Car Accident

Car Accidents in School Zones

August 5, 2024 | John J. Malm

School zones are designed to be safe havens for children. However, the reality is that car accidents in these areas are not uncommon. The combination of young, small, unpredictable pedestrians and drivers who may be distracted or in a hurry creates a potentially dangerous environment. In Illinois, as in many other states, the law imposes stricter regulations in school zones to mitigate these risks. Understanding the nature of car accidents in school zones, the statistics, and the legal implications is crucial for drivers and parents alike.

The Scope of the Problem

Car accidents in school zones pose a significant threat to the safety of children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 111 children are killed every year while walking to or from school, and more than 25,000 are injured in school zone accidents. These numbers are alarming and highlight the importance of adhering to safety measures in these areas. Continue reading

The Dangers of Street Racing and Drag Racing in Illinois

July 25, 2024 | John J. Malm

Street and drag racing have long been glamorized by movies and television shows, often depicted as thrilling and rebellious. However, the reality is far from the glitz and glam. These illegal racing activities pose significant dangers to both participants and innocent bystanders. In Illinois, the rise in street racing incidents has prompted law enforcement and communities to take a closer look at the perils associated with this dangerous trend. This blog will delve into the risks of street and drag racing, supported by alarming statistics and expert insights.

The Allure of Street and Drag Racing

Street racing typically involves drivers competing on public roads, often late at night or in isolated areas, to avoid detection by law enforcement. Drag racing, on the other hand, involves a straight-line race between two cars over a short distance, usually a quarter-mile. Both activities are illegal and dangerous, yet they continue to attract participants due to the adrenaline rush, the competitive spirit, and the perceived glamour associated with high-speed racing. Continue reading

Car Accidents in Illinois During Rainy Conditions: A Growing Concern

June 25, 2024 | John J. Malm

Rainy weather significantly impacts road safety, contributing to a considerable number of car accidents in Illinois each year. The combination of reduced visibility, slick roads, and driver error during rainfall creates a dangerous environment for motorists. Understanding the extent of this issue and the contributing factors can help in developing effective strategies to mitigate the risks associated with driving in wet conditions.

The Impact of Rain on Road Safety

Rainfall is a major factor in car accidents across the United States, and Illinois is no exception. According to the Federal Highway Administration, weather-related accidents account for nearly 21% of all vehicle crashes nationwide, with rain being responsible for 70% of these incidents. In Illinois, the statistics are equally alarming. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported that in 2022, there were over 16,000 weather-related car accidents, with rain being a significant contributing factor. Continue reading

Understanding Motorcycle Licensing Requirements in Illinois: A Guide for Riders

June 21, 2024 | John J. Malm

Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating way to travel, offering freedom and adventure on the open road. However, before you can enjoy the wind in your hair and the thrill of the ride in Illinois, it’s essential to understand the state’s motorcycle licensing requirements. As personal injury lawyers who represent clients severely injured in motorcycle collisions, we emphasize the importance of being well-informed and properly licensed to ensure safety and legal compliance. Below is a comprehensive guide to obtaining your motorcycle license in Illinois. Continue reading

Why are Deaths from Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois Increasing?

March 4, 2024 | John J. Malm

On Sunday, March 3, 2024, a pedestrian was fatally injured after being struck in a hit and run accident in Chicago. The police stated that a man was in the street when he was struck by a dark-colored SUV that continued driving westbound on Marquette Road in Chicago Lawn. Despite their vigilant investigation, police do not currently have anyone in custody.

On Sunday, February 25, 2024, an elderly couple were killed in the City of Chicago after being struck by a pickup truck while crossing the street to go to church. According to the police, the elderly couple was in the crosswalk when they were struck by a Ford F150 pickup truck. The pickup truck was seen on security video making a left before knocking the couple down to the ground while they were in the crosswalk. After the collision, the pedestrians were taken to local hospitals, where they later succumbed to their injuries. The pickup truck driver was given a citation for failure to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. Continue reading

Truck Steering Issue Recall 2024

February 12, 2024 | John J. Malm

Over 47,000 Kenworth and Peterbilt semi-trucks were recalled due to loss of steering control issues according to our Naperville, Illinois truck accident attorneys. According to Paccar, the steering assemblies may have been incorrectly assembled, with fewer recirculating balls than are required for the steering mechanism. Due to the missing recirculating balls, there is a chance that the semi-truck drivers affected may lose their ability to control steering and crash.

Vehicle recalls are common, and millions of recalls happen every year. In fact, in 2017, 42 million commercial and personal vehicles were recalled. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety requirements. Manufacturers often recall vehicles prior to the NHTSA’s involvement because of the safety risks associated with the vehicle defects. Often, defective and incorrectly assembled products can cause serious injuries and may even result in a fatality.

Should I Hire An Attorney For My Personal Injury Claim?

January 13, 2023 | John J. Malm

After being injured in an accident, one of your first thoughts may be whether you should hire an attorney and when. If you are coping with the devastating effects of a serious personal injury or the tragic loss of a loved one, it is important to hire an attorney that possesses the necessary level of skill as a trial lawyer and who will devote his or her time, energy, and resources to resolve your injury claim. Hiring an attorney after your accident will allow you to focus on your health and recovery.

Research has shown that people who hire attorneys receive larger settlements than people who handle personal injury claims on their own. A study that was initially published by the Insurance Research Council in 1999 and has since been updated, found that accident victims who hired an attorney to help them pursue their claim received 40% more in settlement than accident victims who did not hire an attorney. A study published by the All-Industry Research Advisory Council likewise found that accident victims who retained an attorney received more in settlement ($1.59 per dollar of loss) as compared to accident victims who did not hie an attorney ($1.26 per dollar of loss). Continue reading

Naperville Motorcyclist Fatally Injured After Striking a Vehicle in Lisle

April 25, 2021 | John J. Malm

A Naperville motorcyclist was killed after crashing into a vehicle in west suburban Lisle on April 8, 2021. According to the DuPage County Coroner’s office, 55-year-old Thomas Martino was riding his motorcycle westbound on Maple Avenue when he struck a vehicle turning from Spring Bay Drive onto Maple Avenue. Martino passed away at the scene and the driver of the vehicle was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. No citations or charges were filed in the ongoing investigation, according to Lisle Police Deputy Chief Kevin Licko.

Major Accident on Interstate 55 Results in Fatalities

March 1, 2021 | John J. Malm

On February 13, 2021, two people were killed after their vehicle plunged at least 70 feet off the Stevenson Expressway, landing on the roadway below. The vehicle was driving inbound on the Stevenson at about 4:00 a.m. when it lost control near Ashland Avenue. The car landed on the street below at Archer Avenue and Robinson Street. Both occupants of the vehicle succumbed to their extensive injuries following the collision.

According to Illinois State Police, two other individuals were also injured in the crash. A 21-year-old woman and 25-year-old man were transported to Stroger Hospital in Chicago in critical condition. While it is unknown what caused the crash, a preliminary investigation by the Illinois State Police shows the car was traveling at a high rate of speed and likely struck a snow bank that was present where the car had lost control. The car also struck a light tower and knocked out the lights on the Stevenson in both directions between Ashland and the Dan Ryan Expressway.

Major Accident on Interstate 88 Results in Double Fatality

February 20, 2021 | John J. Malm

On January 26, 2021, a 30-year old woman and her 9-year old passenger died after a crash involving a semi-trailer on I-88 near Lisle, Illinois. According to Illinois State Police, Ashley Skrobot, of Lisle, was operating a 2009 Honda Accord in the westbound lane of I-88 near the Route 53 exit when she lost control of her vehicle. The Honda hit a median and then traveled back into the flow of traffic where it was hit by a semi-trailer.

Paramedics from the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Department arrived on the scene to find two people trapped inside the heavily damaged Honda Accord. The crews were able to extricate both of the occupants where they were categorized as having life-threatening injuries. Ashley Skrobot was transported to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove where she eventually succumbed to her injuries. The 9-year old passenger was transported to Lurie Children’s Hospital in critical condition. Unfortunately, the child, whose name was not released, also succumbed to her life-threatening injuries two days after the crash.