Car Accident Lawyer Serving Petoskey

Being involved in a car accident can have devastating effects on victims and their families. People who have suffered an automobile crash often face serious injury or, sadly, worse. Many types of injuries are life-altering and come with long-term physical and financial struggles.

Even if you did not suffer serious injuries in a car crash, there is also the possibility your vehicle is rendered inoperable. This can cause significant stress if you rely on your car or live in an area where public transportation is not available.

Matz Injury Law has experience helping car accident victims recover fair compensation from their insurance companies. If you, or a loved one, has experienced a personal injury from a car accident, contact the compassionate legal team at Matz Injury Law at 866-226-6833 for legal advice.

Established Car Accident Attorneys Serving Petoskey, Michigan

Steven Matz and his team have been practicing law in Michigan for several decades—since 1977 after obtaining his degree from law school at the George Washington University National Law Center. Mr. Matz offers a significant experience to his clients, along with sharing his expertise in a number of areas, as he is published and is often called to speak or lecture at schools. The firm holds several honors and awards, consistently being named a “Superlawyer” for its services in personal injury law in several practice areas.

As a premier law office that represents clients in Petoskey and throughout Michigan, the Matz Injury Law team has negotiated more than $300 million for their clients. In 2009, Matz Injury Law obtained the largest car accident settlement in Michigan for $3,000,000.

How Frequently Do Car Accidents Occur in Petoskey, Michigan?

Petoskey is no stranger to serious car accidents in Emmet County. While car crashes occur everywhere, Petoskey has seen some of Michigan’s most serious accidents due to dangerous roads and intersections. For instance, the I-496 and US-127 corridors are particularly distressing and see a high number of crashes. Other high-crash areas include the intersection of Charlevoix Avenue and Spring Street. Also of concern is the fact so many drivers recklessly speed in Petoskey. Sadly, due to many reasons, a high percentage of Petoskey crashes are preventable.

Do I Really Need a Petoskey Car Accident Lawyer?

If you or someone in your family are a car accident victim, you will want to call a Petoskey attorney as soon as possible. Having an experienced car accident attorney by your side offers you the best opportunity to get the most compensation possible.

Also, important to consider is car accident victims do not always experience immediate symptoms of injury. Unfortunately, several types of injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), may not show signs for days, weeks, or even months. Losses associated with serious injuries can be permanent and become expensive over time, especially if an injury affects your ability to work.

What Are My Rights in an Accident?

The State of Michigan is a no-fault state. This means drivers must maintain their own personal injury protection insurance to cover their own injuries and damages in a car accident—it does not matter who was at fault. Unfortunately, this system, while beneficial in many ways, also has its flaws. It is common for victims to experience delays and denials of claims, despite them paying their insurance premiums as required. An experienced attorney can fight the system to help their clients obtain the compensation they need—and deserve.

What Is the Difference Between a No-Fault and a Tort System?

A no-fault system means your own insurance coverage pays for any injuries. It also covers any damage you cause to another person’s property. A tort system essentially means wrongdoing, which means the person who caused the accident is responsible for any losses. In other words, victims can hold the person or entity who caused their injury entirely accountable for any losses. However, with the no-fault system, drivers injured in Petoskey car accidents still retain the right to pursue a claim against at-fault drivers for pain and suffering if they can demonstrate they have suffered a serious impairment of bodily function.

Can You Sue for a Car Accident in Petoskey?

Michigan drivers are required to be self-insured so they can obtain medical coverage as quickly as possible, but unfortunately, coverage may not cover the extent of the injuries. If your injuries exceed what your insurance covers, you can sue the at-fault driver, regardless of the cause of the accident, whether it was reckless driving or a DUI.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Petoskey, Michigan Car Accident?

Damages you can pursue from a car accident or truck accident case consists of both economic and non-economic damages. This includes medical bills, hospital bills, ongoing healthcare treatment, lost wages, loss of future income, household services, in-home care, and lifestyle modifications (e.g. homes and cars). You can also pursue damages that aren’t as easily calculable, such as post-accident suffering.

Can I Sue For Pain and Suffering?

Michigan defines pain and suffering as a type of non-economic damage and includes mental anguish, scars, disfigurement, humiliation, and other injuries that don’t carry a price tag. Pain and suffering are difficult to calculate and losses must be clearly demonstrated. A Matz Injury Law attorney can assist in helping you obtain compensation for these types of losses.

How Long Do You Have to Sue After a Car Accident in Petoskey, Michigan?

In Michigan, you have three years from the date of a car accident to file a case against the at-fault driver. This is referred to as a statute of limitations and applies to both bodily injury and wrongful death claims. It is important to speak to a Petoskey attorney ASAP to ensure you do not miss your window to file.

How Much Does a Petoskey Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

Matz Injury Law is a local, trusted law firm in Northern Michigan that is committed to helping its clients recover compensation from losses they’ve suffered due to car accidents. The client relationship is of the utmost importance to them. Our law firm does not charge a set amount for any legal services provided, and instead of 33% of any recovery or settlement award like other law firms do, their percentage is just 22%. The personal injury attorneys at Matz Injury Law are highly experienced at what they do and are well-versed in Michigan law—they know how to win. Contact them today. They offer free evaluations to determine if you have a case.

At What Point Should I Call A Petoskey, Michigan Car Accident Lawyer?

In the immediate aftermath of a crash, call 911 to make sure any medical needs are quickly attended to. It is also vital to contact police to ensure an accident report is filed, and then collect evidence from the scene of a crash. However, time is of the essence. Calling a car accident attorney sooner than later is important because it prevents you from accidentally giving incriminating statements to insurance adjusters and also ensures you do not miss your window to file a claim.

We Can Recover Your Compensation While You Recover From Your Injuries

Unfortunately, insurance companies look for reasons not to pay you the full amount of compensation you deserve. Even if they do, it still might not be enough to cover medical bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, missed time off work, or loss of future income.

An auto accident has a high potential to change your life—and that of your family—forever. Insurance companies are not going to necessarily help you, you need a Petoskey car accident attorney on your side to advocate for your best interests. 

Steven Matz and Jared Matz are compassionate motor vehicle accident attorneys that can offer you years of experience. If you’re ready to discuss your case, call our personal injury lawyers for a free consultation at 866-226-6833 or complete our online contact form.