DeKalb County, Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers

Highly Rated Attorneys for Injury Victims in DeKalb, Sycamore, Kirkland, Malta, and Maple Park

DeKalb County, Illinois, is home to a diverse mix of urban centers, college communities, rural roadways, and industrial corridors. With major routes such as Interstate 88, U.S. Route 38, and Illinois Route 23 running through the county, residents and visitors face daily exposure to traffic congestion, commercial trucking activity, and higher-speed travel. DeKalb County also has a significant population of students, older adults, and agricultural workers, each of whom faces unique injury risks.

According to regional transportation safety data, DeKalb County consistently reports hundreds of crashes each year resulting in serious injuries and fatalities, along with a substantial number of premises liability incidents and nursing home complaints. As the county continues to grow and develop, the frequency and complexity of personal injury claims have increased, particularly those involving motor vehicles, unsafe properties, and elder neglect.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our injury attorneys have a long-standing commitment to representing injured individuals and families throughout DeKalb County and across Northern Illinois. We understand that a serious injury can disrupt every aspect of a person’s life: from physical health and emotional well-being to employment and financial stability. Insurance companies and corporate defendants often attempt to minimize claims, delay payment, or shift blame onto the injured party. We work to level that playing field.

Our DeKalb County personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including motor vehicle collisions, nursing home abuse and neglect, premises liability claims, and wrongful death actions. We approach each case with thorough investigation, strategic litigation planning, and aggressive advocacy designed to secure maximum compensation for our clients.

When you work with our firm, you can expect:

• Direct access to experienced personal injury attorneys
• Detailed investigation of liability, damages, and insurance coverage
• Clear communication at every stage of your case
• A willingness to take cases to trial when fair settlements are not offered

We are proud to serve DeKalb County residents with personalized legal representation and a results-driven approach.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are among the most common causes of personal injury claims in DeKalb County. According to recent local data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, the number of car crashes in the city of DeKalb increased from 459 in 2013 to 1,039 in 2023, representing a 126% rise over a decade. Of these 2023 crashes, 162 resulted in injuries and four involved fatalities, while the remaining were primarily property damage collisions. Younger drivers, especially those aged 18 to 24, were disproportionately involved in these accidents. Most crashes occurred between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Across DeKalb County as a whole, traffic data from the regional planning agency indicates that, between 2018 and 2022, 439 crashes resulting in fatalities or serious injuries occurred, with an annual average of approximately 11 deaths and nearly 98 serious injuries.

Common Causes

• Distracted driving (e.g., cellphone use)
• Speeding and reckless behavior
• Failure to yield and intersection violations
• Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs)
• Weather and road conditions

Legal Considerations

Victims of car accidents can pursue compensation through insurance claims and civil lawsuits. Illinois follows modified comparative fault rules, meaning compensation can be reduced if the injured party is partially at fault.

Truck Accidents

Commercial truck collisions often result in serious injury due to the size and weight of trucks. In DeKalb County, reported crashes involving semi-trucks, such as a July 2025 collision on Perry Road and East County Line Road that resulted in hospitalizations, illustrate the risk inherent in these incidents.

Common Issues in Truck Collision Claims

• Driver fatigue and Hours of Service violations
• Improper loading or shifting cargo
• Maintenance and inspection failures
• Speeding and negligent driving

Federal regulations and multiple potential defendants (drivers, trucking companies, and cargo loaders) make truck accident cases particularly complex.

Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists in DeKalb County share the road with motor vehicles, and collisions can result in severe injuries. While county-specific bicycle crash data is limited, statewide trends illustrate the dangers faced by bicyclists: Illinois saw 41 bicyclist fatalities in 2023, more than triple the number from 2019.

Common Causes

• Motor vehicles failing to yield
• Poor roadway conditions
• Lack of dedicated bike lanes
• Distracted driving

Bicycle accident claims often involve fractured bones, head and spinal injuries, and extensive rehabilitation costs.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are vulnerable to serious injury when struck by vehicles. While specific DeKalb County fatality statistics are not published locally, statewide pedestrian fatalities increased by approximately 9.5% in recent years, reflecting a broader trend in Illinois.

Contributing Factors

• Crosswalk and infrastructure deficiencies
• Distracted driving and walking
• Poor lighting conditions
• Vehicle speed and large vehicle front profiles

Pedestrian claims typically seek compensation for long-term medical care, lost earnings, and quality-of-life impacts.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the limited protection afforded to riders. In DeKalb County, motorcycle crashes frequently occur on rural highways, county roads, and high-speed corridors where visibility issues and driver inattention are common. Statewide data shows that motorcyclists are significantly more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries compared to occupants of passenger vehicles.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, motorcyclists account for a disproportionately high percentage of traffic fatalities each year despite representing a small fraction of registered vehicles. In recent reporting years, Illinois has recorded more than 150 motorcycle fatalities annually, with thousands of riders suffering serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple fractures.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accident claims in DeKalb County often involve:

• Drivers failing to yield while turning or merging
• Left-turn collisions at intersections
• Distracted driving, including cellphone use
• Speeding and aggressive driving
• Road hazards such as gravel, potholes, and uneven pavement

Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible, drivers frequently claim they “did not see” the rider. However, failure to maintain a proper lookout is a form of negligence under Illinois law.

Injuries Commonly Seen in Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcyclists frequently sustain life-altering injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries, even with helmet use
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Road rash and severe soft tissue injuries
• Multiple fractures and orthopedic trauma
• Internal organ damage

Motorcycle accident claims often involve substantial medical expenses, extended rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, and long-term disability.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Nursing home abuse and neglect represent a serious category of personal injury claims involving vulnerable elderly residents. In Illinois, state data show a significant number of elder abuse reports, more than 22,000 in 2024, and long-term care facilities often face allegations ranging from physical and emotional abuse to neglect.

Challenges and Indicators

• Falls and fractures
• Bedsores and pressure ulcers
• Medication errors
• Failure to provide basic needs and supervision

National research suggests that only about 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse are reported, indicating widespread underreporting.

Legal Remedies

Victims and their families may pursue claims for compensatory damages, punitive damages, and sometimes wrongful death when neglect or abuse leads to a resident’s death.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Dog bites and animal attacks are a significant source of personal injury claims in DeKalb County, particularly involving children, delivery workers, and visitors lawfully on another person’s property. These incidents often occur in residential neighborhoods, apartment complexes, parks, and common areas where dogs are not properly restrained or supervised. Even a single bite can result in serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term medical complications.

Common Dog Bite and Animal Attack Injuries

Victims of dog bites and animal attacks may suffer injuries such as:

• Puncture wounds, lacerations, and deep tissue damage
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Nerve damage and loss of function
• Infections, including those requiring hospitalization
• Psychological trauma, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress

Legal Liability in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite claims may involve multiple responsible parties, including:

• Dog owners and keepers
• Property owners and landlords
• Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance carriers
• Businesses that permit animals on their premises

Our firm investigates animal control records, prior complaints, veterinary documentation, and insurance coverage to determine all available sources of compensation.

Premises Liability Cases (Slip and Fall Accidents)

Premises liability cases arise when individuals are injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. Common examples include:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Inadequate security leading to assault
• Falling or unsecured objects
• Poor maintenance and hazard warnings

Key Legal Elements

To prevail in a premises liability claim, an injured person must demonstrate that:

• The property owner owed a duty of care
• The owner breached that duty
• The breach caused the injury
• Damages resulted directly from the injury

Status on the property (invitee, licensee, trespasser) often affects the duty owed by the property owner.

Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death claims arise when negligence or intentional wrongdoing leads to a person’s death. Deaths from motor vehicle crashes, nursing home neglect, and other personal injury incidents may all give rise to wrongful death actions under Illinois law. These claims seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship
• Pain and suffering endured prior to death

Courts may award significant damages in wrongful death actions, reflecting both economic and non-economic losses suffered by surviving family members.

Frequently Asked Questions about DeKalb County, IL Personal Injury Claims

Q: What types of compensation can I recover in a personal injury claim?

A: Victims may recover economic damages (medical bills, lost wages), non-economic damages (pain and suffering), and in some cases punitive damages where the defendant’s conduct was egregious.

Q: How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois?

A: The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Illinois is generally two years from the date of injury, though specific circumstances may extend or shorten this period.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for my claim?

A: While you can pursue a claim on your own, having experienced legal counsel can significantly improve your ability to navigate complex liability issues and negotiate with insurance companies.

Contact the Seasoned DeKalb County, Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

Personal injury incidents in DeKalb County, Illinois, from car and truck accidents to premises liability and nursing home abuse, can result in devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. With local crash rates rising and complexities inherent in proving fault and damages, it is essential to work with dedicated legal professionals who understand both the law and the realities facing injured victims.

If you or a loved one has been harmed due to another party’s negligence or misconduct, do not wait to protect your rights. Contact our firm today for a free, comprehensive evaluation of your case. We will help you understand your legal options, fight for the compensation you need, and hold responsible parties accountable. Your recovery matters, let us advocate for you.