Steve Matz and his team have been practicing law in Michigan for decades. They’ve logged hundreds of thousands of miles traveling to virtually every county in Michigan’s lower and upper peninsulas, meeting with clients, and doing the work necessary to earn significant settlements on their clients’ behalf.
When you’re in a car accident that results in serious injuries or disfigurement to your body, or property damage to your vehicle, it’s a terrifying and confusing time. You may be unable to work to make money to support yourself and your family, or you may even have lost a loved one in the accident. Your medical expenses are on the rise, and you can’t pay the bills. You know that the at-fault driver should be required to pay for the harm they’ve caused, but their insurance company is fighting you every step of the way.
The truth is, insurance companies look for reasons not to pay you fair compensation for the damages in your accident. That’s because they’re for-profit companies, and they don’t make money by paying out in injury cases. When the time comes to fight for the compensation you deserve, the right experienced Grand Rapids car accident lawyers can be the answer to your problems. Matz Injury Law has decades of experience helping accident victims recover fair compensation, and we’re ready to help you.
Tenacious Car Accident Attorneys Serving Grand Rapids, Michigan
The car accident attorneys at Matz Injury Law have logged hundreds of thousands of miles traveling all over the state of Michigan to represent accident victims. Our clients have hailed from such diverse locations as Grandville, Kent County, Lansing, Marquette, and Saginaw, among other locales.
We believe in the rights of injured people above all else, and we are well experienced in dealing with insurance adjusters who will try just about anything to get out of paying a fair settlement for injury. Our law firm brings well over four decades of combined experience to the table in seeking compensation for injuries. We have won over $300 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we pride ourselves on our rate of success.
Always remember, if you’ve been hurt in a motor vehicle accident, the law offices of Matz Injury Law are ready with legal advice, a free initial consultation, and representation. Call 866-226-6833 or complete our online contact form today to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer and get your free consultation.
Are Auto Accidents Common in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
Accident cases are all too common in the Grand Rapids area. While accidents are down across the country, the numbers are still significant, and you could be in a situation where you suffer severe car accident injuries at any time. Across the state, the cities that have the highest rates of serious accidents are Detroit, with an average of 99 per year; Grand Rapids, with an average of 23 every year; and Flint, which has an average of 22 per year.
While Grand Rapids doesn’t have the highest incidence of accident cases, there are still enough to keep Grand Rapids car accident attorneys busy. If you have suffered broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, or any other serious injuries from a car crash that was someone else’s fault, you are entitled to collect damages for the harm you’ve suffered.
Do I Really Need a Grand Rapids Car Accident Lawyer?
While the law does not require that you seek the services of Grand Rapids car accident attorneys, having help from an auto accident lawyer is your best bet at fighting for fair compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered. Attorneys don’t just know the law; they can provide the legal advice you need to avoid critical mistakes like failing to file on time or signing something you should not sign.
Insurance adjusters utilize various tactics to avoid payouts. They might even try to blame you for the accident when it isn’t your fault. The auto insurance company also has knowledgeable attorneys on its side. Having a Grand Rapids auto accident attorney in your corner at the very least balances the playing field and gives you a fair shot at successfully resolving your accident claim.
Matz Injury Law has fought for our clients for many decades. Do not go it alone and put yourself at a disadvantage. Fill out our easy online form with your contact information or call 866-226-6833 to speak with one of our Grand Rapids car accident attorneys and get a free consultation today.
What Are My Rights in an Accident?
You may have heard that Michigan fault law classifies us as a no-fault state. While that can seem like a scary term, understand that you still have rights. No-fault auto law simply means that every driver in Michigan is required to carry personal injury protection car insurance, also called no-fault insurance, and when motor vehicle accidents happen, be it auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, or truck accidents, you report the accident to your own insurance company.
The purpose of this form of auto law is to help ensure that you can start getting medical treatment right away. Unfortunately, there are flaws in the system, and insurance providers have figured out how to exploit these loopholes to try to avoid paying your claim. That is why it is so important to have the services of personal injury attorneys experienced in practice areas related to motor vehicle accidents.
Can You Sue a Driver in Grand Rapids for an Accident?
You can absolutely sue a negligent driver for an accident in Grand Rapids, Grandville, Detroit, or anywhere else in Michigan. Suing requires proving that the other motorist was negligent in their behavior. Negligence is a term in personal injury law that comes down to three factors.
First, we have to establish that the motorist had a duty of care toward you. That’s the easy part — everyone has the responsibility to drive safely, obey traffic laws and signals, and act in such a way as to avoid putting others in danger on the roads.
Second, we have to prove that they violated this duty of care. We must show that they acted in a way that is irresponsible enough that no reasonable person would act that way. This is known as the “reasonable person” standard.
Finally, we have to prove that their irresponsibility led, either directly or indirectly, to the accident in which you were injured.
The team at our law office will research all the available evidence, from police reports to eyewitness testimony, photographs, and more, and will put together a solid case. After that, we’ll negotiate with the insurance company, a process that requires extensive communication and can take some time. Usually, we do not have to go to court, but if going to court is necessary, we will still fight for you every step of the way.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Grand Rapids, Michigan, Auto Accident?
If we can prove negligence, you can be eligible to receive compensation for a wide range of damages, including physical injuries, medical bills from doctor visits to procedures and even medical transportation, wage loss and future lost potential earnings, and invisible injuries like mood swings, PTSD, loss of consortium, loss of comfort and support, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In the case of wrongful death, you can also be eligible to collect medical costs up to the time of your loved one’s death, and costs for funerals, burial, and even lost support from the deceased person. The damages caused by vehicle crashes are different in every case, and it’s important to talk with your car accident lawyer to discover what your case might be worth.
Can I Sue for Pain and Suffering?
Pain and suffering, also sometimes called general damages, is a sort of catch-all term for all of the invisible injuries that you may have suffered. These are those damages that are difficult to quantify and just as difficult to attach to a monetary value. They cover such things as your inability to live a normal life, depression and PTSD, loss of relationships, loss of consortium, loss of comfort, and the general level of pain you feel that affects you daily.
The tricky thing about pain and suffering is that it is subjective. Because of this, Grand Rapids car accident lawyers must come up with a way of valuing it, often using a multiplier of the special, or economic, damages you have suffered like your medical bills and lost wages.
Each attorney and insurance provider has a different way of valuing pain and suffering, and it is often a sticking point in negotiations. Know, however, that Matz Injury Law is here to fight for your right to compensation every step of the way.
How Long Do You Have to Sue After a Car Accident in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
Every state has a statute of limitations in personal injury law. This is simply a legal term that means how long you have to file a lawsuit. In Michigan, your time frame to file an accident claim is three years after the accident or three years after the date of death in a wrongful death claim. If you file after this time frame, you could lose your right to compensation.
There are, however, always exceptions, and you should not think that just because three years have elapsed that you have no options. You can always contact a Matz Injury car accident lawyer to discuss your options.
How Much Does a Grand Rapids Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Every accident case is unique, so it is difficult to say what a car accident lawyer will cost. We can say, however, that your initial consultation is free, and in most cases, if our law office does not get you fair compensation, you will not owe legal fees at all. If we do win your accident claim, we charge a percentage of the settlement.
Most law offices charge up to 33% of your settlement. Matz Injury Law is one of the lower-priced law firms around. We charge only 22%. That’s why our slogan is 22, Not 33!
When Should I Call a Grand Rapids, Michigan, Auto Accident Attorney?
The first thing you should do after a car crash is to call first responders to be sure everyone who needs medical attention receives it. That includes you. Then, document the scene in as much detail as you can. File a police report; this can help you remember details later. Get the contact information of any witnesses. Never, ever apologize for anything at the site.
Next, call your insurance company to report the accident and get the claim process started. Do not try to tell your side of the story. Just stick to the facts. If you must talk to an insurance adjuster, never agree to or sign anything. Call the Grand Rapids car accident lawyers at Matz Injury Law, and let us deal with the insurance company and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Let Matz Injury Law Assist You With Your Grand Rapids Auto Accident Claim
Steve and Jared Matz at Matz Injury Law are dedicated, tenacious, and compassionate car accident attorneys with many decades of combined experience. Our law offices have recovered in excess of $300 million for our clients. We are ready to listen to you. Contact us online or call 866-226-6833 for your free consultation today.
