Driving downtown Chicago, whether you’re commuting into the Loop, delivering goods, or navigating crowded side streets after a late shift, demands constant attention. Congested intersections, pedestrians, bicyclists, streetcars, delivery vehicles, and unpredictable traffic patterns leave almost no margin for error. When a driver is tired, that small margin disappears. Fatigue…
Articles Posted in Car Accident
What is a Car “Black Box”?
When people talk about a car’s “black box,” they usually mean the vehicle’s event data recorder (EDR). An EDR is an electronic device built into a vehicle that captures short bursts of technical data immediately before, during, and after a car accident, things like vehicle speed, brake use, airbag deployment,…
Multi-Vehicle Pileups on the Dan Ryan Expressway
The Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/I-94) is one of Chicago’s busiest and most critical traffic corridors, funneling commuter, commercial, and long-distance traffic through the city’s south side. Its high volumes, complex interchanges, and frequent weather swings make the Dan Ryan a location where a single mistake or a sudden hazard can…
Are U-Turns Legal in Chicago?
When maneuvering through the heart of Chicago, you may find yourself questioning whether a U-turn is allowed, and more importantly, whether it’s safe. The rules may differ subtly from the rest of Illinois, and the risks are tangible: U-turns can lead to serious, and sometimes deadly, car accidents. This blog…
The Truth About “Full Coverage” Car Insurance and How It Affects Your Car Accident Claim
“Full coverage” is a phrase most drivers toss around like it’s a single, well-defined product, but it isn’t. When someone says they have “full coverage,” they usually mean they have more than the state-required liability; what they actually have is a bundle of different coverages, each with its own rules,…
What to Do After a Chicago Car Accident
A car accident can be a jarring and overwhelming experience, leaving you unsure of what steps to take. However, the actions you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your safety, health, and ability to recover compensation for your injuries. At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the…
The Top Causes of Car Accidents on I-290
If you drive Chicago’s Eisenhower Expressway—better known as I‑290—you know it can feel like a battlefield. Long stretches of heavy, stop-and-go traffic. Mash-ups with I‑294, I‑88, and I‑90. Short ramps. Sudden bottlenecks. It all adds up to a roadway infamous for crashes. In fact, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports…
Legal Options for Tourists Hit by a Car While Walking in Chicago
Chicago is one of America’s most visited cities, known for its lakefront skyline, historic neighborhoods, and bustling streets. But with busy intersections, distracted drivers, and high volumes of foot traffic, pedestrian accidents involving tourists are an unfortunate and growing reality. Being hit by a car is traumatic—especially in a city…
What Causes Wrong-Way Accidents in Chicago?
Wrong-way crashes are among the most terrifying and deadly types of car accidents. While they are relatively rare, they are disproportionately fatal—especially in a dense urban area like Chicago, where high-speed roadways and complex interchanges intersect with heavy traffic. Recent trends show that wrong-way driving crashes are on the rise…
Who’s at Fault in a Chicago Pedestrian Accident? Understanding Illinois Right-of-Way Laws
Pedestrian accidents remain a pressing concern in Chicago, with recent data highlighting a troubling increase in fatalities. In 2024, the city recorded 38 pedestrian deaths on surface streets, marking a significant rise from previous years. Understanding the intricacies of Illinois right-of-way laws is crucial for both drivers and pedestrians to…