Articles Posted in Car Accident

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 you don’t live in. If you’re a visitor injured while walking in Chicago, you still have legal rights. In this blog, we explain what to do after being struck by a car in Chicago, who may be liable, and how an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages—even if you’re from out of state or another country.

Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago

Pedestrian fatalities and injuries have been on the rise in Illinois, and Chicago is no exception.

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 in Illinois, and Cook County is among the hardest-hit regions.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a wrong-way accident in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, understanding your legal rights is critical. At John J. Malm & Associates we represent victims of serious auto accidents in Chicago and across Illinois. We know how devastating these incidents can be, and we’re here to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

The Alarming Rise of Wrong-Way Crashes in Chicago

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 navigate the streets safely and determine liability in the event of an accident. Continue reading

Highway hypnosis, also known as “white line fever,” is a phenomenon where drivers enter a trance-like state during long, monotonous drives, often with no recollection of the journey. This altered mental state can lead to serious safety concerns on the road and can lead to serious car accidents. In this blog, we discuss the phenomenon of highway hypnosis and what you can do to prevent a crash. Continue reading

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made getting around Chicago easier and more convenient than ever. But when accidents happen—especially those involving serious injuries—the process of figuring out what to do next can be confusing and overwhelming.

Who is responsible? What kind of insurance coverage applies? And how can you protect your right to compensation?

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Chicago—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver—there are specific steps you should take to protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial recovery.

Chicago’s busy streets and heavy traffic unfortunately come with serious risks—including the growing problem of hit-and-run accidents. Every year, thousands of Chicagoans are affected by drivers who cause crashes and then flee the scene, leaving behind confusion, damage, and devastation. These incidents not only threaten public safety but often leave victims wondering how they will recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 295,888 motor vehicle crashes in Illinois in 2021. In Chicago alone, during the 12-month period ending in October 2021, there were an astonishing 36,305 hit-and-run crashes—an 18% increase from the previous year, averaging almost 100 hit-and-run incidents every single day. Tragically, these crashes resulted in 40 deaths—double the number of fatalities compared to the prior year. Continue reading

The open roads of Chicago’s western suburbs once promised an easier commute — but today, they tell a different story. In recent years, towns like Naperville, Aurora, Downers Grove, and Wheaton have seen a spike in serious car accidents. What’s behind the rising danger? A combination of crowded highways, outdated road designs, aggressive driving habits, and simply too many cars.

Data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that, between 2016 and 2024, crashes on suburban roads have steadily increased — particularly during morning and evening rush hours.

Drivers face threats that aren’t always obvious until it’s too late. Here’s what you need to know before you head out.

Continue reading

The Growing Concern of Fatal Car Accidents in Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, is one of the most traffic-heavy cities in the United States, with millions of vehicles on the road daily. Unfortunately, this also means a high rate of traffic accidents, many of which result in fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 42,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes across the U.S. in 2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that traffic crashes remain one of the leading causes of preventable deaths, especially for individuals under 50.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) have identified the most hazardous locations in the city for fatal accidents. With heavy traffic, congested intersections, and aggressive driving, certain areas pose a heightened risk of severe and deadly collisions. Understanding these high-risk zones can help drivers take precautions and allow local officials to implement safety improvements. Continue reading

If you’re a driver in Illinois, you’re likely aware that auto insurance is not just a good idea—it’s a legal requirement. One of the most critical components of car insurance is bodily injury liability coverage, which protects you financially if you’re responsible for injuries in a car accident. But how much bodily injury liability coverage is required by Illinois law, and is the minimum coverage enough?

Understanding Illinois’ minimum insurance requirements is essential for drivers to stay compliant with the law and protect themselves from financial risk in the event of an accident. Continue reading

Artificial intelligence is now driving changes in the ways cars are operated and driven, moving us closer to an urban landscape filled with self-driving automobiles.  But what about pedestrian safety?  With technology moving faster than safety regulations can keep up, many are asking, will self-driving cars be able see pedestrians and takes steps to avoid a collision? Unfortunately, the answer is not always. This blog explores why critical vehicle failures occur in self-driving cars, examines the legal implications of these failures, and highlights the severe injuries and fatalities often associated with pedestrian accidents. Continue reading