is a factor in about 40 percent of accidents with imperfect road conditions, such as slippery, muddy, or gravel roads.
• Aggressive Driving. Examples of aggressive driving can include tailgating, running red lights or dangerous passing maneuvers.

625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1 specifies that all drivers must "exercise due care." When a driver neglects that duty and you are injured as a result, the car crash law firm of Burger Law will hold them accountable. When another person is negligent in that duty and injures you, you have the right to seek compensation from them.

Mechanical Malfunction | Chicago, IL Car Crash Law Firm

Car manufacturers have an obligation to safely design and manufacture their products, and to issue recalls when errors are found later. Not doing so is an example of product liability. In the famous 1978 Ford Pinto case, a passenger in a Pinto was awarded $125 million after the car caught fire in a moderate, 28 miles per hour collision. Ford knew the gas tank was defective, but an internal Ford memo found it was cheaper to settle lawsuits than recall the vehicles.

If you were injured because a car manufacturer was negligent in the design, testing or manufacturing of their vehicles, or because they prioritized profits over your safety, call the Illinois car crash law firm in Chicago today. If our investigation finds a manufacturer is liable for your injuries, you can be sure that Burger Law will hold them accountable.

You can check if any recalls have been issued for your vehicle here.

Unsafe Roads | Chicago, IL Car Crash Law Firm

Poorly designed roads, or roads with hazards such as potholes, uneven pavement, missing signage or overly steep grades can also cause accidents. In some cases, you may be able to sue a construction company that was hired to fix the hazard but did not or did so improperly. In some cases, your Illinois car crash law firm in Chicago can help you hold the Illinois Department of Transportation liable, however not under circumstances "beyond its control," such as:

• Weather related events such as snow or a tornado caused the crash;
• The accident was caused by another motorist or vehicle;
• Road hazards that were unreported and that the Department of Transportation did not know about.

If you know of or learn about a road hazard or unsafe road, you can contact the Illinois Department of Transportation to report it.

Inclement Weather | Chicago, IL Car Crash Law Firm

Over the 10 year period between 2007 and 2016, 21 percent of vehicle crashes were weather-related. While you cannot file a claim against mother nature, your Chicago and Illinois car crash law firm can still help you make a claim against another driver if they did not account for weather conditions that caused your injuries. For example, according to the Illinois Secretary of State's Quick Guide to Safe Driving, drivers should drive slower and increase following distance in winter weather conditions.

When we investigate crash sites, accident reports and eyewitness testimony, our car crash law firm will be able to confirm if the other Chicago or Illinois driver was driving appropriately for the conditions. If they were not, we will be able to hold them accountable and get you the compensation you deserve.