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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

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Motorcycle riding offers freedom and exhilaration, but it also comes with significant risks. Among these is the danger posed by uninsured or underinsured drivers. Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage are essential protections for motorcyclists, ensuring financial security in the event of an accident with a driver lacking adequate insurance. In this blog, we discuss why it’s important for bikers to have uninsured and underinsured coverage and how this coverage can protect riders in the event of a serious motorcycle accident. Continue reading

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After an accident—whether it’s a car crash, a slip and fall, or another personal injury—the insurance company may contact you with a seemingly routine request: to sign a medical release form. While this might sound harmless or even necessary, many injury victims don’t realize that signing a blanket medical release can severely hurt their case. Before putting pen to paper, it’s crucial to understand what these forms do, what rights you may be giving up, and why speaking to an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney first is almost always in your best interest.

What Is a Medical Release Form?

A medical release form—often titled something like “Authorization to Disclose Health Information”—is a document that gives the insurance company permission to access your medical records. The adjuster might claim they need this information to evaluate your injury claim, which is partly true. However, what they don’t mention is that the standard release forms they provide are usually broad and unrestricted, giving them access to your entire medical history, not just the records related to your injury.

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Dog bites can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Each year, thousands of Americans are injured by dog attacks, many of them children. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), insurers paid over $1 billion in dog bite liability claims in 2022 alone.

But what many people don’t realize is that when it comes to settling these claims, insurance companies don’t evaluate dog bite cases based on the real harm suffered — they use an internal ‘rating scale’ system that often undervalues the true cost of these injuries.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we’ve seen how this process works from the inside. And we’ve seen too many victims settle for far less than they deserve simply because they didn’t understand how insurance companies calculate claims — or how to fight back. Continue reading

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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

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Umbrella coverage, also known as an umbrella insurance policy, provides additional liability protection beyond the limits of standard homeowner’s, auto, or other personal insurance policies. In Illinois, homeowners can purchase umbrella coverage to protect against significant claims and lawsuits that exceed the limits of their primary insurance policies. This is extremely helpful in personal injury cases, where the cost of treatment for severe injuries often exceeds the policy limits of the primary insurance policy. Continue reading

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For many dog owners, their pet is a beloved member of the family. But there is one uncomfortable truth that cannot be ignored: When it comes to serious and fatal dog attacks, no breed is responsible for more injuries and deaths than pit bulls.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have represented numerous clients who were left permanently disfigured, emotionally traumatized, or lost a loved one because of a violent pit bull attack. Time and time again, these cases share the same heartbreaking pattern — an irresponsible pit bull owner fails to control their aggressive dog, and an innocent person suffers devastating injuries. Continue reading

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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

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Nursing home neglect is an all-too-common issue in here in Naperville and throughout Illinois, with serious consequences for vulnerable elderly residents. Whether it’s the result of missed medications, improper care, or inadequate supervision, neglect can lead to devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and even death. At the core of many of these tragic incidents lies a common factor: staffing issues.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have represented families in numerous cases where staffing problems were found to be the root cause of nursing home neglect. In this blog, we will explore why staffing issues are so often at the center of nursing home neglect investigations, the impact of understaffing on residents, and how our Naperville elder abuse lawyers help families hold nursing homes accountable for their failures. Continue reading

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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

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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