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Petoskey Truck Accident Attorney
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When you need a Petoskey truck accident lawyer, you’re already dealing with more than injuries. Medical bills are arriving. The trucking company’s insurer has people on the claim. And without understanding how Michigan’s no-fault system intersects with a commercial carrier’s liability policy, decisions made in the first weeks can limit what you recover.
This is not a standard car accident claim. Michigan truck accident cases involve multiple responsible parties, overlapping insurance policies, federal trucking regulations, and personal injury protection (PIP) limits that a serious crash can quickly exhaust.
At Matz Injury Law, Steven and Jared Matz personally handle truck accident claims across all 83 Michigan counties, including the Petoskey area and Emmet County. Our contingency fee is 22%, not the 33% most Michigan attorneys charge.
Why Choose Matz Injury Law for Your Petoskey Truck Accident Case
Steven Matz founded the firm in 1977 and has spent more than 40 years handling personal injury claims across Michigan. He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and earned induction into the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame. Michigan Lawyers Weekly recognized his $3 million settlement in 2009 as the largest reported motor vehicle accident settlement in the state. Jared Matz joined in 2016 after graduating magna cum laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, bringing a focused background in injury cases involving motorcycles and children. Together, they’ve recovered more than $300 million for Michigan clients.
Meet Our Petoskey Truck Accident Lawyers Who Handle Your Case
Our Client Testimonials
“I was given Steven’s information from my cousin that retained his services, and I have to say I am so pleased we did the same. The leave of professionalism was outstanding, I never had to wonder or guess what was going to happen. Steven and his staff kept us up to date and informed in every step throughout our process. I highly recommend Matz Injury Law Firm.” – Michelle W.
“5 star is not enough for the service we received from Steven Matz and team for my daughter. What a great crew at Matz Injury Law! they are very professionals and awesome individuals as well. Steven always answered our phone calls even on weekends. I had an amazing experience working with steven. His dedication and professionalism makes the process simple, fast and stress free. Highly Highly recommended!!!!” – Ajay G.
“Absolutely the most amazing lawyer we could have asked for . I couldn’t thank you enough for sticking with us and helping us with everything! Jared is the guy for you ! 10/10” – Victoria T.
Why Truck Accidents in Petoskey Cause Serious Injuries
The highways running through Petoskey, including US-31, US-131, and M-119, carry a steady flow of commercial freight year-round. When a fully loaded semi-truck traveling those corridors collides with a passenger vehicle, the size and force disparity makes serious injury nearly unavoidable.
Jackknife accidents and wide-turn collisions are among the most dangerous scenarios on these roads, and northern Michigan’s winter conditions, including ice, snow, and reduced visibility, compound the risk throughout a long season. The truck accident injuries that result from these crashes often require extended hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
Those losses don’t resolve quickly, and a fast settlement from a commercial carrier rarely accounts for what comes next. Accepting an early offer before you know the full scope of your injuries is one of the most common mistakes northern Michigan truck accident victims make.
How Michigan’s No-Fault System Affects Your Truck Accident Claim
Michigan’s no-fault law requires your own insurance to cover medical bills and lost wages after a crash, regardless of fault. That coverage comes through personal injury protection (PIP). In a serious commercial truck accident, PIP coverage can run out before the medical bills do, and when that happens, the bills keep coming.
If your injuries meet Michigan’s threshold, which requires a serious impairment of bodily function, you may also have a claim for pain and suffering against the at-fault trucker or carrier. Many northern Michigan truck accident victims end up with two separate claims: one against their own PIP carrier and one against the trucking company’s commercial insurer. How those two claims interact affects what you can recover.
If your no-fault benefits have been denied or delayed, we address that alongside your injury claim. Both matters carry their own deadlines.
Common Causes of Truck Crashes on Northern Michigan Roads
The cause of a crash determines who is responsible, and trucking accident liability is rarely simple. Common causes of commercial truck accidents on Petoskey-area roads include:
- FMCSA hours-of-service violations: Federal rules limit consecutive driving hours. When carriers push drivers past those limits, fatigue becomes a direct factor in crashes.
- Distracted or impaired driving: A truck driver who’s not fully attentive at highway speed covers significant ground before reacting.
- Improperly secured cargo: Shifting loads can cause sudden loss of control.
- Brake and tire failures: Unaddressed equipment problems put everyone on the road at risk.
- Wide-turn collisions: The narrower corridors through Emmet County create specific challenges for large commercial vehicles.
Trucking companies control the evidence that matters most, including electronic logging device (ELD) data and maintenance records. The question of whether commercial trucks bear fault for rear-end crashes often turns on carrier-controlled records. Reaching out early protects your options.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Petoskey
The actions you take in the hours and days after a crash can affect your claim. Here’s what may help:
- Call 911: A police report documents the crash, road conditions, and initial statements from the scene.
- Seek medical attention promptly: Some serious injuries aren’t obvious right away. A prompt evaluation creates a record tied to the time of the crash.
- Document the scene: Photos of both vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries can support your claim later.
- Collect witness information: Names and contact details from anyone who saw the crash can matter when liability is disputed.
- Notify your own insurer: Starting the no-fault benefits process early helps prevent delays in your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement: Their adjusters may use your own words to limit what you recover.
The sooner you speak with a Michigan truck accident lawyer, the more of your options remain open.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Petoskey Truck Accident
Truck accident victims in Michigan can pursue several categories of compensation, depending on the crash circumstances and the severity of the injuries:
- Medical expenses: Current treatment costs and future rehabilitation both factor into the claim.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: Losses from missed work or a limited ability to earn going forward are part of what’s recoverable.
- Pain and suffering: This requires meeting Michigan’s serious impairment of bodily function threshold. When that threshold is met, pain and suffering damages are available against the at-fault trucker or carrier.
- Property damage and out-of-pocket costs: Vehicle repair or replacement and related expenses count as well.
Michigan does not allow punitive damages. Compensation centers on actual losses you’ve suffered.
Commercial carriers often make early offers that don’t account for long-term care needs. Settlement amounts in rear-end commercial truck accident cases can vary widely depending on the full scope of losses involved. Accepting an early settlement closes the door on additional compensation, so knowing what you’re owed before signing matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Petoskey Truck Accident Lawyer Charge?
At Matz Injury Law, we handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and our fee applies only if we recover compensation for you. Our fee is 22%, not the 33 1/3% most Michigan injury attorneys charge. We explain the full fee structure in writing at your free consultation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Michigan?
Michigan gives you three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim under MCL 600.5805. Separate deadlines apply to no-fault benefit claims, and those windows can be shorter depending on the claim type. Missing any deadline eliminates your right to pursue compensation. Contact an attorney as soon as you’re able.
What If the Trucking Company Says the Crash Was My Fault?
Michigan uses a modified comparative fault rule. Under MCL 600.2959, you can still recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible for the crash. Your recovery reduces by your share of fault, but it doesn’t disappear. Crash reports, electronic logging device (ELD) data, and witness statements can address liability disputes. We can review the facts and explain how fault questions affect your claim.
Talk to a Petoskey Truck Accident Lawyer at Matz Injury Law Today
A serious truck crash shouldn’t leave you handling insurance claims and legal deadlines on your own. Matz Injury Law offers free consultations for truck accident victims throughout Michigan, including Petoskey and all of Emmet County. Call us at 866-226-6833 or fill out our contact form to speak with an experienced truck accident legal team.
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.
