Articles Posted in Car Accident

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 A combination of crowded highways, outdated road designs, aggressive driving habits, and simply too many cars.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

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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

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

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.