Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Forreston, 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 pressure. Regardless of the specifics, when you are hurt in a car accident that was not your fault, you are entitled to compensation from the person who caused you harm and their insurance company. However, to receive the compensation you are rightfully owed, you may need a good car accident attorney to fight for you.
While some minor car accidents can be resolved successfully without the use of an auto accident attorney, some factors require legal help. It is vital that you have a car accident attorney to fight for your in the following situations:
- Your injuries are severe
- The insurance company is not offering a fair settlement
- The other driver is uninsured or underinsured
- You are unsure of the legal procedures and rights following a car accident
- The negligent driver or their insurance company is blaming you for your injuries
- There are other complications to your case, such as being in a multi-vehicle accident, hit and run accident or were hit by a government vehicle
Resources for Your Forreston, IL Car Accident Claim
At Burger Law, we believe that our role as your personal injury law firm is more than simply presenting your case and negotiating with the insurance company; we have also taken it upon ourselves to provide free education and resources to people injured in car accidents to to help them through their injury claims. Burger Law has written 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 Forreston, IL Car Accident Claim
When you are facing a legal issue, it is essential to choose the best law firm to represent you. Burger Law is a reputed and experienced law firm that has been protecting the rights of the injured for more than three decades. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Burger Law for your legal needs.
Recognized Leaders in Car Accident Claims
To ensure you get full compensation, you need to put your case in the capable hands of a car accident attorney who has earned the respect of the Forreston, IL legal community and knows how to get results. In order to have a good understanding of the abilities of a law firm, you need to look at 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 Forreston, IL legal community include:
- Martindale-Hubbell Award — AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® from NexisLexis® – a remarkable achievement awarded to not more than 5 percent of all attorneys in the U.S.
- 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 comprised 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. Fewer than 4 percent of all practicing attorneys are certified by an ABA accredited certification board.
Empathetic and Experienced Attorneys
At Burger Law, we know that being injured through another's negligence is stressful and overwhelming. That is why we have a client-centered approach. With over 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 achieve the best possible outcome, and we work tirelessly to ensure they do. You need to focus on healing; trust in us to take on the insurance company.
Personalized Approach
At Burger Law, we know that every client and every case is unique. That is why we treat each claim individually. Our attorneys explain the legal process to you and always keep you up-to-date on how your case is going.
Dedication to Excellence
At Burger Law, we are devoted to excellence in everything we do. We have high ethical expectations for ourselves and the insurance adjusters we stand up to. We leave no stone unturned when we investigate cases and search for insurance coverage.
Our Ratings and Results
Any car accident attorney can say they know how to handle your case, but proving they are qualified is another matter entirely. We are among the highest-reviewed law firms, with a 4.9 rating from almost 500 reviews. You can also look at our client testimonials and case victories.
Discuss your case for free with an car accident attorney in Forreston, IL immediately at (314) 500-HURT, or read on below to learn more about car accident claims and what Burger Law can do for you.
How is Fault Determined in Car Accident in Forreston, IL?
Determining fault in a car wreck is the first step toward collecting damages. To do that, you and your car accident attorney must prove the five elements of negligence:
- 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."
- Breach of duty — That they neglected their responsibility. Did they run a red light or drive drunk?
- Cause in fact — That the crash caused your injury. For example, you were rear ended and got a concussion from hitting your head on the dashboard.
- Proximate cause — That the breach of duty caused the crash. Were you rear ended because a driver was tailgating, or because a mechanic was negligent and their brakes were not working.
- Damages — That you sustained losses because of the injuries. Do you have medical expenses, lost wages and emotional distress you can make a claim for?
Liability can be determined through numerous factors. Sometimes, the negligent driver will admit that they are to blame, but too often irresponsible people deny they did anything wrong. After an accident, police officers will write a report explaining who they link is liable. Then, insurance adjusters will analyze the police report and other evidence to determine fault. While this is part of an adjuster's job, their primary goal 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 that you are treated fairly. The attorney will gather more evidence, take depositions of all parties involved, and hire crash experts to interpret photographs and the damage to both vehicles to show how the accident occurred. Then they will compile a settlement demand package to the insurance company.
If the insurance company remains firm, your attorney may seek mediation, where a neutral third party helps analyze the evidence and determine fault. 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 can recover for the portion of the blame you do not share.
Meaning, if your damages total $100,000 but you share 30 percent of the fault for your injury, 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 over 50 percent to blame for the accident, you cannot make a recovery in Forreston, IL.
Devastating Injuries in Forreston, IL Car Accidents
Catastrophic injuries in car accidents have a significant impact on your daily life and future, causing long-term physical, mental and economic consequences. Some common examples of serious injuries in car accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — This can occur when the the brain twists inside of the skull, causing damage to the brain. Symptoms can range from mild, such as a headache or dizziness, to grave, such as loss of consciousness or permanent cognitive impairment.
- 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 the worst case scenario, 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 bleeding or other injuries to the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver and others, and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
- 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 change your life in an instant. But, with the help of Burger Law, you can find justice, recognition and a financial recovery. Call us immediately for a free consultation at (314) 500-HURT.