Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Michigan?

You’ve just been in a Michigan auto accident. Your car is damaged, medical bills are adding up, and the insurance company keeps calling with a settlement offer that feels rushed and too low. You may feel hurt, overwhelmed, and unsure who to trust or what steps to take next. Accepting a settlement too soon or trying to handle your claim alone can limit your ability to recover the compensation you may need for your recovery, both now and in the future.

This is where Matz Injury Law can help. Our car accident lawyers understand Michigan’s no-fault insurance system and how to build a strong car accident claim while pursuing a fair settlement. We focus on protecting your rights and handling the legal process so you can focus on healing, not paperwork, deadlines, or insurance tactics.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Michigan

After a car accident in Michigan, your first priority should be safety and medical care. Taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your legal rights.

• Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt or needs emergency care
• Move vehicles to a safe location if possible and activate hazard lights
• Contact the police, including crashes involving injury, death, or apparent property damage totaling $1,000 or more.
• Exchange driver and insurance information and collect contact details from witnesses
• Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signs
• Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the crash
• Seek medical attention promptly, even if symptoms seem minor
• Notify your no-fault insurance company and file for personal injury protection benefits
• Obtain a copy of the police report and keep records of all accident-related expenses
• Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney before talking with the other driver’s insurance company

When Should I Get an Attorney for a Car Accident in Michigan?

You do not have to wait until medical bills pile up or an auto insurance company denies your claim to speak with a lawyer. In many cases, getting legal guidance early can help protect your rights and prevent costly mistakes. Below are situations where working with an experienced Michigan car accident attorney may be helpful after a motor vehicle accident.

When Injuries Affect Your Health, Work, and Daily Life

If you were injured in a car crash, legal guidance can be especially helpful. Injuries that seem minor at first may worsen over time or require ongoing treatment. When medical care, time off work, and insurance paperwork begin to overlap, it can be difficult to assess the full impact of the accident on your life.

Insurance adjusters focus on limiting payouts, not on your recovery. Having a lawyer involved can help level the playing field, document your injuries properly, and pursue fair compensation that reflects both your immediate needs and the long-term effects of the crash.

Navigating Insurance Claims and Settlements

Insurance claims after a car accident are rarely straightforward. Questions about coverage, policy limits, and responsibility can quickly arise, especially when uninsured or underinsured drivers are involved. Michigan’s no-fault system adds another layer of complexity, particularly when benefits are delayed, reduced, or denied.

Legal guidance can help you understand which insurance policies apply, what benefits may be available, and how to pursue compensation beyond no-fault benefits when the law allows. This support is often critical when insurers dispute medical treatment, lost wages, or the value of your claim.

When a car accident results in the loss of a loved one, the legal issues become even more complex. Wrongful death claims involve specific rules, statutes of limitations, and damages under Michigan law. Speaking with a lawyer can help surviving family members understand their options while navigating an emotionally difficult time.

If There Is a Dispute Over Fault or Multiple Parties

Accidents involving multiple vehicles or disputed fault often require closer legal review. Insurance companies may shift blame to reduce what they pay, even when the facts are unclear or contested.

Legal guidance can help clarify how the crash occurred by reviewing police reports, medical records, vehicle damage, and witness statements. This process can be important for addressing unfair fault allegations and preserving your ability to pursue compensation under Michigan law.

Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?

Even when another driver caused the crash, dealing with the insurance company can still be challenging. The at-fault driver’s insurer may question liability, minimize your injuries, or pressure you to accept a quick settlement before the full impact of the accident is clear.

Legal representation can help by:

• Responding to insurance communications and settlement offers
• Evaluating medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages when allowed under Michigan law
• Addressing comparative fault arguments if blame is unfairly shifted
• Taking legal action if settlement negotiations do not resolve the claim

Risks of Not Hiring a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Michigan

Handling a car accident claim on your own can create avoidable risks, especially under Michigan’s no-fault system. Without legal guidance, people may overlook available benefits, underestimate future medical needs, or accept settlements that do not account for the full impact of the accident.

Missed deadlines, disputed fault, or incomplete documentation can also impact claims. In some situations, insurance companies may argue that you share responsibility for the crash, which can reduce or bar certain claims. Signing a settlement or release without fully understanding its scope can also limit your ability to seek future benefits related to ongoing medical care.

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do for Clients?

A car accident lawyer helps manage the legal and insurance aspects of a claim from start to finish. This role often involves coordinating information, responding to insurers, and keeping the claim moving forward in compliance with Michigan law.

Common responsibilities include:

• Reviewing accident reports, medical records, and other documentation
• Communicating with insurance companies and responding to claim issues
• Evaluating damages that may be available under Michigan law
• Filing claims or lawsuits when required by the circumstances
• Negotiating settlements and preparing for litigation when necessary

This support can reduce stress for injured individuals by allowing them to focus on medical treatment and recovery.

How Can a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer Help Me With My Claim?

Claims for car accidents in Michigan involve rules that differ from those in many other states. A lawyer familiar with Michigan’s no-fault system can help you navigate benefit eligibility, liability thresholds, and strict filing deadlines that directly affect your claim.

Legal guidance may include:

• Determining which insurance company is responsible for paying personal injury protection benefits under Michigan’s order of priority
• Addressing delayed, reduced, or denied no-fault benefits
• Evaluating whether your injuries meet the legal threshold to pursue pain and suffering damages
• Tracking critical deadlines, including Michigan’s one-year rule that can limit recovery of no-fault benefits if action is delayed, and the three-year deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit under Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805
• Preparing the claim for negotiation or litigation if disputes cannot be resolved

By focusing on these Michigan-specific issues, legal support can help prevent missteps that might limit available benefits or affect your ability to pursue compensation.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Michigan?

Many Michigan car accident cases operate on a contingency fee basis. This means legal fees are tied to the outcome of the case rather than paid upfront.

In a contingency fee arrangement:

• You do not pay legal fees at the start of your case
• Fees are paid only if compensation is recovered
• The fee is calculated as a percentage of the recovery

Matz Injury Law charges a 22% contingency fee, which is lower than the percentage commonly charged by many firms. This client-first structure allows car accident victims to pursue a claim without upfront financial pressure while keeping more of the recovery if the case is successful.

Can You Handle a Michigan Car Accident Claim Without a Lawyer?

Michigan law does not require you to hire a lawyer to file a claim or pursue compensation after a car accident. In limited situations, such as straightforward property damage claims or mini tort cases involving up to $3,000 in vehicle damage not covered by insurance for crashes occurring after July 1, 2020, some people choose to handle the claims process on their own.

Injury claims, however, often involve additional risks. Medical conditions can evolve over time, deadlines apply to no-fault benefits, and insurers may require documentation that is difficult to gather without legal guidance.

People who handle claims on their own may face challenges such as:

• Accepting a settlement before the full extent of their injuries is known
• Missing Michigan’s one-year rule, which can limit or bar recovery of no-fault benefits if claims are not pursued in time
• Signing releases that limit future medical or compensation rights
• Navigating fault disputes or coverage questions without support

For personal injury claims involving injuries, disputed liability, or delayed benefits, legal guidance can help clarify options and avoid mistakes that may affect long-term recovery.

How to Choose the Right Lawyer

Choosing the right lawyer after a car accident involves more than finding someone who handles personal injury cases. The right fit should offer clarity, transparency, and a working approach that matches the complexity of your claim.

When evaluating legal representation, consider:

• Experience handling Michigan car accident claims and no-fault insurance issues
• A clear contingency fee structure explained upfront
• The ability to investigate claims, gather evidence, and address insurance disputes
• Client feedback that reflects communication, responsiveness, and professionalism
• Straightforward explanations about next steps, timelines, and expectations

Taking time to ask questions and understand how a lawyer approaches your case can help you make a more informed decision.

Why Choose Matz Injury Law as Your Car Accident Attorney in Michigan

At Matz Injury Law, we focus on clear communication and practical guidance for people navigating Michigan car accident claims. We take time to explain legal options, answer questions, and help clients understand how Michigan’s no-fault system applies to their situation.

By keeping clients informed and involved throughout the process, we aim to reduce uncertainty while addressing the legal and insurance issues connected to a car accident claim.

Talk With Us About Your Michigan Car Accident Claim

We offer a free case review to allow you to ask questions, discuss what happened, and learn how Michigan’s no-fault laws may apply to your situation. This conversation allows you to understand your options before deciding how to move forward.

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees. Fees are paid only if compensation is recovered, which allows you to explore your claim without added financial pressure.

Meet Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers

At Matz Injury Law, our attorneys represent people injured in Michigan car accidents with a hands-on, client-focused approach. We handle auto accidents, serious injuries, and wrongful death claims while helping clients navigate insurance issues and legal requirements through clear communication and practical guidance.

Steven Matz

Steven Matz has decades of experience handling car accident cases across Michigan. He emphasizes clear communication, careful case evaluation, and thorough preparation. Steven works closely with clients to explain legal options, insurance coverage, and potential next steps.

His background includes:

• Longstanding experience in personal injury law
• A focus on auto accident and serious injury cases
• Direct involvement in case strategy and negotiation

Jared Matz

Jared Matz represents people injured in car accidents with a focus on advocacy and trial preparation. He has experience handling complex insurance disputes and claims involving serious injuries.

His practice includes:

• Trial experience in Michigan courts
• Negotiating car accident settlements
• Representing clients in disputes with insurance companies

Our Recent Car Accident Case Results

• $475,000 recovered for a father and daughter injured when their vehicle was struck by a commercial vehicle.
• $415,000 recovered for the family of a college student killed in a collision involving disputed liability.
• $1.3 million recovered in a Federal District Court case on behalf of a mother and daughter injured in a serious car and truck collision.

Testimonials

“After a vehicle accident you should seek legal representation whether or not you are at fault. I contacted Matz Law Firm by leaving a message and received a return call promptly from attorney Jared Matz. We agreed that I would send accident specifics via email. Upon receipt, he contacted me immediately, offering his opinion and advice. He was very thorough and explained the financial and legal considerations for each decision. I trusted Jared Matz and all issues were reasonably and effectively resolved. Jared Matz has great communication and negotiation skills, a good understanding of the law, and broad legal experience. Attorney Jared Matz and his staff were consistently courteous, considerate and empathetic. My interactions with Jared Matz and the Matz Injury Law Firm resulted in a good outcome. Because of my positive experience with Jared Matz as my legal representative, I recommend attorney Jared Matz and Matz Injury Law Firm” — Annette L.

“I had an amazing experience working with Steve and his practice. Whenever I needed any help, he was right there to help. He even came to my house to discuss my case with me when I was bedridden! His dedication, professionalism, truly made a difference. One of the best parts is he takes 22% not 33%!! I would highly recommend Matz Injury Law to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thanks again to Steve and his practice you truly made this process simple and stress free for me!” — Grant B.

“If you need an injury attorney then Steve Matz is the attorney you want. He went above and beyond his responsibilities with my case. My case had several different parts (uninsured driver, medical, employer, and insurance company) and Steve was able to assist with most and the ones he couldn’t he was able to give us another attorney name. He is a great listener and he gets right to the point with any questions. I would recommend Steve to anyone – thank you so much Steve for all your help” — Chris N.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?

Minor accidents can still lead to delayed symptoms or unexpected expenses. While some property damage claims may be resolved without legal help, car accident injuries are not always immediately obvious.

Legal guidance can help by:

• Reviewing a settlement offer before you agree to it
• Identifying costs that may not be included initially, such as follow-up care
• Explaining whether accepting an offer could limit future claims

This can be especially helpful if symptoms appear days or weeks after the crash.

Can You Sue for Pain and Suffering in Michigan?

Michigan law allows pain and suffering claims in limited circumstances. To pursue this type of compensation, you generally must be 50% or less at fault, and the injury must meet the legal threshold.

The threshold includes:

• Death
• Serious impairment of an important body function
• Permanent serious disfigurement

Whether an injury qualifies depends on how it affects your ability to live your normal life.

How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take in Michigan?

The length of a car accident claim depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, insurance disputes, and whether a lawsuit becomes necessary.

Michigan law includes strict deadlines:

• Personal injury lawsuits generally must be filed within three years
• No-fault benefits are subject to a one-year recovery rule

These timelines can affect what compensation is available.

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Your Settlement?

Most personal injury settlements are not treated as taxable income. However, interest earned on a settlement or compensation tied to non-injury claims may be taxable.

Tax treatment can vary based on how a settlement is structured, so discussing your situation with a tax professional may be helpful.

Take the Next Step Toward Understanding Your Car Accident Claim. Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation.

If you were injured in a Michigan car accident and have questions about your rights, next steps, or insurance benefits, our personal injury lawyers are here to speak with you about your car accident. A conversation can help clarify how Michigan’s no-fault system applies to your situation and what options may be available.

We offer a free case review so you can ask questions, share what happened, and decide how to move forward without pressure or upfront costs. You can reach us at 866-226-3333 or use our online contact form to schedule a time to speak with our legal team.