Chicago, IL Car Accident Lawyers

Chicago, IL Car Accident Attorneys

Call the police. Then Call Burger Law.

After you or a family member is seriously injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you need a car accident attorney that can get you the recovery you desere. For the best available representation in your case, turn to the Chicago car accident lawyers of Burger Law. Call (312) 500-HURT now to talk to a Chicago, IL car accident attorney about your accident at no cost to you.

If you were injured in a car accident in Chicago or any other part of Illinois see how much your claim may be worth by using our free personal injury calculator.

The Chicago, IL car accident attorney team at Burger Law are prepared to take on yourcase and demand the negligent party to take responsibility for their irresponsible actions. We have demonstrated our skill time and timwe again by winning hundreds of car accident and other personal injury cases throughout the Chicago, 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 clients. Find out how the Chicago, IL car accident lawyers of Burger Law can win your case and help you and your family recover with a complimentary consultation. When you are ready to take action and begin winning your car accident case us today at (312) 500-HURT or contact us now.

Our Chicago, IL car accident attorneys have gotten great results in a variety of car accident types, 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

Is It Worth It to Hire Car Accident Attorney in Chicago, IL?

There are countless factors involved in car accidents that make each case different. For many, a car accident is a shocking event that introduces sudden stress. Regardless of the specifics, when you are hurt 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 pursue your claim.

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 important that you have a car accident attorney to fight on your behalf in the following situations:

• 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 negligent driver disputes liability or fault in the accident
• There are other complications to your case, such as being in a multi-vehicle accident, hit and run accident or were injured by a government vehicle

Resources to Help With Your Chicago, IL Car Accident Claim

Our philosophy at Burger Law is that, as your personal injury law firm, our responsibility is more than simply arguing your case and negotiating 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 through their injury claims. Our team has written books on car accident and personal injury cases, created a 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 Chicago Car Accident Claim

When you are facing a legal issue, it is crucial to pick the right law firm to represent you. Burger Law is a reputed and experienced law firm that has been fiercely fighting for the injured for over three decades. Below are some of the reasons why you should choose Burger Law for your legal needs.

Premier Attorneys That Deliver

It can be hard to know how to choose the best personal injury lawyer for you. You want someone who has won your type of case before and who you know is not afraid to take the case to trial if they have to. 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 numerous awards, honors and accolades Burger Law has received from the Chicago, IL legal community include:

• Martindale-Hubbell Award — AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® from NexisLexis® – a remarkable 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 American Bar Association accredited certification board.

Compassionate and Knowledgeable Attorneys

At Burger Law, we know that being injured through another’s negligence is stressful and overwhelming. That is why we strive to build personal relationships with our clients. With more than 30 years of experience, our attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to handle even the most complex legal cases. 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 energy on healing; trust in us to take on the insurance company.

Personalized 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 keep in constant contact so you know the status of your claim.

Commitment to Excellence

At Burger Law, we are dedicated 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 Ratings 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 600 reviews. You can also check out our client testimonials and case victories.

Get a free consultation with an car accident attorney in Chicago, IL immediately at (312) 500-HURT, or read on below to discover more about car accident claims and how Burger Law can help.

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

Determining fault in a car accident 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 safe. Under Illinois Law, all drivers owe all others on the road “due care.”
2. Breach of duty — That they failed in their obligation. 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 rear ended and that gave you a whiplash injury.
4. Proximate cause — That their failure 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 harm because of your injuries. Do you have medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering you can make a claim for?

Liability can be determined through a number of factors. In some cases, the negligent driver will admit that they are to blame, but too often negligent people try to avoid being held accountable for what they did. After an accident, police officers will write a report explaining who they link is liable. Then, insurance adjusters will evaluate the police report and other evidence to determine blame. While adjusters are trained to do this, their primary goal is to pay out as little money as possible. That means they may say they do not have to compensate you, even if that is demonstrably false.

In those cases, you need to hire a car accident attorney to ensure that you are treated fairly. The attorney will investigate the case further, take depositions of both drivers and eyewitnesses, and hire crash experts to determine how the accident likely 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 claim might require a mediation, where an unbiased attorney or judge helps analyze the evidence and determine fault. If that fails, your car accident attorney can file a lawsuit in civil court, 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 percentage of the accident that is not your fault.

Meaning, if your damages total $100,000 but you share 30 percent of the fault 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.

That means that if you share more of the blame than the other party, you will not be able to recover any compensation in Chicago, IL.

Devastating Injuries in Chicago, IL Car Accidents

Devastating injuries in car accidents have a significant impact on your life, causing long-term physical, mental and economic consequences. Some injuries we have helped people get compensation for are:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — This can occur when the the brain moves inside of the skull, causing bleeding and disrupting the brain’s function. Symptoms can range from mild, such as a headache or fatigue, to grave, such as loss of consciousness or lifelong disability.
• Spinal cord injuries — These can occur when the spinal cord is damaged, resulting in loss of mobility or sensation in the arms, legs or other parts of the body. In severe cases, they can lead permanent paralysis.
• Fractures — Fractures can often heal well, but cause months or years of pain and discomfort.
• Internal injuries — These can include damage to the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver and others, and require immediate medical attention in order not to be deadly.
• 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 disfigurement.

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 for a free consultation at (312) 500-HURT.

In addition to motor vehicle accidents, our Chicago-based attorneys have expertise and winning track records for other Illinois tort cases, such as:

• Personal injury
• Car accident
• Truck accident
• Motorcycle accident
• Wrongful death

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

The car accident claim process can be long, and many of our Chicago, IL clients do not know what to expect when making a claim. 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 gather 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.
• Getting medical treatment — 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 go to every appointment your doctor recommends. The the more medical expenses you have, the higher your financial recovery. If you do not seek treatment immediately after the accident, make an appointment with your general practitioner 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 as soon as possible. Report the accident to your insurance company and that of the negligent driver – most require you to report it within 30 days.
• Hiring a car accident attorney — You need to at least speak with an attorney after a car accident injury. If your injuries were not severe and you do not have many lost wages, you might not need a lawyer to get fair compensation. More severe injuries 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 take a portion of your recovery 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 gather and analyze the evidence needed to prove your car accident claim while you continue 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 a journal 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 has calculated the amount of compensation you are owed, they will send a settlement demand package to the insurance company, explaining how their policyholder caused your injuries, and demand maximum compensation. The insurance company will likely respond with a lower offer, but your Chicago, IL car accident attorney will continue to demand the full amount.
• Filing a lawsuit — If the insurance adjuster will not be fair in negotiations, your attorney will file a lawsuit to seek compensation at trial. Burger Law is more aggressive than most law firms when it comes to filing suit; we want to put the insurance company on their heels. Often, the threat of a lawsuit from experienced trial attorneys is enough to get the insurance adjuster to finally offer a fair settlement.
• Further negotiations, mediation and pre-trial — Filing a lawsuit does not mean we stop communicating with the insurance company. We always prefer for the process to be as quick as possible, so we will continue negotiating and in order to try and avoid a lengthy trial sample.During this phase, we will also carry out the pre-trial “discovery phase.” In discovery, both sides will gather testimony and more evidence, and request documentation from the other side and seek out expert witnesses. You and the defendant will both take depositions and be questioned by both lawyers under oath. This is how each side develops their argument for 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 pursue intense litigation, when you hire a Burger Law Chicago, IL car accident attorney, you will get complete dedication to your recover.

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

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

Speak to Car Accident Attorney in Chicago, IL Today

We work arduously to communicate with you 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 relentlessly to get you complete damages and to make the responsible party pay for their negligence. The Chicago, 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 compensation. To get the true value of your case, you must have a skilled and dedicated Chicago, IL car accident attorney from Burger Law on your side. Take the first step right away by discussing your case with a qualified lawyer for free. Give us a call today at 314-542-2222 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