Kalamazoo’s Trusted Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer
Key Takeaways
- Car accidents can instantly change one’s life, and the aftermath can be frightening.
- Every year, thousands of injuries and deaths occur in Michigan automobile accidents.
- Michigan is a no-fault state, so you must file with your insurance company before pursuing compensation from other insurance companies.
- Working with a skilled Kalamazoo personal injury attorney can help you get a fair settlement.
Getting into a motor vehicle accident can turn your life upside down, especially when the at-fault motorist and their insurance company refuse to pay your claim as your medical bills pile up.
Steve and Jared at Matz Injury Law are compassionate attorneys with decades of experience and millions of dollars in successful settlements and verdicts. For many decades, our team has helped thousands of Michigan personal injury victims, including those hurt in motor vehicle accidents.
Call 866-226-6833 or complete our online contact form to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Matz Injury Law today.
How Many Car Accidents Occur in Kalamazoo, Michigan?
Car accidents happen every day in Michigan, whether you’re in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, or Kalamazoo County. According to data released by Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, 2023 saw massive numbers, with 1,085 deaths and 71,085 injuries resulting from 235,835 crashes.
According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts for 2023, there were 7,619 crashes in Kalamazoo County alone. In recent years, most accidents involved drivers aged 25-34, followed by drivers aged 35-44—a total of 238 crashes involved drinking and driving under the influence.
Types of Car Accidents Our Matz Injury Law Firm Handles in Kalamazoo
Matz Injury Law’s legal team is equipped to handle many different types of car accidents, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Rideshare incidents
- Pedestrian accidents
What Types of Compensation Can I Claim in a Kalamazoo Car Accident?
In Michigan, you can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are quantifiable losses you have, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, surgery, medication, and other expenses incurred. Non-economic damages are losses not easily quantifiable; examples include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, disfigurement, and scarring.
What Are My Rights in a Kalamazoo Collision?
You do have rights after a car crash in Kalamazoo. You may have heard that Michigan has no-fault laws in effect. This is true, but it doesn’t mean every accident is nobody’s fault. All this means is that all drivers are required to carry no-fault insurance. When you have an accident, you have to report it to your insurance company instead of directly pursuing the negligent driver’s insurance company. This only applies to car crash incidents, not medical malpractice, dog bites, or other personal injury.
The idea is to allow you to start your personal injury claim more easily and get your medical expenses covered immediately. Unfortunately, the law isn’t perfect, and insurance adjusters still look for reasons not to pay your claim. That’s why it’s essential to have a personal injury lawyer on your side. We will fight to get your insurance company to settle your claim.
You may be able to collect a wide range of economic damages from your car accident. These include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Funeral and burial expenses if you lose a loved one in a wrongful death case
You may also be able to get compensation for pain and suffering. This is also referred to as “non-economic damages.” It includes things like:
- Mood swings
- PTSD
- Depression
- Loss of consortium, comfort, and companionship
- Physical pain and suffering
It’s difficult to value these “invisible injuries,” but Matz Injury Law has formulae that can be applied to calculate a value. First, however, we need to discuss your case. Call us at 866-226-6833 or fill out our online form to talk today.
Related article: 2024 Guide to Michigan Car Accident Lawsuits
Can You Sue for a Car Accident in Kalamazoo?
Yes, you can sue the other driver after your Kalamazoo car accident. To secure compensation, you must prove that the other driver was negligent. This means proving they violated their duty of care and behaved responsibly while operating their vehicle. Then, you must demonstrate that this violation led to the accident. Finally, we need to prove that you were hurt as a direct result of the accident.
How Much Is My Kalamazoo Car Accident Settlement Worth?
Every Kalamazoo case is different, but the following factors generally influence a car accident victim’s settlement amount.
- Severity of injuries (e.g. traumatic brain injury vs. broken bone)
- Amount of medical expenses
- Amount of wage losses
- How injury impacts daily life
- Level of pain and suffering
- Other economic and non-economic damages determined
Who the at-fault party is will also impact a settlement amount, and the degree of fault the defendant is assigned plays a role in how much compensation the accident injury victim receives.
Insurance companies notoriously try to undercut a claim’s worth, but an experienced car accident lawyer can push back against lowball claims.
How Does Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Law Impact My Claim?
Michigan is a no-fault state for car accidents, meaning you first file with your insurance company even if you were not at fault. These laws are designed to limit lawsuits and increase court efficiency but can also substantially impact your injury claim. A skilled attorney knows how to handle your claim and when it is appropriate to file with other insurance companies.
Do I Need to Hire a Kalamazoo Car Accident Attorney for My Case?
No laws require you to hire a personal injury law firm. However, not having legal representation after a serious car accident can be costly. Insurance companies always seem compassionate at first, until their adjusters make you a low offer that won’t begin to cover your medical treatment, let alone your lost wages and pain and suffering. When you refuse or question, they’ll try anything to avoid paying you, and they have lawyers in their corner.
When you work with an attorney, you won’t have to interact with the insurance company. You can direct them to your auto accident lawyer and let us handle all communications regarding your personal injury claim.
We’ll work to build a strong personal injury case against the negligent driver and give you a high chance at securing significant fair compensation for injuries and property damage. We’ll stand by your side through negotiations, and while court usually isn’t necessary, we’ll fight for a verdict for you if we do have to go. Contact Matz Injury Law by calling our phone number at 866-226-6833 or using our online contact form and get your free case review today.
Related article: Without a Lawyer, Can I Settle My Auto Injury Case?
At What Point Should I Call a Kalamazoo, Michigan Car Accident Lawyer?
The first step after an accident is to call 911 and get medical attention for everyone. Then, document the accident as much as you can. Take notes and photos, file a police report, and get witness contact information. Then, before you do anything else, call Matz Injury Law at 866-226-6833 and let us represent you to the insurance company. It might be the most important call you make.
How Much Does a Kalamazoo Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
There’s no set amount for the cost of a lawyer. Most Michigan car accident workers use a contingency fee, taking a percentage cut of a settlement, as payment for their services. However, Matz Injury Law does provide a free case review when you contact us. If you work with us, we charge no fee if we lose your case. If we win, we take only 22%, rather than the traditional 33% fee. That’s why our slogan is “22, not 33.” You can afford a car accident attorney in Kalamazoo with our low cost.
Related article: What to Know About Michigan Case Costs and Attorney Fees
Contact A Kalamazoo Car Accident Lawyer If you Have Been Injured In an Auto Accident
While you can file a claim yourself, it is essential to know insurance companies do not make decisions based on your best interests. Working with a skilled Kalamazoo lawyer can significantly increase the odds of receiving a favorable settlement. Your attorney will:
- Gather evidence to prove fault
- Assemble a strong case
- Negotiate with the insurance companies
- File a lawsuit if necessary
- Make certain important deadlines are not missed
Most car accident lawyers provide a free case evaluation and work on contingency. This means they only get paid if you receive a settlement.
Meet Our Muskegon County Car Accident Lawyers
Jared Matz
Jared Matz has long championed victims’ rights, advocating for Michigan property owners facing unjust property tax systems before attending law school. Jared has had a lifelong experience of learning about the law from his father, Steven. Having graduated magna cum laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2016, Jared currently focuses on advocating for personal injury victims and applying the law to assist his clients.
Steven J. Matz
Steven J. Matz has over 40 years of legal experience and has frequently won awards for his work. He graduated from George Washington University National Law Center with a Juris Doctor degree in 1977. As the founder of Matz Injury Law, he has advocated for Michigan’s injured for decades. He also lectures, does pro bono work and serves on numerous legal boards.
Why Clients Trust Matz Injury Law as Kalamazoo Car Accident Lawyers
Clients turn to Matz Injury Law because of our reputation for putting clients’ needs first. We pride ourselves on being communicative, transparent, and willing to go the extra mile.
When you work with us, you can rest assured you’ll speak with either Steven Matz or Jared Matz, unlike other law firms where you might never speak directly with your attorneys. We offer personalized service to every case we represent.
Matz has been advocating for injury victims since 1977. Since then, Matz Injury Law has won millions for clients, including a $3 million settlement that was the largest in Michigan history at the time. Steven has been listed as one of Michigan’s Super Lawyers and takes great pride in his success in representing victims in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and other collisions.
Our attorneys have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles throughout the Upper and Lower Peninsulas to meet with clients. To date, we have won more than $300 million for them. Matz is honored to receive many awards.
- Super Lawyers
- Michigan’s Top Attorneys
- AV-Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
- Avvo-rated 10.0
- Top 100 National Trial Lawyers
- Best Car Accident Lawyers by Expertise.com
Testimonials
“I reached out to Steve after my car accident and even without paying him he was there for me. Offered me advice and told me everything I needed to know about what my insurance company owed me. He cares about people and it shows!” — Kyanna W.
“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.
“For anyone looking for an attorney please look no further than Matz Injury Law!! Not only was Jared professional, he helped me beyond what I could have asked for. I’m so thankful for you all!!! To say I’m appreciative and grateful is an understatement. There’s no need to look for any other attorneys for you auto accidents!! They are so wonderful!!! Highly recommended 10/10!!!!!” — Tessa C.
Related Resources
- When Does a Car Accident Go to Court?
- Is It Worth Hiring A Michigan Car Accident Lawyer?
- 2024 Guide to Michigan Car Accident Lawsuits
- What You Need to File A Police Report After A Car Accident
- Michigan Car Accident FAQ
Injured in a Kalamazoo Car Accident? We Can Help.
The caring and compassionate attorneys at Matz Injury Law understand the trauma injury victims face in the aftermath of a car accident. We want to help ease your burdens by providing legal advice and working to see you get the compensation you need to cover medical care costs and other losses.
To learn more about how we can help during a free consultation, contact the Kalamazoo personal injury lawyers at Matz Injury Law at 1-866-22Not33 or fill out our online contact form. We also assist in many other types of accident cases and practice areas.
Frequent Answered Questions
There are several roads in Kalamazoo where dangerous crashes tend to occur. Here are a few notable areas.
- Sprinkle Road and Cork Street roundabout, Kalamazoo
- Drake Road at West Main Street, Kalamazoo
- Drake Road at West K L Avenue, Kalamazoo
- Howard Street at Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo
- Park Street at West Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo
- Drake Road at Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo
- Gull Road at South Riverview Drive, Kalamazoo
Related article: Where Do Most Michigan Car Accidents Happen?
All states have a concept called a statute of limitations. This means you only have a specific time window to file your lawsuit. In our state, it’s three years from the date of the accident or three years after death in the case of a wrongful death suit. It’s vital to file your suit within this time window, or you could lose your rights to compensation.
Related article: Deadlines For Filing Car Accident Lawsuits in Michigan
Where you should file your Kalamazoo case depends on jurisdiction and case specifics.
- File in your district court if your case has a value of less than $25,000
- File in the appropriate circuit court if your case has a value of $25,000 or more
Your personal injury attorney can determine the location to file your case since the location of the car accident determines where to file.
If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, you can file a claim through your policy if you have uninsured motorist coverage. In cases where the at-fault party has personal assets, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them.
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Southfield, MI 48075
