Matz Injury Law Petoskey MI Car Accident Lawyers
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, a law firm with experienced Petoskey car accident lawyers, 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.
Matz Injury Law: Winning Car Accident Lawyers 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 significant experience to his clients, and he shares his knowledge 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.
Matz Injury Law obtained the largest car accident settlement in Michigan
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.
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 often provides you with a better opportunity to get the most compensation possible.
Also, what is 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.
How A Petoskey Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Win Compensation
Our lawyers focus on personal injury claims, including motor vehicle accidents, such as car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents. Additionally:
- We have a proven track record of securing millions for our clients.
- We have a client-centered approach—we treat every client as if they are family—you are not just another number to us.
- We have the resources and the network to handle large claims successfully.
- We are available to our clients at all times.
- If we do not win your case, you do not pay attorney’s fees—we work on a contingency fee basis.
- We work to obtain a fair and reasonable settlement and are prepared to litigate your case in the event the insurance company refuses to pay the compensation you deserve.
Why Clients Partner With Matz Injury Law
We listen to our clients and create custom solutions using our experience in personal injury law.
Our Client Testimonials
“Mr. Matz was great helping me after my auto accident. I had no idea what was going on or where to turn but he led me the correct direction and to the right kind of doctors I needed to treat my injuries. He was there to answer any questions and still is, even if its not to do with the case he represented me on. His son is very helpful and caring also!” – Judy W.
“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.
“I highly recommend Matz Injury Law and if needed would definitely utilize them again.” – Thomas C.
Recent Car Accident Settlement Results
$1.74 Million Settlement Awarded in Calhoun County Collision: $1.74 million settlement against a 19-year-old driver and the fraternity where he was drinking immediately prior to a head-on collision that killed a 52-year-old husband and father of three children. Result of 22Not33 Promise: Client kept an additional $197,142 with Matz Injury Law.
$1.3 Million Settlement in Monroe County: $1.3 million Federal District Court settlement on behalf of a mother and daughter in a car/truck collision. Mom suffered a pancreas injury but returned to full-time employment within six months; her eight-year-old daughter suffered an aggravation of a pre-existing learning disability as well as a ruptured spleen. Result of 22Not33 Promise: Client kept an additional $147,200 with Matz Injury Law.
$1 Million Settlement for Rear-End Accident: Matz Injury Law obtained a $1,000,000 settlement for a woman in Northern Michigan who fractured both ankles as a result of being rear-ended by a gravel truck. Result of 22Not33 Promise: Client kept an additional $107,635 with Matz Injury Law.
$3,450,000 Settlement From Commercial Vehicle Accident: A settlement of $3,450,000 for a family who lost loved ones as a result of an inattentive cement truck driver. Result of 22Not33 Promise: Client kept an additional $390,885 with Matz Injury Law.
$100,000 Uninsured Motorist Settlement In Detroit: $100,000 uninsured motorist settlement (policy limit) for the family of a passenger killed in Detroit in a suspected joyriding incident. Result of 22Not33 Promise: Client kept an additional $11,330 with Matz Injury Law.
Matz Injury Law is a Decorated Petoskey Car Accident Lawyer
Our attorneys earned many awards over the years due to the care we put into representing our clients and how we communicate and react with our clients. Some of the awards we won include:
- Super Lawyers: 10 years
- Michigan’s Top Attorneys
- Peer-rated AV Preeminent
- Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb Top Attorney Lawsuits and Disputes
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Expertise.com Car Accident Lawyers
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 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.
How is Fault Determined in a Petoskey Car Accident
Your attorney guides you through the process of determining fault. Some factors that can help include:
- An investigation into the accident
- Proving negligence through the investigation, police report, witness statements, and more
- Investigate others who may be liable for your injuries and losses
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 consist of both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages have a monetary value and include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Death-related expenses
- Replacement or repair of destroyed or damaged personal property
Non-economic damages do not have a monetary value and are usually awarded to those who suffer long-term or permanent disabilities caused by their car accident injuries. Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Inconvenience
Exemplary damages are not to make you whole again, as are compensatory damages—economic and non-economic damages. Instead, the court orders a defendant to pay exemplary damages in cases with extreme negligent or malicious intent.
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 percent of any recovery or settlement award as other law firms do, our percentage is just 22 percent. 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 rather than later is important because it prevents you from accidentally giving incriminating statements to insurance adjusters and also keeps you from missing 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 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 who 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.
Related Car Accident Resources
- When Does a Car Accident Go to Court?: Many car accident cases do not go to court. In most cases, they only go to court when the insurance company refuses to come to a fair and reasonable settlement.
- For My Car Accident Case, Can I Use A Black Box?: Yes, you can use your vehicle’s “black box” to help prove your claim.
- Do Low-Impact Car Accidents Qualify for Settlements?: Low-impact car accidents sometimes cause injuries that qualify for settlements.
- Are Car Accident Settlements Taxable in Michigan?: Learn more about which parts of a car accident settlement may be taxable.
- 2024 Guide to Michigan Car Accident Lawsuits: Learn more about car accidents in Michigan, including the statute of limitations and insurance issues.
Frequent Answered Questions
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 that so many drivers recklessly speed in Petoskey. Sadly, due to many reasons, a high percentage of Petoskey crashes are preventable.
After a car accident, call first responders and check on others involved in the accident. Additional steps you can take to help your case include:
- Take photos of the accident scene and any property damage caused by the accident.
- Allow EMTs to check you over at the accident scene. This is the first step in documenting potential injuries.
- Give the police your side of the story for the police report.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Certain injuries may take hours or even days to manifest.
- Contact an experienced Petoskey car accident lawyer.
Yes, you should always call the police after a car accident, even a minor accident. The police can file an official report for insurance claims. If the police do not respond, you should still file a report with local authorities as soon as possible.
Contact the police immediately, especially if there are serious injuries or significant damage. The police will create an official report. If the police do not show up, you can file a report with your local police department or motor vehicle agency. You have a specified timeframe for filing reports, so do not wait—file your report immediately.
Yes, you can negotiate with the insurance company for a higher settlement. You will need to provide evidence of damages and any medical expenses incurred. It is important to be prepared with documentation and to consult with a lawyer.
You may be able to file a claim through your own insurance company if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Additionally, you can pursue legal action against the other driver to recover damages.
Yes. In many cases, you can still recover damages, even if you were partially at fault due to Michigan’s comparative negligence laws. The amount you can recover may be reduced based on your percentage of fault in the accident. Never admit you are at fault at the accident scene. Let your attorneys hash that out.
If you suffered injuries while driving a rental car, your personal insurance or the rental vehicle’s insurance policy may cover your injuries. However, it is imperative that you check both policies and notify both insurance companies about the incident.
Depending on your insurance carrier’s policies and whether you were at fault for the accident, your insurance rates could increase. Always review your policy terms regarding claims and potential rate increases.
Insurance companies can and will twist anything you say in an attempt to deny a claim or offer a mere pittance. We prefer that you refer the insurance company to your car accident lawyer, but if you must speak with it about the accident, stick to factual information about the accident. Your attorney will handle negotiations regarding your claim.
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 you in obtaining compensation for these types of losses.
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