John J. Malm & Associates Wins $260,000 in Hit and Run Uninsured Motorcycle Settlement

Motorcycle accident victims often face catastrophic injuries, staggering medical bills, and the unfair burden of trying to recover while an insurance company delays or denies their claim. Our top-rated Illinois motorcycle accident attorneys know how to stand up to the insurance companies and fight for the justice our clients deserve. Recently, our firm obtained a $260,000 settlement against an uninsured motorist carrier for our client, who suffered severe injuries after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Addison, Illinois.

This settlement represents not only the financial recovery that our client desperately needed but also the firm’s dedication to ensuring that negligent drivers and their insurers are held accountable, no matter how complex the case may be.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have built our reputation on protecting the rights of individuals and families who have been injured in serious accidents throughout Illinois. With offices serving DuPage County, Kane County, Cook County, and beyond, our experienced trial lawyers understand how devastating an accident can be, especially when it involves a vulnerable motorcyclist struck by a negligent driver.

“This case underscores the importance of uninsured motorist coverage for motorcycle riders. When a negligent driver fled the scene, our client’s only recourse was against his own insurance company. We fought tirelessly to secure every dollar available under the policy, because we know how much our client’s life was changed by this crash. Our firm is committed to making sure victims are not left behind when reckless drivers try to escape accountability.” — John J. Malm, Naperville motorcycle injury attorney

Case Overview: Motorcycle Accident in Addison, Illinois

Our client was riding his motorcycle in Addison, Illinois, when tragedy struck. While proceeding lawfully through an intersection, an unknown driver disregarded a red light and violently struck our client’s motorcycle. Instead of stopping to render aid or exchange information, the driver fled the scene of the crash, leaving our client critically injured in the roadway.

The Addison Police Department responded, but unfortunately, the at-fault driver was never identified. Because the driver was unknown and uninsured, our client’s only option for recovery was to pursue a claim under his own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.

Our Client’s Injuries

The force of the collision caused our client to sustain devastating injuries that required immediate and long-term medical treatment. Among his injuries were:

• Multiple thoracic and lumbar fractures: Vertebral fractures in both the middle and lower back, requiring immobilization and rehabilitation, and placing our client at risk for long-term chronic pain and mobility issues.
• Ulnar fracture: A break in the ulna bone of the forearm, which required medical intervention and caused significant pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion.
• Testicular injury: A traumatic injury to the testicle, which was so severe that surgical removal was required. This type of injury not only carries profound physical consequences but also permanent psychological and emotional effects.

The combination of orthopedic and genitourinary injuries left our client with lasting physical limitations and significant medical expenses.

Legal Strategy: Pursuing the Uninsured Motorist Carrier

Because the at-fault driver could not be located, our attorneys immediately turned to our client’s own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Illinois law requires that auto insurance policies include uninsured motorist coverage in the same minimum amounts as liability coverage. For motorcycle operators, this coverage is essential, as hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common.

Our client had UM coverage with limits of $250,000. Additionally, he carried $10,000 in medical payments (medpay) coverage, which provided immediate assistance with some of his medical expenses.

Our legal team aggressively pursued a claim against the UM carrier, documenting the extent of our client’s injuries, his ongoing medical needs, and the permanent consequences of his testicle removal surgery. Through persistent advocacy, we obtained the policy limits of $250,000 plus the additional $10,000 in medpay benefits, for a total recovery of $260,000.

Overcoming Challenges in a Hit and Run Motorcycle Case

Pursuing a claim under uninsured motorist coverage is not always straightforward. Insurance companies often treat their own policyholders as adversaries, contesting liability or minimizing the value of injuries. In this case, our attorneys were prepared to present:

• Video evidence showing that the crash was caused by a driver who ignored a red light.
• Medical records regarding the severity of the thoracic and lumbar fractures, the ulnar fracture, and the permanent consequences of the testicular removal.
• Pain and suffering documentation, including our client’s input about the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges he continues to endure.

The persistence of our trial team left the insurance company with no choice but to tender the full policy limits.

The Importance of UM Coverage for Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists are at particular risk when it comes to uninsured or underinsured drivers. Because riders lack the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, or seat belts, even relatively low-speed collisions can cause life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, Illinois continues to see a high number of motorcycle crashes each year:

• According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2022, there were 2,803 motorcycle crashes in Illinois, resulting in 1,674 injuries and 146 fatalities.
• Approximately 40% of motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle violating the motorcyclist’s right of way, such as running a red light or failing to yield.
• Hit-and-run accidents are on the rise nationwide. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than one hit-and-run crash occurs every minute in the U.S., with motorcyclists among the most vulnerable victims.

Without uninsured motorist coverage, our client would have been left with no financial recovery at all, despite suffering catastrophic injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.

Why Clients Choose John J. Malm & Associates

At John J. Malm & Associates, we take pride in achieving successful results for our clients. What sets us apart is our commitment to:

• Client-focused advocacy: We treat every client with compassion, respect, and the individualized attention they deserve.
• Aggressive litigation strategies: We prepare every case as though it is going to trial, which helps us secure maximum settlements.
• Proven results: From multimillion-dollar jury verdicts to significant settlements like this $260,000 motorcycle recovery, our track record speaks for itself.
• Experience in motorcycle accident claims: We understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face, including prejudice from insurance adjusters and the devastating nature of motorcycle injuries.

Understanding the Medical Impact of Motorcycle Crash Injuries

The injuries suffered by our client demonstrate just how catastrophic a motorcycle accident can be. These were not simple fractures or soft-tissue injuries; they were life-altering conditions:

• Spinal fractures often require long-term bracing, physical therapy, and sometimes surgical intervention. They carry a high risk of chronic pain, limited mobility, and post-traumatic arthritis.
• Forearm fractures, especially ulnar fractures, can significantly impair hand function and grip strength, making daily activities difficult.
• Testicular removal surgery has permanent consequences, including hormonal impacts, fertility issues, and lasting psychological trauma related to body image and masculinity.

These realities were crucial in demonstrating to the insurance carrier why the policy limits were appropriate in this case.

Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Accidents

What is uninsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a type of insurance that protects you if you are injured by a driver who has no insurance, or by a hit-and-run driver who cannot be identified.

How does UM coverage work in Illinois?

Illinois law requires that every auto insurance policy include UM coverage in at least the same minimum amounts as liability coverage. This means that if you are injured by an uninsured or unknown driver, you can pursue a claim against your own insurance carrier up to the policy limits.

Why is UM coverage important for motorcycle riders?

Motorcycle riders are more likely to be injured in collisions, and hit-and-run accidents are especially dangerous for them. Without UM coverage, riders may be left with no compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or long-term disability.

What kinds of injuries can be compensated under UM coverage?

UM coverage can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, disability, and permanent disfigurement caused by the crash.

Can an attorney help with a UM claim?

Yes. Insurance companies often fight UM claims aggressively, even against their own policyholders. Having an experienced personal injury attorney ensures that your injuries are properly documented and that you receive the maximum compensation available.

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

This $260,000 settlement is a powerful reminder of the challenges motorcycle accident victims face when injured by uninsured or hit-and-run drivers. Our client endured multiple spinal fractures, a broken forearm, and the devastating loss of a testicle, all because a reckless driver ran a red light and fled the scene.

Thanks to the advocacy of John J. Malm & Associates, our client recovered the full policy limits available under his uninsured motorist coverage, plus additional medpay benefits. While no settlement can undo the pain and loss caused by the crash, this recovery ensures that our client can continue to receive medical care and move forward with financial stability.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Illinois, do not wait to seek help. Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights, and fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

Call us now or reach out online to speak with an experienced Illinois motorcycle accident attorney.