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Bicyclists face unique risks on the road. Even when wearing proper safety gear and obeying traffic laws, they remain vulnerable to careless, reckless, and distracted drivers. If you’ve been hit by a car while riding your bike, your injuries may be severe—and the situation becomes even more complicated when the at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene. So, what happens next?

Many cyclists are surprised to learn that uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply to bicycle accidents. If you carry a car insurance policy with UM coverage, you could be protected—even though you weren’t in a car when the accident happened. In this blog, we break down how that works, when it applies, and how you can protect yourself if you’re injured in a bicycle crash caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. Continue reading

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If you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering how to protect your rights and recover compensation. Personal injury claims provide a legal avenue to hold responsible parties accountable and secure the financial support you need for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we bring over 90 years of combined litigation experience to personal injury cases, helping clients across Illinois secure millions in compensation. Our award-winning team of Illinois accident attorneys is dedicated to providing personalized service and results-driven representation. In this blog, we’ll break down the essentials of personal injury claims, your legal rights, and what steps to take to maximize your recovery. Continue reading

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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 A combination of crowded highways, outdated road designs, aggressive driving habits, and simply too many cars.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.

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Selecting a nursing home for a loved one is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. The quality of care provided by a facility directly impacts the health and well-being of its residents. To aid families in making informed choices, the Medicare star rating system serves as an essential tool for evaluating nursing home performance. At John J. Malm & Associates, with offices in Naperville and St. Charles, we believe that understanding this system is crucial for ensuring your loved one receives the best possible care at their nursing home. Continue reading

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Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of personal injury claims in the United States. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), slips and falls result in over 1 million emergency room visits annually, accounting for 12% of all fall-related hospital visits. In Illinois, property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises, and when they fail to do so, victims have the right to seek compensation for their injuries.

In this blog, we’ll walk through a typical slip and fall case using a fictional example to explain how these claims are handled—from the moment of the accident to investigation, settlement, or trial.

The Incident: A Fictional Case

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A tire defect case is a specific type of product liability claim where the plaintiff alleges that a defective or blown tire caused an accident and resulting injuries. To succeed in a tire defect case, the plaintiff must prove the following:

  1. The tire was defective.
  2. The defect made the tire unreasonably dangerous.
  3. The defect existed when the tire left the manufacturer’s control.
  4. The defect caused the plaintiff’s injuries or damages.

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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

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Understanding the differences between a concussion and a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and management. Although both conditions involve brain injury, they differ in severity, symptoms, and long-term effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer from a TBI each year, with concussions making up a significant portion of these cases. Continue reading

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When a minor is injured in an accident, the legal process becomes more complex, particularly when it involves the management of settlement funds. In Illinois, courts often require the appointment of a Guardian of the Estate to oversee and manage any settlement proceeds on behalf of a minor. This legal guardian is responsible for handling the minor’s financial interests and ensuring the settlement funds are used in a way that benefits the child, both immediately and in the future. At John J. Malm & Associates, we assist families in navigating this process to ensure that their child’s best interests are protected and that any settlement funds are handled responsibly.

What is a Guardian of the Estate?

A Guardian of the Estate is a court-appointed adult, often a parent or a trusted family member, who is given the legal authority to manage the financial affairs of a minor. In the context of a personal injury settlement, a Guardian of the Estate is appointed to manage the settlement funds on behalf of the minor. This differs from a guardian ad litem, who is appointed to represent the minor’s interests in legal proceedings; a Guardian of the Estate specifically handles the financial aspects after a settlement is awarded.

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In dog bite cases, liability is often not the primary issue confronting plaintiffs. Illinois law imposes strict liability on dog owners, meaning that as long as the plaintiff was lawfully on the premises and did not provoke the dog, the owner is responsible for the injuries caused by the attack (510 ILCS 5/16). Instead, the focus at trial frequently shifts to damages—proving the extent of the harm suffered by the plaintiff and ensuring that they receive appropriate compensation.

Damages in dog bite cases can be wide-ranging, including medical bills (both past and future), pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement combined with loss of a normal life. An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to present compelling evidence for each type of damages, tailoring the case to the unique circumstances of the dog bite. In this blog, we’ll explore the types of damages recoverable in dog bite cases, using different dog breeds to illustrate examples and highlighting key case law to guide the discussion. Continue reading

Contact Information
Naperville Office
1730 Park St #201
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: (630) 527-4177Fax: (630) 527-4178
St. Charles Office
1700 Lincoln Hwy #G
St. Charles, IL 60174
Phone: (630) 524-2323

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