Naperville, Illinois Car Accident Lawyers

Personal Injury Attorneys Serving DuPage County, IL

In Illinois, car accidents result in over 1,000 deaths and more than 90,000 injuries annually, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Despite recent reductions in vehicle accidents, crashes still occur at a rate of over 1,000 per day on Illinois roads. Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Car accidents in DuPage County, particularly in Naperville and the surrounding western suburbs, account for a significant portion of these incidents. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, you should consult the knowledgeable DuPage County car accident lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates to learn about your rights and the potential for a settlement.

Do You Have a Car Accident Claim?

If you have been injured in a car accident, truck accident, pedestrian accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident, or hit-and-run accident, you may have a negligence claim. Anyone operating a motor vehicle in Illinois has a legal duty to exercise reasonable care and obey traffic laws. Failure to do so may constitute negligence, potentially entitling you to damages. These damages may include:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Loss of future income
• Disability and disfigurement
• Wrongful death (in cases of fatal injuries)

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have a proven track record of helping car accident victims recover substantial settlements. You can review some of our recent case results under the Recent Settlements tab on our website.

Can Your Injury Claim Be Settled Without Filing a Lawsuit?

Understandably, many people are hesitant to pursue litigation. However, not all car accident claims require filing a lawsuit. In fact, the vast majority of claims in DuPage County are settled outside of court. At John J. Malm & Associates, we have an extremely high success rate in resolving our clients’ claims through negotiation and settlement. Even when a case must be filed in court, we have a track record of reaching successful settlements in our clients’ cases. This means that most clients can avoid the stress and uncertainty of a trial while still receiving fair compensation.

Our success is due to diligently preparing each case as if it were going to trial. By approaching every case with a detailed trial strategy, we ensure that we are fully equipped to negotiate from a position of strength, maximizing our clients’ chances of receiving favorable settlements. Our firm works tirelessly to develop thorough settlement demand packages, which often lead to favorable outcomes without needing to go to trial.

Why Shouldn’t You Speak to the Insurance Company?

It may seem tempting to speak directly with the insurance company following an accident, but doing so can harm your case. Insurance companies are motivated to settle claims for the lowest possible amount. Speaking with them without legal representation could result in undervaluing your claim.

By allowing our team at John J. Malm & Associates to handle communication on your behalf, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that your claim receives the attention it deserves. We will gather evidence, assess the full scope of your injuries, and present a strong case for fair compensation.

How Can the Other Driver’s Negligence Be Proved?

To successfully claim damages, you must prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. Fault is typically established by showing that the other driver violated a traffic law or failed to exercise reasonable care. Examples of negligent actions include:

• Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone
• Failing to yield to the right-of-way
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

These are common contributing factors in many accidents reported in Illinois Traffic Crash Reports. We will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine fault and build a compelling case.

What Types of Injuries Can Result from Car Accidents?

Car accident injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-altering conditions. Common injuries include:

• Whiplash: Soft tissue injuries affecting the neck and back, often caused by rear-end collisions.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: High-speed crashes can lead to broken limbs, ribs, and other serious fractures.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Severe head injuries that can result in long-term cognitive issues.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: In severe cases, spinal cord damage can lead to paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs caused by the impact of a collision.
• Wrongful Death: Fatalities resulting from catastrophic accidents.

Understanding the full extent of your injuries and their potential long-term impact is essential for determining the appropriate level of compensation.

Recent Car Accident Case Results

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have achieved significant settlements for our clients in their car accident cases, including:

• $737,500 for a 57-year-old man who suffered a shoulder injury in a rear-end collision. Despite an initial offer of $190,000 from the insurance company, we developed a comprehensive litigation strategy that resulted in a much higher settlement.
• $718,000 for a man and woman who sustained severe injuries, resulting in two surgeries, in a heavy-impact rear-end collision on I-88 in Naperville.
• $3.9 million for the wrongful death of a woman who was tragically killed in a side-impact car crash. This settlement helped ensure that the victim’s family was properly compensated for their devastating loss.
• $1 million settlement for a client who suffered a herniated lumbar disc injury requiring surgery, resulting from a rear-end car accident.
• $495,000 settlement for a client injured in a rear-end car accident that necessitated elbow surgery.
• $400,000 settlement for a pedestrian struck by a car in a crosswalk, leading to a fractured femur.
• $375,000 settlement for a pedestrian who suffered shoulder and hip injuries after being struck by a car in a retail store parking lot.
• $320,000 settlement for a client who suffered a herniated disc in the C5-C6 vertebrae due to a rear-end collision.
• $295,000 settlement for the loss of an unborn child at 20 weeks gestational age in a tragic rear-end car accident.

These results demonstrate our commitment to maximizing compensation for our clients, even in cases where the initial offer was inadequate.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims

If the driver who caused your accident was uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy. Many Illinois drivers have uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which can provide additional compensation when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient.

We will carefully evaluate all available coverage and file the necessary claims to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.

Get What Your Claim is Worth! Here’s an Example:

We were retained as the second attorney for a 57-year-old man who suffered a shoulder injury in a rear-end accident. The other driver’s liability was clear, but the question remained: how much was the case worth? The initial settlement offer was $190,000, which our client’s former attorney advised him to accept. Unsatisfied, our client came to us for a second opinion.

We took over the case and implemented an aggressive litigation strategy, gathering key witness testimony, vocational expert opinions, and economic evidence to prove the full extent of our client’s lost income and future employment prospects. After thorough preparation, we reached a settlement of $737,500, significantly higher than the initial offer.

By thoroughly reviewing the facts and executing a strategic approach, we were able to secure an additional $547,500 for the client.

Get Advice From an Experienced Attorney

After a car accident, navigating injuries, medical bills, and insurance claims can be overwhelming. Speaking with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can protect your rights and simplify the process.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we know how to handle complex negotiations and prevent insurance companies from undervaluing your claim. Our experienced attorneys:

• Provide Guidance: We act quickly to preserve evidence and prevent mistakes that could harm your claim.
• Evaluate Your Claim: We assess your damages to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
• Handle Negotiations: We negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation.
• Prepare for Litigation: If necessary, we prepare every case as though it may go to trial.
• Guide You Through Insurance Claims: We help navigate uninsured/underinsured motorist claims and all coverage options.

Remember, there are strict time limits for filing a claim. Consulting with an attorney early can help ensure the best outcome, whether through negotiation or litigation.

Act Quickly: Time Limits for Filing a Claim

In Illinois, most personal injury claims arising from car accidents must be filed within two years under the statute of limitations. See, Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly (Personal Actions), 735 ILCS 5/13-202 (Personal Injury-Limitation).  In some cases, such as claims against government entities, the timeframe may be shorter. If you do not file within the required timeframe, your claim may be barred. At John J. Malm & Associates, we recommend speaking with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure all necessary deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.

Contact DuPage County Car Accident Attorney John J. Malm

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in DuPage County, contact the law firm of John J. Malm & Associates today. We offer free consultations to help you explore your legal options. Our experienced personal injury attorneys serve clients throughout Naperville, St. Charles, and the surrounding areas.

Call us at 630-527-4177 for Naperville or 630-524-2323 for St. Charles, and let us provide the support and representation you need to secure the compensation you deserve.