Car Accident

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Illinois?

December 18, 2024 | John J. Malm

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is one of the most critical protections Illinois drivers can have. If you’re involved in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance, UM coverage ensures that you’re not left shouldering the financial burden alone. This type of insurance steps in to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that the at-fault uninsured driver cannot pay.

Illinois law requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, making it a standard part of most auto insurance policies. But how does UM coverage work, and what does it include? Continue reading

Fatal Pedestrian Accidents: Understanding Liability and Pursuing Justice in Illinois

November 27, 2024 | John J. Malm

Losing a loved one in a fatal pedestrian accident is a devastating and life-altering event. Families are left not only to cope with profound grief but also to navigate the complex and often overwhelming process of seeking justice for their loss. At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the deep emotional and financial challenges that come with such a tragedy. Our mission is to provide compassionate support and tireless advocacy for families seeking answers and accountability.

“Representing families after a fatal pedestrian accident is about more than legal action—it’s about honoring their loved one’s memory and ensuring their loss is not in vain. We stand beside these families to fight for justice and the closure they deserve.” — John J. Malm, Illinois fatality attorney

Let’s explore what it means to represent families in these tragic cases and how our Illinois wrongful death law firm works to hold negligent parties accountable.

The Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims in Illinois

September 12, 2024 | John J. Malm

Car accidents can be overwhelming and potentially life-altering, and the situation becomes even more complicated when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage. In Illinois, motorists are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, but not all drivers comply. According to a study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC), about 12.6% of drivers nationwide are uninsured, and some studies estimate that this number can be higher in urban areas. Even those who carry insurance may have insufficient coverage to fully compensate victims for their injuries and damages. In these scenarios, uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) claims become crucial protections for injured individuals.

Understanding the differences between uninsured and underinsured motorist claims is essential if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who lacks adequate insurance coverage. These claims can be complex, and the involvement of insurance companies can create further complications. To ensure that your rights are fully protected, it’s important to consult with a knowledgeable lawyer before proceeding with a claim. Continue reading

Defending Pedestrian Rights in Chicago: Legal Support for Accident Victims

September 6, 2024 | John J. Malm

Pedestrian safety is a critical concern in Chicago, where busy streets, intersections, and distracted driving have made walking increasingly dangerous. As personal injury lawyers dedicated to helping injured pedestrians, John J. Malm & Associates is committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and seeking justice for victims across the city.

Why Pedestrian Safety is a Growing Concern in Chicago

Chicago’s high-traffic areas and busy intersections pose significant risks for pedestrians. Whether it’s navigating downtown streets or crossing neighborhood roads, pedestrians in Chicago face unique dangers, and the consequences of driver negligence can be devastating.

The Impact of Poorly Maintained Roads on Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois

June 26, 2024 | John J. Malm

Motorcycle riding offers a sense of freedom and adventure, but it also comes with significant risks. One critical, yet often overlooked, issue is the impact of poorly maintained roads on motorcycle accidents. In Illinois, the state of road maintenance has become a pressing concern for motorcyclists, leading to numerous accidents, injuries, and fatalities. This blog delves into the impact of inadequate or improper road upkeep on motorcycle safety, and how it can lead to serious motorcycle accidents. Continue reading

What Should I Do After a Hit and Run Accident?

January 25, 2024 | John J. Malm

Hit and run accidents are scary. Often, after being struck by a hit and run driver, you are confused and worry about what to do next. Do you attempt to chase down the other driver or do you call the police? What if you were injured as a result of the accident? There are several steps you should take immediately to aid in the investigation and preserve any claims you may have against the hit and run driver. Continue reading

How Are Medical Bills Paid After An Accident?

February 9, 2023 | John J. Malm

Being involved in an accident is scary. Often, you will need to seek medical treatment for your injuries after the accident and the medical bills to treat your injuries can quickly add up. You may even consider putting off medical treatment until you figure out how your medical bills will get paid. While it is not a good idea to delay your medical treatment, there are several options to deal with medical bills while you receive treatment for your injuries. Continue reading

Dangerous Car Accidents Are On The Rise

December 12, 2022 | John J. Malm

A recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has shown that in the last year, more drivers are participating in dangerous driving activities, such as speeding, running red lights, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Data from the study shows that 24% more drivers drove while under the influence of alcohol from 2020 to 2021, 13% more drivers drove after an hour of consuming cannabis, 10% more drivers drove through a red light, and 12% more drivers drove 15 miles-per-hour over the speed limit when on the highway.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic fatalities have risen since the beginning of the COVD-19 pandemic. The NHTSA estimated that 42,915 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2021, an increase of 10.5% from 2020.

Why Do I Need to Notify My Insurance When I Wasn’t at Fault?

December 9, 2022 | John J. Malm

Often, our clients ask why they need to notify their insurance company of the motor vehicle accident when they weren’t at fault. They are concerned that notifying their insurance company of the collision will raise their insurance rates and negatively impact them in the future. Even if you weren’t at fault in causing the motor vehicle collision, there are several reasons why you should notify your insurance company.

First, your insurance company may require you to notify them of an accident regardless of whether you were at fault or not. Different insurance companies have different notice requirements, including the time frame of when notice must be given and whether notice must be given in writing. If you fail to comply with your insurance company’s notice requirements, there may be adverse consequences, including your insurance company dropping your insurance or an inability to bring an uninsured or underinsured claim. Continue reading

Accidents Caused by Lost or Falling Cargo

August 24, 2020 | John J. Malm

Every vehicle has experienced the occasional rock or road debris striking their windshield. While the resulting damage is usually minor and covered by auto insurance, what happens when you encounter a dangerous road hazard such as fallen semi-truck cargo? If the cargo in a commercial truck is not properly loaded or secured, the cargo can shift in transit, causing the driver to lose control and tip over. Falling cargo can act as a projectile and penetrate the windshield of a trailing vehicle resulting in serious bodily injury or even death.

According to AAA, over a period of three years, more than 200,000 accidents were caused by falling debris. Approximately 25,000 crashes and 80-90 deaths occur in the United States each year. Traveling at a high rate of speed increases the risk of cargo falling from vehicles but decreases other drivers’ ability to react to hazards created by the airborne debris or debris on the roadway. More than one-third of all deaths reported in the study occurred when a driver swerved to avoid the falling debris. Overcorrecting at the last minute to avoid debris also increased a driver’s risk of losing control of their vehicle and making a bad situation even worse.