Strolling through downtown Naperville is one of life’s simple pleasures—whether you’re grabbing a latte, meeting friends, or just enjoying the charming scene. But urban walking comes with risks, and as our city grows, staying safe on foot is more important than ever. At John J. Malm & Associates, we are committed to protecting the rights of injury victims throughout Illinois—including pedestrians harmed in preventable accidents. Our local team of Naperville pedestrian accident lawyers has seen firsthand how a simple walk downtown can turn tragic due to a driver’s negligence or a poorly designed intersection.

As Naperville continues to grow and attract more visitors to its bustling downtown, it’s critical that residents and visitors alike stay informed about pedestrian safety. In this blog, we’ll share the top 10 ways you can stay safe while walking in downtown Naperville—practical tips backed by local data, community input, and our experience handling serious injury cases. Continue reading

Texting and driving is a persistent and deadly problem on Illinois roads. Despite statewide bans, public service campaigns, and growing awareness of its risks, many drivers continue to text behind the wheel. This dangerous habit leads to thousands of preventable car accidents, injuries, and fatalities each year.

Texting while driving is a form of distracted driving—one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes nationwide. In Illinois, it’s not just dangerous; it’s also illegal. Understanding the law, the risks, and your options if you’re injured by a distracted driver can help keep you and your loved ones safe. Continue reading

When approaching a four-way stop, it’s important to know who has the right-of-way to go first if multiple parties arrive at the stop sign at the same time. Not knowing the rules of the road and who has the right-of-way, can cause serious car accidents. In this blog, we’ll discuss who has the right-of-way at a four-way stop, and how our Naperville personal injury firm can help victims injured in four-way stop intersection accidents. Continue reading

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you might wonder whether you need to hire a personal injury attorney. While it’s technically possible to handle a claim on your own, navigating the complexities of insurance companies, legal procedures, and medical bills can be overwhelming—especially while recovering from your injuries. Hiring an experienced Naperville personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, ensuring that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our award-winning team has helped countless car accident victims across Illinois recover millions in compensation. With over 90 years of combined litigation experience, we know what it takes to win a case. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 reasons to hire a personal injury attorney for your Naperville car accident case—and why it might be one of the best decisions you make. Continue reading

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is an essential part of auto insurance, providing crucial protection when drivers encounter situations involving an uninsured driver. Despite legal mandates in many states requiring drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, millions of drivers either fail to maintain adequate coverage or drive without insurance altogether. This means that in the event of a car accident, there’s a significant risk that the at-fault driver may be uninsured. UM coverage serves as a safeguard, ensuring that even if you are hit by an uninsured motorist, you are not left shouldering the financial burden.

In this blog, we will explore what uninsured motorist coverage entails, why it’s essential, and the various scenarios where it applies. Continue reading

Parking lots, often perceived as low-risk areas for car accidents due to reduced speeds, are surprisingly common sites for crashes. In Naperville, Illinois, the bustling commercial centers and dense traffic contribute to a significant number of parking lot accidents annually. Understanding the appropriate steps to take following an accident in a parking lot is crucial for ensuring personal safety, legal compliance, and the protection of one’s rights. Continue reading

Experienced Naperville Personal Injury Attorneys Explain How Victims Achieve Justice After Being Hit by a Vehicle

Pedestrian accidents are some of the most severe and life-altering types of motor vehicle collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 6,000 pedestrians are killed annually, and over 130,000 are injured in traffic-related incidents in the United States. In Illinois alone, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reports thousands of pedestrian crashes each year, many resulting in catastrophic injuries.

This blog walks through the steps of a typical Naperville pedestrian accident case, using a fictional example to illustrate the steps involved—from the moment of the accident to investigation, settlement negotiations, or trial. Continue reading

Fatal car accidents are devastating events that leave families, friends, and entire communities grappling with grief and unanswered questions. In Naperville, Illinois, a bustling suburban city known for its safe neighborhoods and thriving local economy, these tragic accidents are a harsh reminder of the risks associated with modern transportation.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we’ve seen firsthand the immense toll deadly car accidents take on victims’ families. Our firm has over 90 years of combined experience helping families seek justice and recover compensation after devastating losses. In this blog, we’ll explore the common causes of fatal car accidents in Naperville, the legal and emotional impact on those left behind, and ways to prevent future tragedies. Continue reading

Negotiating a car accident injury settlement can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies focused on minimizing payouts. For many Illinois crash victims, the negotiation process is the key to recovering fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Achieving a successful settlement requires preparation, strategy, and an understanding of the factors that influence negotiations. From the evidence you present to the strength of your legal representation, multiple elements come into play during settlement talks.

“A successful negotiation is more than just an exchange of numbers. It’s about understanding the nuances of your case, presenting compelling evidence, and knowing when to push back against unfair offers. With the right approach, you can secure a settlement that truly reflects the impact of your injuries.” — John J. Malm, Naperville car accident attorney

Hit-and-run accidents are among the most frustrating and traumatic incidents a driver can experience. The suddenness of the collision, coupled with the other driver fleeing the scene, often leaves victims with severe injuries, property damage, and no clear path to recovery. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 700,000 hit-and-run accidents occur annually in the United States, and nearly 65% of fatal hit-and-run crashes involve pedestrians or cyclists.

For Illinois drivers, understanding the role of uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is essential in these situations. UM coverage serves as a critical safety net for victims of hit-and-run accidents, ensuring they have access to compensation even when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. In this blog, we’ll explore what constitutes a hit-and-run accident, how uninsured motorist coverage works, and why having robust UM coverage is crucial for protecting yourself and your family. Continue reading