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Car Accident Attrorney in Braidwood, IL

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Braidwood, IL Car Accident Attorney

Car accident attorney in Braidwood, IL. When you or someone you loved is hurt or killed in a car accident that was not your fault, you need a car accident attorney can get you the damages you deserve and hold the negligent driver or company responsible for the harm they have caused. For the best available representation in your case, choose the Braidwood, IL car accident lawyers of Burger Law. Call (314) 500-HURT now to talk to a Braidwood, IL car accident attorney of Burger Law about your claim at no cost to you.

If you were injured in a car accident in Braidwood, IL see how much your claim may be worth by filling out our free personal injury calculator.

The Braidwood, IL car accident attorney team at Burger Law are prepared to take on your Braidwood, IL car accident case and force the negligent party to take responsibility for their irresponsible actions. We have demonstrated our skill time and time again by winning hundreds of car accident and other personal injury cases throughout the Braidwood, IL area and across the country, arguing some of the most difficult car accident cases and winning over $200 million in settlements for our deserving clients. Learn how the Braidwood, IL car accident lawyers of Burger Law can help you and your family recover from your accident with a complimentary consultation. To begin your journey towards winning your car accident case, call us today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us now.

Our Braidwood, IL car accident attorneys deliver great compensation in a variety of car accident types, including:

Trusted by clients, Feared by opponents.

Real Client Testimonials

With your future hanging in the balance, you need a law firm you can trust—one with the legal knowledge and expertise to meet your legal needs as well as the compassion and resources to support you as you go through your case.

Burger Law has proven itself time and time again through each carefully represented case. The choice is clear. Hear what our previous clients are saying about us.

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Reviews

“I was on a very uncertain footing with a previous law firm and found myself doing most of the leg work and receiving poor legal advice. I had little to no contact with my actual attorney and when I …”

Nick Bartosik |


“I knew from the moment I met Gary Burger he was the person I wanted taking care of my affairs. He was concerned about the issues I was dealing with. He put together a plan and has been excluding it …”

Alex Grant |


“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 befor …”

Juanita Matthews |

Highest rated St. Louis injury lawyer

Over 450 Five-Star Positive Google Reviews

A good law firm is more than successful attorneys. Burger Law prioritizes your experience as a client. We make sure you have the support and knowledge you need to feel comfortable and confident as we fight for your recovery. Take it from our hundreds of five-star reviews.

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Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney in Braidwood, IL?

Everyone who has been injured in a car accident has a unique experience. For many, a car accident is a jarring event that causes no small amount of residual stress. Regardless of the specifics, when you are injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you are entitled to compensation from the responsible person and their insurance company. To get the full compensation for your damages, you may require the help of 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 situations that call for legal representation. It is essential 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 is not offering a fair settlement
  • The other driver does not have insurance or enough insurance to cover your damages
  • You are unsure of the legal procedures and rights following a car accident
  • The negligent driver disputes liability or fault in the accident
  • You are dealing with complex legal issues, such as being in a multi-car accident, hit and run accident or were hit by a government vehicle

Resources for Your Braidwood, IL Car Accident Claim

At Burger Law, we believe that our role as your personal injury law firm extends beyond presenting your case and negotiating with the insurance company; we have also taken it upon ourselves to provide free materials and resources to people injured in car accidents to to help them make the most of their injury claims. Our team has published books on car accident and personal injury cases, is active on our Youtube channel and we are always willing to answer questions.

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Why Choose Burger Law For Your Braidwood, IL Car Accident Claim

When you are injured by someone else's negligence, it is crucial to choose 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 more than 30 years. Below are some of the reasons why you should choose Burger Law for your case.

Premier Attorneys Know How to Win

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 our peers include:

  • Martindale-Hubbell Award — AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® from NexisLexis® – a noteworthy achievement awarded to less than 5 percent of all lawyers 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 honor 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.

Understanding and Experienced Attorneys

At Burger Law, we know the terrible financial, physical and mental burdens an injury can create. That is why our attorneys are compassionate and dedicated to helping our clients be made whole again. After having fought for more than 30 years, our attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to handle even the most complex legal cases. We are committed to helping our clients recovery both physically and financially, and we work faithfully to ensure that their rights are protected. You need to spend your time on healing; let us fight the insurance company.

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

Dedication to Excellence

At Burger Law, we are committed to providing the highest standard of legal advocacy. We have high moral standards for the way we handle cases and the way we communicate with our clients. We leave no stone unturned when we investigate cases and search for insurance coverage.

Our Reviews 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 among the most- and best-reviewed law firms, with a 4.9 rating from almost 500 reviews. You can also look at our client testimonials and case results.

Discuss your case for free with an car accident attorney in Braidwood, IL immediately at (314) 500-HURT, or keep reading to learn more about car accident claims and what Burger Law can do for you.

How is Fault Determined in Car Accident in Braidwood, IL?

Determining liability in a car wreck is the first step toward getting compensation. Liability comes down to proving the five elements of negligence:

  1. Duty of care That the other driver had a responsibility to keep you from unreasonable harm. Under Illinois Law, all drivers owe all others on the road "due care."
  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 t-boned and broke your arm.
  4. Proximate cause — That their failure caused the crash. Were you rear ended because a driver was tailgating, or because a mechanic was negligent and the other driver has faulty brakes.
  5. Damages — That you sustained losses 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 negligent driver will admit fault, but too often negligent actors try to avoid taking responsibility for what they did. After an accident, police officers will write a report explaining what they believe happened. Then, insurance adjusters will evaluate the police report and other evidence to assign blame. While this is part of an adjuster's job, their real job is to pay out as little money as possible. That means they may say they do not owe you a recovery, even if that is patently untrue.

When that happens, you need to hire a car accident attorney to ensure you get the compensation you are owed. The attorney will investigate the case further, take depositions of all parties involved, and hire crash experts to evaluate how the accident likely occurred. Then they will compile a settlement demand letter to the insurance adjuster.

If the insurance company refuses to be fair, your claim might require a mediation, where an unbiased attorney or judge tries to help both parties come to a fair settlement. If they will not be fair in negotiations, your car accident attorney can take your claim to trial, 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 portion of the fault you do not share.

Meaning, if a jury awards you $100,000 in damages, but finds that you share 30 percent of the fault for your accident, 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.

That means that if you are more than half to blame for the accident, you will not be able to recover any compensation in Braidwood, IL.

Serious Injuries in Braidwood, IL Car Accidents

Serious injuries in car accidents have devastating consequences for your life, leading to long-term physical, emotional and economic consequences. Some injuries we have helped people get compensation for are:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — This can occur when the head is violently shaken or struck, causing damage to the brain. Symptoms can range from mild, such as a headache or fatigue, to significant, 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 cause paraplegia or quadriplegia.
  • Broken bones — Broken bones can occur in any part of the body in a car accident, leading to severe pain and long-term disability.
  • Internal injuries These can include damage to the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver and others, and require prompt medical attention in order not to be fatal.
  • 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 turn your life upside down. But, with the help of Burger Law, you can be made whole again. Call us now for a free consultation at (314) 500-HURT.

Results

We Deliver Great Results

Over $170 million won for our clients


$117.5 Million Missouri Correctional Officers Class Action

Settlement

$117.5 Million


FLSA Fair Labor Standards Act

Original Offer

$0

$5,000,000 Settlement - Father Killed by Reckless Truck Driver

Settlement

$5 Million


Wrongful Death

Original Offer

$0

$3 Million Judgment - Son Murdered by Pam Hupp

Settlement

$3 Million


Wrongful Death

Original Offer

$0

$2.5 Million Settlement for Father's Fatal Car Accident

Settlement

$2.5 Million


Wrongful Death

Original Offer

$0

Injured Woman Settles Highway Crash Lawsuit - $2,000,000 Settlement

Settlement

$2 Million


Truck Accident

Original Offer

$0

Multi-Car Crash Caused by Debris from Commercial Truck - $2,000,000 Settlement

Settlement

$2 Million


Truck Accident

Original Offer

$0

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

The car accident claim process can be long, and many of our Braidwood, IL clients have doubts about how things will proceed. While each claim and client is unique, the personal injury claims process usually stays pretty consistent:

  • Gathering evidence at the scene — The first step you need to take is to acquire as much evidence as possible, 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 attention — While you obviously need to do this to ensure you recover safely, it also has implications for how successful your claim will be. Save all medical records, and get every kind of treatment your doctor recommends. The the more treatment you receive, the more you will receive in compensation. If you do not seek treatment immediately after the accident, make an appointment with your general practitioner promptly.
  • 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 other driver – you usually have to do so within 30 days.
  • Hiring a car accident attorney — Any time you are injured in a car accident, you need to speak with an attorney quickly. If your injuries were not severe and you do not have many lost wages, you might not need a lawyer to get fair compensation. Higher damages almost always require an attorney to get fair compensation. A good lawyer will be honest with you about whether or not you need their services.

    As we charge a contingency fee, meaning we accept 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 add significant value to it.

  • Investigation and documentation — Your attorney will obtain and evaluate 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 parties you can make a claim against or if there is more insurance coverage available if your damages exceed the policy limits.

    During this phase, 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 adjuster, explaining how their policyholder was responsible for your injuries, and demand full compensation. The insurance company will likely respond with a lower offer, but your Braidwood, IL car accident attorney will continue to demand the full amount.
  • Filing a lawsuit — If a settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, 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; the insurance company to know that are serious. Often, the appearance of a lawsuit from reputable trial attorneys is enough to get the insurance adjuster to finally be fair.
  • Continued negotiations, mediation and pre-trial — Filing a lawsuit does not mean we stop negotiating. We always prefer for the process to be as quick as possible, so we will continue negotiating and in the hopes of avoiding a trial.

    While this is happening, 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 go all the way to trial, when you hire a Burger Law Braidwood, IL car accident attorney, you will get complete dedication to your recover.

Mistakes to Avoid in Your Braidwood, 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 Braidwood, IL car accident attorney now at (314) 500-HURT.

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

Other cases we handle in Braidwood, IL include:


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Call to Car Accident Attorney in Braidwood, IL Today

We work arduously to communicate with you and demand that the negligent driver's insurance company pays out fairly, giving you confidence that we are on the job and care about your case. We work relentlessly to get you complete damages and to make the responsible party pay for their negligence. The Braidwood, IL car accident attorneys of Burger Law never go easy on insurance companies because we believe you deserve compensation to make you and your family whole again.

If you or someone you know were injured or killed in a car accident another driver caused, you deserve payment. To get the complete damages you are owed, you must have a skilled and experienced Braidwood, IL car accident attorney from Burger Law dedicated to your recovery. Take the first step today 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.

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"I've dedicated my entire life to helping our clients receive full compensation for their injuries."

Gary Burger | Attorney


Gary K. Burger, Jr. stands up against bullies. He devotes his practice to helping the injured and their families recover. He protects the futures of those who have been injured due to other people's actions by demanding full financial compensation, holding reckless people accountable and making our community safer through advocacy and volunteer work.

Gary Burger has tried and won many complex civil litigation cases for his clients in many areas: medical malpractice, products liability, employment discrimination, auto crashes, motorcycle and truck cases, premises liability, class actions and consumer fraud. He also tries and wins cases in commercial litigation, probate, workers compensation and administrative and arbitration hearings.

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