Question 1

What Tricks Do Insurance Companies Use To Avoid Paying Claims?

Accepted Answer

When you have a personal injury claim, be aware of the tricks insurance companies will use to try to avoid paying claims like yours. While there are some occasions where the defendant's insurance company will act in good faith and offer a fair settlement without extensive litigation, it is more common that the insurance company uses tactics to try to trick you into losing our claim.

The insurance company works hard to avoid paying out people whenever they can avoid it. That is why it's so important to have a lawyer on your side who has experience winning personal injury cases like yours and is familiar with the tricks insurance companies use to avoid paying claims. Burger Law has stood up to countless insurance companies over the years, going after the compensation our clients are entitled to. Find out how we can help you by 
calling us at 314-542-2222.



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Tricks Insurance Companies Use To Avoid Paying Your Claim

Insurance agents are rewarded for minimizing the payout the company has to give, or avoiding responsibility for the damages completely. They have developed a series of tricks and tactics they commonly use to try to trick you into settling low or losing your claim altogether.

Beware of the following strategies employed by defendants' insurance companies to trick you into a low settlement or non-settlement.


Stalling
Insurance companies are large corporations. Personal injury victims are very often individuals or families that, sooner or later, really NEED the money from the settlement to move forward with their lives. Insurance companies know this and will intentionally draw out the process as long as they can in hopes that you will give up or get inpatient and accept a low-ball offer.

Offering False Sympathy
Sometimes they will try to appear to be on your side. Their strategy is to blindside you or to build a false sense of trust and camaraderie so that they can - again - manipulate you into a lower settlement.

Spying on you
In some cases, adjusters might go so far as to hire a private investigator to try to catch you going about your day doing things you claim you physically can't do due to your accident-related injuries. But more likely they will look for evidence in your contradictory statements or through your social media activity. They will look for posts from or about you that indicate that you are enjoying your life as normal and able to physically do things you claim you can't.

Lying to you
One of the easiest and most common tactics insurance companies use to minimize your claim is to lie to you outright. They will attempt to trick you into believing you don't have a legitimate claim or otherwise cannot pursue rightful compensation. Read on for some of the common lies insurance companies tell personal injury claimants.



Lies Insurance Companies Tell To Avoid Paying Claims


You have to give a recorded statement. (If they tell you this, speak to your lawyer)
They do not have to pay for medical care if your personal health insurance paid for it.
Do not have to pay your wage loss damages because you took sick time, disability or your employer covered you.
That a lawyer will only take away money from you and out of your pocket in a settlement. (this is false because we would not take a case if we could not add value to it).
That there is no way you could have been as injured as you were from the impact.
That the insured only has a certain amount of insurance coverage so they cannot pay. (Get a copy of the declaration page and the policy terms and make them give you an affidavit that there is no other insurance).
You have to settle now or they will rescind their offer. (They will not).
They can only put so much on the case. (They can get permission to pay more).



Don't Get Tricked By the Insurance Companies
When you've been hurt in an accident where another party was at fault, you are entitled by law to receive compensation to help make you whole again. Unfortunately, the insurance companies who are on the hook to pay you this money often use tricks to try to avoid paying the settlement you deserve for your claim.

If the insurance company is not willing to pay your claim in good faith and are attempting to trick you into settling low or dropping your claim, you owe it to yourself to hire a capable law firm to defend against their tricks and tactics. Burger Law has helped people like you survive their cases and get the full compensation they deserve. Talk to us today; just call 314-542-2222 or reach us here.

Question 2

Is It Worth It to Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

Accepted Answer

Is It Worth It to Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident? If you've been injured in a car accident, you may be asking yourself, is it worth it to get a lawyer for a car accident? In many cases, not only is it worth it, but it's necessary in order to be fairly compensated for your injuries and damages. It's especially important to hire a lawyer if you received significant injuries or the negligent driver does not want to take responsibility for their actions. The good news is, talking to our Chicago and St. Louis based car accident injury law team is free. That's why we always recommend speaking to a lawyer before settling your claim. When you discuss your case with us, we will give you an honest and straightforward answer as to how much your claim may be worth and whether it is worth it to hire a car accident lawyer for your case. Call Burger Law today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free case evaluation.

The important part about your car accident claim is that you are fairly and rightfully compensated for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. When considering if it's worth it to hire a car accident lawyer, the important question to ask is: Can they add value to my claim? That is, will you receive more money with an attorney's help, even after factoring in attorneys' fees? Whether it is worth it to get a lawyer depends on a few factors: the circumstances of your accident, the actions of the insurance company and at-fault driver, and the experience and talent of your car accident lawyer. At Burger Law, our Chicago and St. Louis based personal injury law firm has over 20 years of experience securing great compensation for our clients and have seen every type of car accident case. 

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When You Need a Lawyer For a Car Accident Claim

Imagine the following two scenarios:

    A distracted driver accidentally runs a red light and t-bones your car. The driver is apologetic and accepts fault, and after a quick trip to an Illinois or Missouri emergency room for some bruises and lacerations you don't need to take any time off work. The at-fault driver's insurance company agrees to pay for your full medical expenses and the repairs to your car. You ask for a little extra for inconvenience and they oblige.
    You are in a truck accident. Your car is totaled and you've sustained potentially significant back, neck, and spine injuries that could have long-term effects and require further medical care. The driver and their trucking company are trying to blame you for the accident, and their powerful insurance company is downplaying the severity of your injuries. You've missed a lot of time off work and are not sure you'll be able to go back and perform at the same level you used to.


In scenario one, it's likely not worth it to get a lawyer for your car accident claim. It doesn't cost anything to talk to Burger Law's Missouri and Illinois car accident lawyer, so there's no harm in calling us to talk over your case, however we may recommend taking the insurance company's settlement offer as we are unlikely to be able to add much value to your claim and secure you a net gain in compensation. Remember though, never settle without talking to a lawyer first.

However, situations like scenario two always require an experienced and talented car accident lawyer like the St. Louis and Chicago based team at Burger Law. Not only we will be able to prove the truck driver or truck company's liability and hold them accountable, we won't fall for the insurance company's tricks. We stand up to bullies like resistant insurance companies and make sure you receive every bit of the maximum compensation you are owed. Serious injuries can have significant long-terms costs associated with them such as pain medications, doctor's appointments, and assistive devices such as crutches. We use our network of medical and economic experts to calculate exactly how much further medical care you will need and how much it will cost, adjusting for inflation.

Even if your injuries are not as severe as a significant spinal cord injury, you will need an attorney's help at the first sight of lowball offers from the insurance company or if the liable party's story differs from yours.

Another way a Missouri and Illinois car accident lawyer can add value to your claim is by ensuring you receive a full recovery for your noneconomic damages as well. Missouri Senate Bill 239 and Illinois Compiled Statute &#167; 5/2-1115.2 define noneconomic damages as:


    Pain and suffering
    Mental anguish
    Inconvenience
    Physical impairment
    Disability
    Disfigurement
    Loss of ability to enjoy life
    Loss of consortium


A skilled and knowledgeable Missouri and Illinois car accident lawyer will make sure the liable party, their insurance company, and if necessary a judge and jury know the full scope of the impact your injuries have had on your life. It is absolutely worth it to hire Burger Law, we get our clients maximum compensation and to date have won our Illinois and Missouri clients over $175 million in verdicts and settlement.


Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Today | It's Worth It
If you've been in a car accident and sustained serious injuries, the liable party won't accept responsibility, or their insurance company is not treating you fairly, reach out to the Chicago and St. Louis based car accident law firm at Burger Law today. We start working on your case and don't let up until you receive the full recovery you are owed. Call us today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free case evaluation.

Question 3

What Do Car Accident Lawyers Do?

Accepted Answer

What Do Car Accident Lawyers Do? If you've been injured in a car accident because someone else broke the rules of the road, you're probably wondering how to proceed with getting compensation and if you need an attorney for your claim. You may be wondering, what exactly can car accident lawyers do for my claim? In the simplest terms, dedicated and passionate car accident lawyers like those at Burger Law help people when they are at their most vulnerable. We know you did nothing wrong and did not choose to be in this situation, but we can make this trying time a little easier by standing by your side and offering the highest standard of legal advocacy. Based in St. Louis with offices in Chicago, we deliver justice and full financial recoveries to individuals and families throughout Missouri and Illinois. Call a Burger Law car accident lawyer today at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online form for a free consultation.


If you were injured in a car accident in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri or Illinois, use our free personal injury calculator to see how much your claim may be worth.

What Do Car Accident Lawyers Do?What Do Car Accident Lawyers Do?Click to view videoWhen is it WORTH IT to Hire a Lawyer for an Accident or Injury Claim?When is it WORTH IT to Hire a Lawyer for an Accident or Injury Claim?Click to view videoCloseClose

What Can a Car Accident Lawyer Do For My Case?



Take on the Insurance Company
Insurance companies use a lot of tactics to devalue your claim or avoid paying them. They might tell you they only have to pay for six weeks of medical care, that your injuries are pre-existing or that they do not have to pay for lost wages because you have paid time off. None of those things are true. A knowledgeable and experienced car accident lawyer will keep the insurance company honest and fight back against any attempts not to give you the compensation you deserve.

Help You Understand the Claims Process
Most people who were injured in a car accident have never had to seek legal representation before. A car accident lawyer will always keep you informed of what's going on with your case and help you understand your options and realistic expectations for what compensation you can recover, how long your case may take and any issues that may affect the outcome, such as if you were partially at fault or did have pre-existing injuries. We handle all documentation, litigation and negotiation so you can focus on healing.

Gather The Evidence Needed for Your Claim
While the burden of proof in a civil case is not as high as beyond a reasonable doubt, you'll still need to demonstrate to an insurance adjuster or a jury the extent of your injuries and why you are owed compensation for them. An auto accident law firm will gather all relevant evidence, including:


    Police reports
    Pictures of the vehicles and accident site
    Eyewitness testimony and depositions
    Medical records and hospital bills
    Depositions from family and friends stating how your injuries have affected your life


Utilize Our Network of Economic and Medical Experts to Value Your Claim
Once we acquire all the evidence, a car accident lawyer should meet with experts to precisely value your damages and calculate how much money you are owed. Medical experts will be key in cases where you will need medical treatment or assistive devices in the future, and economic experts will adjust for inflation and provide context for your lost wages.

Offer Sound and Honest Legal Advice
A good and honest lawyer will always let you make final decisions, such as whether to accept a settlement offer or want to go to trial. However, it's often difficult to make those decisions if you don't have the legal experience a car accident lawyer does. An effective attorney will keep you fully informed and give you all the information and advice you need to make what you feel is the best decision for you and your family.

Negotiate a Fair Settlement
Some insurance adjusters are honest while others will do whatever they can to pay you as little as possible. Either way, an experienced and aggressive car crash attorney will know how to fight back and make the insurance adjuster eventually see reason. We like to put insurance adjusters on their heels, so we're more aggressive than most law firms in filing lawsuits so that the insurance company knows we mean business. 

Represent You in Front of a Judge and Jury
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, only four percent of personal injury claims ever go to court, and often an insurance company will finally offer a fair settlement on the eve of a trial in order to avoid a lengthy court battle. But when cases do go to trial, you need to be sure that your car accident lawyer knows how to fight in a courtroom and make your case to a judge and jury.

Get Your Leans Reduced
Your car accident lawyer's job isn't done once you've been awarded fair compensation; they should also work to reduce your medical liens. Hospitals, health insurance companies and sometimes a local government can file liens to recover money it spent on your treatment. A good auto crash lawyer will negotiate with any entity claiming a lien to reduce or even eliminate the lien.

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St. Louis, Missouri Car Accident Lawyers | Burger Law
Burger Law's auto accident law firm has over 70 years of combined experience in all aspects of personal injury cases and in fighting for the rights of the injured and vulnerable. To date, we have won over $175 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients in St. Louis and throughout Missouri and Illinois. We know being injured in a car accident because of someone else's negligence is trying, but we are here to stand by your side and fight on your behalf. Talking to us is free, so there's no reason not to call and get information about the claims process or how you should proceed. Call a St. Louis car accident lawyer at Burger Law today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Tricks Do Insurance Companies Use To Avoid Paying Claims?

Is It Worth It to Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

What Do Car Accident Lawyers Do?

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