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Ann Arbor Truck Accident Attorney
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If you need an Ann Arbor truck accident lawyer after a crash, you are probably dealing with pain, medical treatment, missed work, and calls from insurance companies all at once. A truck accident involving a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or other commercial vehicle can leave people with serious injuries, traumatic brain injury, lost wages, growing medical bills, and real uncertainty about what comes next. The trucking company may already be gathering records and preparing its side of the case before you have had time to catch your breath. We help injured people in Ann Arbor, Michigan, take back control of the legal process, protect key evidence, and pursue the compensation available under Michigan law while keeping more of what they recover with Matz Injury Law.
Why Choose Matz Injury Law as Your Ann Arbor Truck Accident Lawyer
When you hire a truck accident lawyer in Ann Arbor, you want a law firm that knows Michigan personal injury cases, communicates clearly, and does not take more of your recovery than necessary. We have served injured people across Michigan for decades, recovered more than $300 million, and offer a 22% contingency fee instead of the standard 33%, which can leave more money in your hands after a truck accident claim. Our team focuses on personal attention, direct attorney access, and practical legal help when you are facing medical expenses, pain and suffering, and pressure from insurance policies and at-fault parties.
Steven Matz, Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame, Fighting for Injured People in Ann Arbor for Nearly Five Decades
In 2025, Steven Matz became one of only 30 attorneys in Michigan elected into the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame. He earned his J.D. from The George Washington University National Law Center, has represented injured people in Michigan for nearly five decades, holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and was recognized by Super Lawyers in 2008 to 2009, 2013 to 2014, and 2019 to 2025. He has also served as a Special Master appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court. His decades of work include commercial trucking claims involving Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration violations, multi-party liability, and insurance disputes.
Our Client Testimonials
“Following a near head on collision that left my wife with serious injuries to her leg and a head injury from the air bag that caused “instant onset dementia”, she has been deteriorating and needs constant supervision. Hats off to Steve Matz and all the work he and his firm have done to secure the compensation needed from the insurance company to facilitate her care. Without his tireless help I don’t know where we would be today. I highly recommend Matz Injury Law and if needed would definitely utilize them again.” — Thomas C.
“Steve was very professional and stayed on top of the process, I would recommend him very highly” — Cindy H.
“I worked with Steve and his staff for almost 3 years. Every interaction I had with him or the staff was great. Always happy, very personable, and always pleasant to speak with. Steve goes above and beyond for his clients and for this I am very grateful to have worked with him. If ever in need again, he will be who I contact to represent me.” — Jessica D.
Meet The Professional Team of Attorneys at Matz Injury Law
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle in Ann Arbor, Michigan
We handle the full range of commercial trucking claims in Ann Arbor and throughout Washtenaw County.
- Semi-truck and tractor-trailer collisions involving devastating force and complex liability.
- Jackknife accidents where a trailer swings across lanes and traps nearby drivers.
- Wide-turn collisions when a truck sweeps into another lane or vehicle.
- Rear-end collisions involving commercial trucks that often cause severe injuries because of weight and stopping distance.
- Underride accidents where a car slides under a trailer.
- Truck rollover accidents tied to speed, cargo shifts, or driver error.
- Blind spot or no-zone crashes during lane changes and merges.
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo accidents that destabilize a commercial truck.
- Brake failure accidents tied to poor inspection or maintenance.
- Hours-of-service violations that point to truck driver fatigue.
Should You Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer Serving Ann Arbor, MI?
Yes, because a truck accident case is rarely just a larger car accident claim. These cases often involve a truck driver, a trucking company, maintenance contractors, cargo handlers, and multiple insurance companies. On top of that, Michigan no-fault rules and personal injury laws create separate issues involving personal injury protection benefits, pain and suffering claims, and deadlines that can affect your recovery.
We step in early to preserve black box data, inspection records, logbooks, and witness statements. We also handle the legal side of the case so you are not left sorting through competing insurance policies while trying to recover from serious injuries.
How Can a Michigan Truck Accident Lawyer Help You?
We gather accident reports, medical records, witness statements, black box data, and maintenance records before that evidence disappears. We identify all at-fault parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or a vehicle manufacturer if defective parts played a role.
We also calculate damages tied to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and reduced earning capacity. While you focus on treatment, we handle the legal help, negotiations, and court work your case may require.
When Should I Contact a Truck Accident Attorney?
You should contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after an Ann Arbor truck accident. Early action helps preserve evidence, avoids damaging insurance statements, and gives your legal team time to sort out no-fault insurance and third-party liability issues. Michigan law also sets a one-year deadline for notice or action involving personal injury protection benefits in many situations, so waiting can put benefits at risk.
How Do I Choose an Ann Arbor Truck Accident Lawyer for My Case?
Look for years of experience handling Michigan truck accident cases, a record of verdicts and settlements, and familiarity with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules and Michigan statutes. You should also look at communication style, testimonials, and the fee structure.
We think cost matters. A contingency fee should not take more of your recovery than it has to. That is one reason many injured people compare us to other injury lawyers and call us first for a free consultation.
Regulations for Truck Drivers in Michigan
Truck drivers and trucking companies must follow federal safety rules, Michigan commercial vehicle requirements, licensing standards, inspection rules, and traffic laws that apply to large vehicles. Those rules cover hours of service, driver qualifications, logbooks, maintenance, cargo securement, and commercial driver license requirements. When a truck driver skips inspections, drives too long, or operates a poorly maintained semi-truck, those violations can help prove fault in a truck accident case.
Dangerous Roads for Truck Accidents Near Ann Arbor, Michigan
I-94 is a major freight and commuter corridor through Washtenaw County. MDOT describes the I-94 segment between Ann Arbor-Saline Road and US-23 as a heavily used commuter and freight corridor of regional and national significance, which helps explain the heavy truck traffic around Ann Arbor interchanges.
US-23 is also a major route through the Ann Arbor area. MDOT notes that the US-23 corridor in Washtenaw County carries about 80,000 vehicles on a typical weekday, and ongoing improvement work can create tighter conditions, shifting traffic patterns, and less room for drivers to react.
What Are The Most Frequently Sustained Injuries From Ann Arbor Truck Accidents?
Truck accident victims often suffer physical injuries that take months or years to heal. Common injuries include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal organ injuries, and severe soft tissue damage. Some people also face anxiety, post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, or permanent limits on work and daily life.
These are not minor accident injury claims. When a semi-truck or tractor-trailer hits a smaller vehicle, accident victims may need extensive medical attention, long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and compensation for pain and suffering.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Ann Arbor?
Start by checking for injuries and calling 911. Move to a safe location if you can, document the scene with photos or video, exchange information with the truck driver, report the motor vehicle accident to police and your insurer, and get medical attention right away.
Prompt treatment protects your health and creates a record of the injuries tied to the truck crash. If you can, save photos, names of witnesses, and anything that shows road conditions, property damage, or the position of the commercial truck.
What Should I Not Do After a Truck Wreck?
Do not admit fault at the scene, even if you are shaken up. Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurer without legal representation. Do not sign an early settlement release, and do not skip medical evaluation because symptoms can appear later.
Who Can We Hold Responsible After a Commercial Truck Accident?
The answer depends on how the crash happened. We may pursue claims against the truck driver for negligence, the trucking company for poor hiring or supervision, a maintenance provider for unsafe repairs, a manufacturer for defective parts, or a cargo company for improper loading.
Some cases involve more than one at-fault party. That matters because liability may be shared across several defendants and several insurance policies, which can affect how much compensation is available in a personal injury lawsuit.
Michigan No-Fault Benefits After a Truck Accident
Michigan no-fault insurance can provide important support after an auto accident, including an Ann Arbor truck accident. These personal injury protection benefits are separate from a negligence claim against the at-fault driver or trucking company.
- No-fault personal injury protection can cover crash-related medical bills for as long as needed, subject to the coverage level selected in the policy.
- Up to $20 per day for up to 3 years for household help, if a doctor orders it.
- Nurse’s aide or personal care services on an hourly basis, if medically necessary.
- Mileage reimbursement for crash-related travel to doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and therapy.
- Wage loss paid at 85% of gross pre-accident income, tax-free, for up to 3 years.
- Survivor’s loss benefits for family members if the victim dies.
These benefits are available regardless of fault. Michigan law generally requires notice or action within one year for personal injury protection benefits under MCL 500.3145, and drivers can select personal injury protection tiers of $50,000, $250,000, $500,000, or unlimited. We recommend unlimited coverage when available.
What Types of Compensation Claims Can I Seek After an Ann Arbor Truck Accident?
Beyond no-fault insurance benefits, you may have a personal injury claim for damages such as past and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and property damage.
The value of a truck accident case depends on the severity of your injuries, your long-term treatment needs, the strength of liability evidence, and the available insurance coverage.
Can I Get Compensation if I am Partly Liable?
Yes, sometimes. Michigan follows a comparative fault rule, so your damages can be reduced by your share of fault. If you were 20% responsible and your damages were $100,000, the award could be reduced to $80,000. Michigan also bars noneconomic damages if your fault is greater than the combined fault of everyone else.
Factors Influencing Compensation Claims in Ann Arbor Truck Accident Case
Compensation often turns on the seriousness of the injuries, whether you face lasting disability, how strong the proof is against the truck driver or trucking company, and how much insurance coverage applies. Evidence quality matters too, including black box data, accident reports, witness statements, and records showing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration violations.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims in Michigan?
Michigan law generally gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit for injuries or property damage. If you miss that statute of limitations, you can lose the right to recover damages no matter how strong your truck accident claim might have been. Separate deadlines may apply to no-fault benefits, so it is smart to get legal help early.
Contact Our Ann Arbor Truck Accident Lawyers Today to Discuss Your Case
If you were hurt in an Ann Arbor truck accident, you do not have to deal with the trucking company and the insurance companies on your own. Our experienced attorneys offer free consultations, and you will speak with a team that takes your injuries seriously and explains your options clearly. Call 866-226-6833 or fill out our contact form to talk with Matz Injury Law today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is an Ann Arbor Truck Accident Case Worth?
There is no fixed value for a Michigan truck accident case. The amount depends on the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, the insurance coverage available, and how the crash affects your health, work, and daily life. Cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death are often worth more, but every claim turns on its own facts.
Why Should You Never Admit Fault?
Any statement that sounds like an admission can be used to reduce your recovery. Michigan comparative fault rules can reduce damages based on your share of blame, and if you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover noneconomic damages like pain and suffering.
How Long Will It Take to Settle My Truck Accident Case?
Some truck accident claims settle in months, but serious injury cases often take longer because doctors need time to understand your prognosis and future medical expenses. If the insurance company refuses to pay fairly, litigation can add more time.
Will My Ann Arbor Truck Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most cases settle before trial, but some need a lawsuit to get serious attention from the insurer. If the defense disputes fault, denies the severity of your injuries, or refuses fair compensation, we prepare the case for court.
How Are Truck Accident Claims Different From Car Accident Claims?
Truck accident claims often involve commercial vehicles, federal safety regulations, larger insurance policies, and several potentially liable parties. Michigan no-fault insurance still applies, but the negligence side of the case is usually more complex than a standard car accident or motorcycle accident claim.
What Happens During My First Consultation With a Lawyer?
During your initial consultation, we listen to how the crash happened, review any records or photos you have, explain your rights under Michigan no-fault and personal injury law, and talk through next steps. It is also your chance to ask questions about our legal team, the legal process, and our 22% contingency fee.
Written By Steven Matz
Steven J. Matz is the founder of Matz Injury Law, specializing in personal injury litigation with a focus on car accident victims. With over 40 years of legal experience, Mr. Matz has achieved numerous million-dollar settlements. He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized among Michigan’s Top Attorneys. Steven J. Matz is a frequent lecturer on legal ethics and personal injury law, and serves on the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board.
