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Escanaba Truck Accident Lawyer
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Escanaba is a relatively safe city, but as a port city with multiple highways running through, it sees its fair share of semi-trucks. This is especially true because Escanaba houses the well-respected Midwest Truck Driving School. Unfortunately, this means it also sees its fair share of truck accidents.
When semi-trucks crash, they can cause massive damage. Most commercial vehicles weigh over 30,000 pounds. A big rig can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. With that much mass, truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Your family can end up reeling in the fallout of such a catastrophe. If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of negligence by a truck driver or trucking company, you have the right to receive fair compensation for your losses. A well-funded insurance company, however, stands between you and your rights.
You do not have to go through this fight alone. The truck accident attorneys serving the Escanaba area at Matz Injury Law have years of experience representing accident victims in injury claims and lawsuits. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Why Escanaba Truck Accident Victims Choose Matz Injury Law
At Matz Injury Law, we believe that quality representation should not come at a premium price. Most firms charge 33% of your settlement, while our fee is 22%, so more of your recovery stays with you. Our clients work directly with Jared and Steven Matz, the kind of personal, compassionate representation that is easy to promise and harder to find. We serve clients across Michigan, in both the Lower and Upper Peninsulas, and we have put in the miles to give people the attention their cases deserve.
Escanaba Truck Accident Case Results
Our firm has recovered more than $300 million for Michigan injury clients. In truck accident cases specifically:
- $3.45 million recovered after a cement truck crossed the center line, killing three people and severely injuring a four-year-old. The recovery came in $450,000 over the available insurance coverage.
- $1.3 million recovered in federal district court for a mother and daughter injured in a car-truck collision.
- $1 million recovered for a woman in Northern Michigan who fractured both ankles when a gravel truck rear-ended her.
- $475,000 recovered for a father and daughter whose car was struck by a commercial vehicle.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Client Testimonials
“Jared Matz of Matz Injury Law is an excellent attorney. He is very knowledgeable, and I would highly recommend him to anyone needing assistance in matters of law. He goes above and beyond for his clients and has a wonderful caring attitude.” — Carl R.
“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 and 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.
“I have used Matz Injury Law over the years, and they are the most honest and trustworthy attorney’s I have ever used. They go above and beyond for their clients. I would recommend them to anyone.” — David L.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Escanaba
US Highway 41 is the primary commercial trucking corridor through the Upper Peninsula, and Delta County sees commercial traffic year-round. The intersections below are considered to have some of the highest crash rates in Escanaba.
- Ludington Street and S. Lincoln Road
- 5th Avenue N. and S. Lincoln Road
- US Highway 41 and Willow Creek Road/N. 30th Street
- US Highway 41 and 5th Avenue N.
- US Highway 41 and 6th Avenue N.
- N. 30th Street and 1st Avenue N.
- 14th Avenue N. and N. Lincoln Road
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Escanaba
Most commercial truck crashes on Delta County roads are preventable. They trace back to decisions made by drivers, carriers, and cargo loaders, and who made those decisions can change the entire direction of your claim. Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue: Federal Hours of Service rules cap driving time, and crashes happen when carriers pressure drivers past those limits.
- Distracted driving: Behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle, there is almost no margin for error.
- Mechanical failure: When carriers skip maintenance to keep trucks moving, brake failures and tire blowouts follow.
- Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo: Uneven weight makes a semi-truck nearly impossible to control, especially on the curves and grade changes common throughout the Upper Peninsula.
Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Truck Crash
Responsibility for a commercial truck crash can extend well beyond the driver at the wheel. This could include:
- The trucking company may be liable for pressuring drivers past legal limits or failing to maintain the vehicle.
- A cargo loader may be responsible for an unsafe load.
- A third-party maintenance contractor may share responsibility for defects it failed to catch.
Each party may carry separate insurance, which affects how we investigate and pursue your claim.
What Damages Can You Recover After an Escanaba Truck Accident
A third-party claim covers two categories of loss. Economic damages cover the measurable financial harm, including:
- Future and long-term medical care
- Loss of earning capacity beyond the PIP wage benefit
- Rehabilitation and other out-of-pocket costs
Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the impact on your quality of life.
Should You Talk to the Insurance Adjuster After a Truck Crash?

No law stops you from talking to the trucking company’s adjuster, but their goal is to get you to admit fault or accept a lowball offer, and neither helps you. You do not have to speak with them yet. A statement comes later in the claims process, and you have time to speak with an attorney first.
Adjusters may try to assign you more fault to reduce what they pay, and under Michigan law, a finding of more than 50% fault means they owe you nothing. If you speak with them before hiring a personal injury attorney, keep it short, avoid apologizing or guessing at what happened, and say only that you have a lawyer or will retain one. After that, your attorney can handle the insurer, present your evidence, negotiate, and take the case to court if you do not reach a fair agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Escanaba Truck Accident Claims
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Michigan?
You have three years from the date of the accident to file most personal injury lawsuits in Michigan, under MCL 600.5805. A separate one-year notice requirement applies to your own insurer for PIP benefits. Both clocks start at the crash, so the sooner you act, the more options you keep.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
There is no average figure, and any early number is just a guess. A truck accident settlement depends on the severity of your injuries, how clear the trucking company’s liability is, how much insurance coverage applies, and how the crash affects your ability to earn. Permanent injuries generally push a case well above a minor one.
Can I Afford a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Yes. We take truck accident cases on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing up front and owe nothing unless we recover for you. Our fee is 22% of the recovery rather than the 33⅓% most Michigan firms charge, and the first consultation is free.
Talk to an Escanaba Truck Accident Lawyer Today.
Truck accidents can cause debilitating injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, disfigurement, and more. You need a law firm with extensive experience helping Escanaba truck accident victims recover the maximum compensation owed to them under Michigan law. You need a truck accident lawyer who will fight for you at the negotiating table and, if necessary, in the courtroom. Matz Injury Law is the law firm that you need.
Call us at 866-226-6833 or reach us through our online contact form. Consultations are free, and there is no fee unless we recover for you.
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.