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Houghton Car Accident Attorneys
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A car accident can be an extremely nerve-wracking experience. It can cause severe, debilitating injuries to you or a loved one. You could face lost income from being unable to return to work, as well as medical expenses and other costs. An auto accident can also damage or destroy your vehicle, leaving you without a means of transportation.
This process is almost certain to bring up a range of emotions, including anger and fear. Unfortunately, those emotions can make your situation even worse. Insurance companies will be looking for a reason not to pay you the full amount of compensation you deserve. You need a clear head in order to avoid accidentally adding more salt to the wound.
Steven 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.
Why Houghton Accident Victims Choose Matz Injury Law
If you were injured in Houghton, finding a firm that will genuinely show up for you, rather than just taking your call, is harder than it should be.
For decades, Matz Injury Law has represented individuals and families in personal injury claims, including cases involving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents. The firm has recovered settlements and judgments of $1 million or more across nine personal injury practice areas, reflecting its long-standing commitment to pursuing meaningful results for injured clients.
Founder Steven Matz has been recognized with America’s Top 100 Attorneys Lifetime Achievement Award and has been consistently selected by Super Lawyers. The attorneys at Matz Injury Law are also respected within the legal community for their professional leadership, service on boards and committees, and contributions as legal authors and educators.
Beyond their legal work, the firm remains active in the community through pro bono service, volunteer efforts, and a continued commitment to helping those in need.
What Our Clients Say
“Steve Matz was there when I needed him. Nobody expects to be a victim of a car accident but when I found myself in that situation it was overwhelming. Steve made everything easy. Steve did not accept the insurance Company’s first offer. He held out and got me a better settlement. Steve is very kind and professional. I highly recommend Matz Injury Law.” – Sharon K.
“Steve was outstanding from the first telephone conversation all the way through until he settled my case at an amount that exceeded my expectations. He is a consummate professional and a compassionate attorney and I would highly recommend him if you ever find yourself in a need of a personal injury attorney.” – Sharyn G.
“If you are looking for the best attorney to handle your automobile accident claim, look no further! I have known Steve Matz for more than 20 years. He successfully represented me in 2001 then again in 2019 following serious automobile accidents. He leads you step by step through the entire complex legal process. Put Steve Matz on your team to get the justice you deserve! The Matz team is a clear winner!” – Gary C.
Our Houghton Car Accident Attorneys
What to Do After a Car Accident in Houghton, MI
The moments after a crash can be disorienting. Even if you feel relatively okay, the steps you take right away can have a real impact on your ability to recover.
The most consequential thing you can do early is get medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries, including soft tissue damage and concussions, don’t show up for hours or days. While you’re at the scene, if you’re physically able:
- Call 911 and report the crash
- Get the other driver’s name, insurance, and plate number
- Take photos of both vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries
- Get contact information from any witnesses
Before speaking with a lawyer, try to avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurance company, including your own. Adjusters may use your words in ways you don’t anticipate, even during a call that feels routine. Once you’ve received medical care, call us for a free consultation before you respond to any adjuster. We handle all insurance communication so you can focus on getting better.
What Michigan’s No-Fault Law Means for Your Houghton Crash
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means your own auto insurance covers your medical bills and lost wages after a crash, regardless of who caused it. These are called personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, and they can include:
- Payment of all crash-related medical bills for life, if you have unlimited coverage
- Up to $20 per day for three years of household help if a doctor orders it
- 85% of your pre-tax lost wages for up to three years, and that money is not taxable
- Mileage reimbursement for every trip to a doctor, pharmacy, or therapy appointment
That’s the no-fault side. But if you were less than 50% at fault for the crash, you may also have a separate claim against the at-fault driver for pain, suffering, and inconvenience, if your injuries meet one of the legal thresholds Michigan law requires. Both tracks can run at the same time, and both are worth evaluating. Understanding which PIP coverage level you selected can significantly affect what’s available to you.
Do You Have a Case? How Michigan’s Injury Threshold Works
Michigan law sets three injury thresholds for a pain-and-suffering claim against the at-fault driver:
- Death: surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim
- Serious permanent disfigurement: a significant scar on your face is one example
- Serious impairment of an important body function: the injury must be objectively identifiable and must affect the way you actually live your life
That third threshold is the most common. It covers a wide range of injuries, from limited mobility to chronic pain that changes how you work, sleep, or care for your family. If you’re not sure whether your injuries qualify, contact our firm for a free consultation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Houghton?
Two deadlines apply, and they run on different clocks.
For a pain-and-suffering claim against the at-fault driver, MCL 600.5805 gives you three years from the date of the crash. Missing that deadline almost always means losing the right to pursue that claim entirely.
The PIP deadline is shorter and more urgent. Under MCL 500.3145, you must apply for PIP benefits within one year of the accident. The one-year-back rule also limits what you can recover: if you file a PIP lawsuit, you can only collect benefits from the year before the date you filed. Waiting costs you real money.
If a government vehicle or employee caused the crash, a shorter notice period may also apply. Contact us before those windows close.
What a Houghton Car Accident Lawyer Will Do for You
When you hire Matz Injury Law, you stop dealing with the insurance company. We handle all communication with adjusters and carriers so you don’t say something that gets used against you during a vulnerable time. That protection starts on day one.
We also build your case, gathering police reports, medical records, and witness accounts, then identifying every available avenue of recovery. If the insurer offers less than what your claim is worth, we negotiate. If they won’t move, we litigate.
Types of Accident Cases We Handle in Houghton, Michigan
Matz Injury Law handles claims involving a wide variety of motor vehicle accidents, including the following:
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Uber / Lyft / rideshare accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- T-bone collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Chain reaction crashes
- Single vehicle accidents
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Lawyer If the Crash Wasn’t My Fault?
Even when the other driver is clearly at fault, insurance adjusters work to protect their company’s bottom line. A lawyer handles all communication with the insurance company, protects your PIP benefits from being cut off or delayed, and builds the strongest possible case for your claim. There’s no upfront cost. You pay nothing unless we win.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Houghton, Michigan?
Nothing unless we win. Matz Injury Law works on contingency, which means our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not from your pocket. Most Michigan firms charge 33⅓%. We charge 22% at every stage of the case. Your first consultation is free, and there are no out-of-pocket costs to get started.
What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Michigan’s no-fault PIP benefits cover your medical bills and lost wages regardless of the other driver’s insurance status. Your own policy may also include uninsured motorist coverage that could apply to your pain-and-suffering claim. We evaluate both tracks at no cost during your consultation.
Will a Car Accident Lawyer Actually Come to Houghton and the Upper Peninsula?
We will. We help clients all across Michigan, including Houghton and the western Upper Peninsula. If you’re unable to travel because of your injuries, we can come to you.
Let Us Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve
The knowledgeable attorneys at Matz Injury Law have years of experience representing Houghton auto accident victims as well as those in the Upper Peninsula. Our law firm has obtained many six and seven-figure settlements and judgments for our clients over the years. To schedule a free consultation to learn more about our legal services, contact us today through our website or at 866-654-5881.
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.
