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After an accident, most people focus on recovering from their injuries and getting their lives back on track. Unfortunately, many injury victims unknowingly make mistakes that can significantly reduce the value of their personal injury claim or even jeopardize it entirely.

Whether you were injured in a Chicago car accident, truck crash, motorcycle collision, slip and fall, dog attack, or another preventable incident, the actions you take in the hours, days, and weeks after an accident can have a major impact on your case. Continue reading

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After a serious accident, many injury victims expect insurance companies to treat them fairly and compensate them for their losses. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters are often focused on protecting the company’s bottom line, not maximizing compensation for injured individuals. One of the most common tactics insurers use is making a lowball settlement offer shortly after an accident.

A lowball settlement offer is an offer that significantly undervalues the true worth of a personal injury claim. These offers are designed to encourage injured victims to settle quickly before they fully understand the extent of their injuries, future medical expenses, lost income, and legal rights.

According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), claimants represented by attorneys typically recover significantly more compensation than unrepresented individuals, even after attorney fees are considered. This difference often reflects the insurance industry’s tendency to undervalue claims when victims are unfamiliar with the settlement process. Continue reading

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Interstate 55 is one of the busiest trucking corridors in Illinois, stretching from the Chicago metropolitan area through Joliet, Bloomington-Normal, Springfield, and toward St. Louis. Thousands of commercial trucks travel I-55 every day transporting freight, consumer goods, construction materials, fuel, and agricultural products across the Midwest.

Unfortunately, the heavy concentration of semi-trucks on I-55 also contributes to a significant number of serious and fatal truck accidents each year. Due to the size and weight of tractor-trailers, crashes involving commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries, fatalities, major highway closures, and complex legal claims.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have represented victims injured in trucking accidents throughout Illinois, and we understand how devastating these crashes can be for drivers and their families. Understanding the leading causes of semi-truck accidents on I-55 can help motorists stay safer and recognize when negligence may entitle them to compensation after a crash. Continue reading

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If you’ve been injured in a car accident, one of the most frustrating parts of the recovery process is waiting for your settlement. Many people expect claims to resolve quickly, only to find themselves waiting months or even years for compensation.

The reality is that delays are common, and in many cases, they are not accidental. Insurance companies, legal procedures, and the nature of your injuries all play a role in how long your case takes. Continue reading

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Every morning and afternoon across the Chicago area, thousands of children walk to and from school, often navigating busy intersections, crowded crosswalks, and distracted drivers. While school zones are designed to protect young pedestrians, the reality is that these areas can be among the most dangerous places for children on foot.

Pedestrian accidents involving children near Chicago schools are not rare and when they happen, the consequences are often catastrophic. Understanding the risks, causes, and legal options available is critical for parents and families. Continue reading

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If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Chicago, one of the most important questions you may have is: How much medical documentation do I actually need to win my case?

The short answer is this: there is no such thing as “too much” medical documentation. In fact, the strength of your case often depends directly on how thorough, consistent, and well-organized your medical records are. In Illinois personal injury claims, medical documentation is not just helpful, it is the foundation of your entire case. Without it, even serious injuries can be undervalued or denied entirely. Continue reading

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Autonomous vehicles are no longer theoretical, they are already operating on public roads across the United States. Now, companies like Waymo are bringing that technology to new markets, including Chicago. While the promise of self-driving cars includes fewer crashes and increased convenience, their presence raises serious legal and liability questions, especially when accidents occur. For Chicago residents, understanding how Waymo testing works and who is responsible in a crash is critical as this technology begins to appear on local streets. Continue reading

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Chicago is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, but it is also one of the busiest. With the rapid growth of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, cyclists face increasing risks on already congested streets. When a rideshare driver is distracted, rushing to pick up a passenger, or unfamiliar with bike lanes, serious accidents can happen.

If you are hit by an Uber or Lyft driver while biking in Chicago, knowing what to do next can protect both your health and your legal rights. This blog explains the steps to take, the unique legal issues involved, and what you need to know to pursue compensation. Continue reading

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Roadway defects are a common hazard on Chicago streets and highways. For motorcyclists, however, even relatively small pavement irregularities can lead to catastrophic crashes. A recent case handled by our firm highlights how dangerous these conditions can be and why municipalities have a duty to maintain safe roadways. Continue reading

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After a car accident, many drivers expect the police to arrive, investigate the crash, and create an official accident report. However, in a large city like Chicago, police officers do not respond to every crash, especially minor collisions with no life-threatening injuries.

If you call 911 after a crash and are told that officers will not come to the scene, it can feel confusing and frustrating. Fortunately, there are still steps you can take to protect your rights, document the accident, and preserve your ability to pursue an insurance claim or injury lawsuit.

Understanding what to do in this situation can help ensure you gather the evidence needed to support your case. Continue reading

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