Will County Car Accident Lawyers

Compassionate Injury Attorneys for Victims of Car Crashes in Joliet, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, and Naperville

Car accidents are a daily reality on the roads of Will County, Illinois, home to growing suburbs like Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Plainfield. From congested interstates to rural backroads, drivers in Will County face a wide range of risks—many of them caused by negligent or reckless behavior.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our Will County car accident attorneys help victims who have been injured in serious auto accidents recover the compensation they need to move forward. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, it’s important to understand your legal rights and what steps to take after a car accident.

Overview of Car Accidents in Will County

A Growing County with Increasing Roadway Risk

Will County is the fourth-most populous county in Illinois, with over 696,000 residents as of 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. As population and development increase, so too does the amount of vehicle traffic—especially along major corridors like I-80, I-55, U.S. Route 30, and Illinois Route 59.

According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Will County consistently ranks among the counties with the highest number of motor vehicle crashes in the state. The most recent IDOT data shows:

• 2022: Will County had 15,740 total motor vehicle crashes, including:
  • 3,479 injury crashes
  • 64 fatal crashes, resulting in 68 deaths
• This marked an increase from 2021, when Will County saw:
  • 14,907 total crashes
  • 60 fatal crashes
  • 3,218 injury crashes

Will County is also part of the Chicago metropolitan area, which saw over 900 fatal crashes in 2022, contributing to Illinois’ statewide total of 1,268 traffic fatalities that year—a 7.8% increase from the previous year, according to the Illinois Fatal Crash Historical Records.

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Will County

While every crash is unique, many accidents in Will County share common causes, often linked to human error. The most frequent contributing factors include:

1. Distracted Driving

Texting, using GPS, eating, or adjusting the radio can take a driver’s eyes off the road long enough to cause serious harm. IDOT reports distracted driving as a leading cause of crashes in Illinois, with thousands of crashes each year attributed to inattention.

2. Speeding

Driving too fast for conditions—especially during snow, rain, or heavy traffic—is a major cause of high-speed collisions on roads like I-80 and I-55.

3. Drunk or Drugged Driving

According to the Illinois State Police, impaired driving continues to claim hundreds of lives across the state annually. In 2022, 254 alcohol-related fatalities were reported in Illinois.

4. Failure to Yield

This is especially common at intersections and when merging onto highways. Drivers often misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic or ignore right-of-way laws altogether.

5. Rear-End Collisions

These are frequent in high-traffic areas like Route 59 and Weber Road, especially near shopping centers or stoplights. Tailgating and sudden stops are typical culprits of rear-end crashes.

6. Weather Conditions

Will County’s icy winters and heavy summer storms can create dangerous driving conditions, especially when drivers don’t slow down or fail to maintain their vehicles.

High-Risk Roads and Intersections in Will County

Certain roads in Will County are known for higher accident rates due to traffic volume, design, or driver behavior. Some of the most dangerous areas for car accidents in Will County include:

• Interstate 80 through Joliet: Known for serious truck accidents and congestion
• Interstate 55 near Shorewood and Bolingbrook
• Route 59 through Plainfield and Naperville
• Weber Road in Romeoville
• Lincoln Highway (U.S. Route 30) across multiple municipalities

IDOT crash maps and local news reports often cite these roads as frequent locations for both minor and severe collisions.

Common Types of Injuries in Will County Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide spectrum of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. Common injuries our clients face include:

1. Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Common in rear-end collisions, whiplash can cause chronic pain and limited range of motion.

2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Even a mild concussion can have lasting effects. Severe TBIs may require long-term rehabilitation.

3. Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifetime care.

4. Fractures and Broken Bones

Common in high-impact collisions, these injuries often require surgery and physical therapy.

5. Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage

Not always immediately apparent, internal injuries can be fatal if not treated promptly.

6. Psychological Trauma

Many accident victims suffer from PTSD, anxiety, or depression following a serious crash.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Will County

Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming. Here’s what you should do to protect yourself:

1. Call 911 – Always report the crash, even if it seems minor.
2. Seek medical attention – Your health comes first. Don’t wait to be evaluated.
3. Document the scene – Take photos of the vehicles, damage, injuries, and road conditions.
4. Get witness information – Eyewitnesses can help establish fault later.
5. File a police report – This becomes a critical piece of evidence in your claim.
6. Notify your insurance company – But avoid making recorded statements without legal guidance.
7. Contact an experienced Will County car accident attorney – At John J. Malm & Associates, we can help protect your rights and deal with insurance companies.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Will County Crash?

In a Will County car accident case, victims may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement or disability
• Loss of consortium (for spouses or family members)

In some rare cases involving gross negligence or recklessness—such as DUI—punitive damages may also be awarded.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Will County, Illinois?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is:

• Two years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims
• Five years for property damage claims
• If the victim is a minor or mentally incapacitated, the timeline may be extended

However, these timelines may vary depending on the circumstances. It is critical to consult with a Will County personal injury attorney as soon as possible so evidence can be preserved and deadlines are not missed.

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

While not every car accident requires legal help, a serious crash with injuries or contested liability almost always does. Insurance companies often try to:

• Downplay the severity of your injuries
• Offer lowball settlements
• Blame you for the crash
• Delay the claim process

An experienced Will County car accident attorney can:

• Investigate the crash
• Deal with insurance adjusters
• Collect medical records and expert testimony
• Negotiate a fair settlement
• File a lawsuit and take your case to trial if needed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Will County Car Accident Claims

Q: What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

You may still recover through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you carry it on your auto policy. Illinois law requires drivers to carry UM coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Q: How much is my Will County car accident case worth?

Every case is different. Your total compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, liability issues, medical bills, lost wages, and how the injury affects your life.

Q: Can I still file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?

Yes, but it could reduce your compensation if it contributed to your injuries. Insurance companies may try to argue “comparative negligence” in this situation.

Q: Can I sue the government if a poorly maintained road caused the accident?

Possibly. Claims against government agencies are more complex and have shorter deadlines. Talk to a lawyer immediately if road conditions played a role.

Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates for Your Will County Car Accident Case?

Our experienced personal injury team has helped countless victims throughout Will County, including Joliet, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Romeoville, and beyond. We understand the local courts, judges, and insurance tactics—and we don’t back down from a fight.

We take pride in giving our clients:

• Personalized attention
• Aggressive representation
• Proven results

When you’re injured in a car accident, you shouldn’t have to fight the insurance companies alone. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact the Top-Rated Will County Car Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Will County, don’t wait to get legal help. You may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries, lost income, and emotional suffering.

Our firm offers free, no-obligation consultations. Our award-winning Will County car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Call us at 844-MALMLAW or (630) 527-4177, or fill out our secure online form to schedule your free case review. Let our team fight for your recovery while you focus on healing.