DeKalb County, IL Car Accident Lawyers

Knowledgeable Attorneys for People Injured in Crashes on Peace Road, Route 23, and Route 64

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on roadways throughout DeKalb County, affecting residents, commuters, students, and visitors alike. With major routes such as Interstate 88, Illinois Route 23, and Illinois Route 64 running through the county, local roads see a steady mix of passenger vehicles, commercial traffic, farm equipment, and student drivers from Northern Illinois University. When crashes occur, the consequences can be severe, ranging from property damage and lost income to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

For decades, the dedicated injury attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates have stood up for individuals and families harmed by negligent drivers throughout DeKalb County. We understand that a serious car accident does more than cause physical injuries, it disrupts careers, families, and financial stability. Our DeKalb County personal injury attorneys focus exclusively on representing injured victims, not insurance companies, and we bring a deep understanding of Illinois traffic laws, local road conditions, and the tactics insurers use to undervalue claims. From the moment a client contacts our office, our goal is clear: to pursue maximum compensation while handling every legal burden so our clients can focus on healing and moving forward.

Overview of Car Accident Trends in DeKalb County

Crash data compiled by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) shows that DeKalb County experiences thousands of motor vehicle crashes each year, many resulting in injuries and some proving fatal. While DeKalb County is less densely populated than neighboring DuPage or Cook counties, its combination of high-speed rural highways and busy intersections creates a unique risk profile for motorists.

According to IDOT’s county crash statistics, Illinois continues to report hundreds of thousands of crashes annually, with tens of thousands involving injuries and more than a thousand fatal crashes statewide each year. These statewide trends directly affect DeKalb County roadways, particularly as traffic volumes increase and distracted or impaired driving remains a persistent problem.

Recent DeKalb County Crash Statistics

Local data from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and IDOT helps illustrate the real-world impact of traffic collisions in the county. In 2024 alone, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office recorded six fatal crashes within the county, underscoring the serious risks drivers face even on familiar roads.

Additional patterns observed in recent years include:

• A significant number of crashes occurring at major intersections involving state routes
• Serious injury crashes on high-speed corridors such as I-88
• Seasonal spikes in collisions during winter months due to snow, ice, and reduced visibility

Statewide data further shows that speed, alcohol impairment, and distracted driving are among the leading contributors to fatal and injury crashes across Illinois.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in DeKalb County, Illinois

Certain roads and intersections in DeKalb County appear repeatedly in crash reports. According to county and IDOT data, some of the most dangerous roads for car accidents in DeKalb County include:

• Interstate 88 (Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): I-88 is one of the most heavily traveled corridors in the county. High speeds, commercial truck traffic, and congestion during peak commuting hours contribute to rear-end collisions, multi-vehicle pileups, and severe high-speed crashes.
• Illinois Route 23: Route 23 runs through both urban and rural areas, creating risks associated with sudden speed changes, turning vehicles, and limited sightlines. Intersection crashes and angle collisions are common along this route.
• Illinois Route 64 (North Avenue): As a major east–west arterial road, Route 64 experiences heavy daily traffic. Speeding, failure to yield, and distracted driving frequently play a role in serious crashes, particularly at busy intersections.
• Peace Road: Peace Road is a known crash hotspot due to its high traffic volume, multiple intersections, and frequent congestion near commercial areas and schools. Rear-end and turning-related collisions are common.
• Somonauk Road and other rural highways: Rural roadways pose unique dangers, including narrow lanes, limited lighting, farm equipment traffic, and higher average speeds. Crashes on these roads often result in more severe injuries due to delayed emergency response times.

Common characteristics of these high-risk locations include:

• High traffic volumes combined with speed limits of 45 mph or higher
• Limited sightlines or poorly timed traffic signals
• Heavy truck or agricultural vehicle traffic
• Inadequate lighting during nighttime hours

When crashes occur in these areas, injuries are often severe due to the forces involved in high-speed or angle-impact collisions.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in DeKalb County

While every crash is unique, many DeKalb County car accidents share similar underlying causes. IDOT crash analyses consistently identify driver behavior as a primary factor in serious and fatal collisions across Illinois. The most common causes include:

• Speeding: Excessive speed is a factor in a significant percentage of fatal crashes statewide.
• Distracted driving: Cell phone use, in-vehicle technology, and other distractions reduce reaction time.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol and drug impairment continue to contribute to serious injury and fatal crashes.
• Failure to yield: Especially common at rural intersections and left-turn scenarios.
• Adverse weather: Snow, ice, and fog increase stopping distances and reduce visibility during DeKalb County winters.

Types of Injuries in DeKalb County Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering. Even low-speed crashes can result in significant harm, particularly when occupants are unrestrained or struck at vulnerable angles.

Common car accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
• Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs
• Broken bones and complex fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Severe lacerations and soft tissue injuries

What to Do After a Car Accident in DeKalb County, IL

The steps you take immediately after a crash can significantly affect both your health and your legal claim. After ensuring your safety and seeking medical attention, it is important to protect your rights.

Key steps include:

• Calling 911 and reporting the crash to law enforcement
• Seeking medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor
• Documenting the scene with photos and witness information
• Avoiding statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice
• Consulting an experienced DeKalb County car accident attorney

Crash reports may be obtained through the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office or local police departments, but these reports alone rarely tell the full story of fault or damages.

How an Attorney Can Help After a DeKalb County Car Accident

An experienced DeKalb County, IL car accident lawyer can conduct an independent investigation, work with accident reconstruction experts, gather medical evidence, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. When necessary, an attorney can also file a lawsuit and present the case to a jury.

As DeKalb injury lawyer John J. Malm explains:

“Car accident victims are often overwhelmed by medical bills, missed work, and pressure from insurance companies. Our job is to take that burden off our clients and fight for the full compensation they deserve under Illinois law.”

Frequently Asked Questions About DeKalb County Car Accidents

Q: How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Illinois?

A: In most cases, Illinois law provides a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, this timeframe may vary, so it is best to consult an attorney right away.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

A: Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault, though your compensation may be reduced.

Q: Are rural road accidents more dangerous?

A: Yes. High speeds, limited lighting, and delayed emergency response times often make rural crashes more severe.

Q: Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

A: Initial settlement offers are often far below the true value of a claim. It is wise to consult an experienced DeKalb County personal injury attorney before accepting any offer.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?

A: Even seemingly minor accidents can lead to long-term injuries or disputed claims. A consultation can help you understand your options.

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

Car accidents can change lives in an instant, leaving victims facing physical pain, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DeKalb County car accident, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. The injury attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates have extensive experience representing crash victims in DeKalb County and throughout northern Illinois and are committed to holding negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable.

We offer free consultations and only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Contact our DeKalb County car accident attorneys today to discuss your case, protect your rights, and take the first step toward justice and recovery.