John J. Malm & Associates Recovers $1.35 Million for Woman Injured in Devastating Left-Turn Crash

Top-Rated Naperville Injury Law Firm Secures Settlement for Client Suffering Severe Spinal Injury in DuPage County Collision

NAPERVILLE, IL — John J. Malm & Associates, a respected Illinois car accident injury law firm, has recovered $1.35 million for a DuPage County woman injured in a violent motor vehicle crash caused by a negligent left-turning driver in Lisle, Illinois. The case was led by attorney Sara Bendoff, who managed the complex medical and legal aspects of the claim from start to resolution.

The crash occurred at a signal-controlled intersection. The client, proceeding lawfully through a green light, was struck by a vehicle making a left-hand turn across oncoming traffic — one of the most dangerous scenarios on the road. The resulting T-bone collision caused a partial head-on impact that led to life-threatening injuries and required urgent spinal surgery.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), left-turn maneuvers are a factor in 22.2% of intersection-related crashes, making them one of the most common causes of serious injury in urban traffic.

The victim was hospitalized for nine days and diagnosed with several serious injuries, including a fractured sternum, pneumothorax, and rib fractures. Most critically, she sustained a displaced fracture of the C2 vertebra, also known as a “hangman’s fracture” — a potentially fatal injury located near the base of the skull. Medical literature notes that C2 fractures account for up to 22% of all cervical spine fractures, with hangman’s fractures being among the most serious due to their proximity to the brain stem.

“This injury is one we see too often in left-turn crashes — and it’s one of the most terrifying,” said John J. Malm, founder of the firm. “The C2 vertebra supports both the skull and the spinal cord. A break there is not just painful — it’s potentially paralyzing.”

The client underwent an extensive spinal fusion from C1 to C4 and now lives with permanent surgical hardware, restricted mobility, and visible scarring. Complicating her recovery, she had recently undergone lumbar spinal fusion prior to the crash. The collision aggravated her lower back condition, added an L1 compression fracture, and delayed her rehabilitation.

Attorney Sara Bendoff guided the case through complex negotiations and helped secure expert medical opinions that documented the full extent of her client’s injuries and the impact on her daily life.

“Our client’s recovery journey was steep and personal,” said Bendoff. “This case was never just about numbers. It was about securing recognition for everything she lost and everything she still faces.”

The settlement avoided a prolonged trial and compensated the client for medical costs, physical pain, emotional suffering, loss of mobility, and future care needs.

Illinois traffic law is clear: drivers turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles. Failure to do so is a primary cause of intersection crashes — and, as this case shows, it can have devastating consequences.

About John J. Malm & Associates Personal Injury Lawyers
John J. Malm & Associates is an Illinois car accident injury law firm dedicated to representing victims of serious collisions and spinal injuries. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, the firm is known for skilled negotiation, strategic litigation, and results-driven advocacy.

Media Contact:
John J. Malm & Associates
1730 Park Street, Suite 201
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: (630) 527-4177
Email: john@malmlegal.com
Website: www.malmlaw.com