Traverse City Personal Injury Lawyer

A serious crash can completely disrupt your routine. One day you are going about your normal life, and the next you are facing severe injuries, medical appointments, missed work, and questions about how the bills will be paid. The physical pain is often matched by stress, especially when insurance adjusters start calling. Trying to manage the claim on your own can lead to a quick settlement that may not fully account for your long-term medical care or financial needs.

At Matz Injury Law, we stand beside injured people in Traverse City and throughout Northern Michigan. We guide you through the legal process, handle communication with the insurance company, and pursue the compensation available under Michigan law so you can focus on your recovery.

Is Getting a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Worth It in Traverse City, MI?

In many cases, yes. Insurance companies have teams working to limit what they pay. Having a lawyer levels the playing field and helps protect your claim from the start. A personal injury attorney can:

• Seek full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Handle negotiations with insurance adjusters
• Navigate Michigan’s no-fault insurance system and related legal requirements

Trying to manage a personal injury claim alone can lead to denied claims or settlements that do not account for future medical care or long-term limitations. Even an injury that seems minor at first can have lasting effects.

Why Choose Matz Injury Law for a Traverse City Personal Injury Claim

When you are hurt in Northern Michigan, it helps to work with a legal team that understands the community, the local courts, and how Michigan personal injury claims work. At Matz Injury Law, we focus on protecting your rights while you focus on your recovery.

We handle every stage of the case, including investigation, documentation of your injuries, negotiation with the insurance company, and litigation if needed. We communicate clearly, explain your options in plain language, and build each case based on the specific facts and long-term impact of the injury.

Our goal is simple. To pursue the full compensation available under Michigan law and help you move forward with stability and clarity.

Meet Our Founding and Award-Winning Attorneys Who Will Handle Your Case

Jared Matz

Partner & Personal Injury Lawyer

Once he graduated from Michigan, Jared pursued a career in real estate sales and development with a company in Lansing. After gaining valuable knowledge and business experience, Jared returned to…

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Steven Matz

Founding Partner & Personal Injury Lawyer

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.…

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For more than 49 years, the Matz family has represented injured people across Michigan. Founding attorneys Steven Matz and Jared Matz have years of experience leading the firm with a focus on personal injury and wrongful death cases.

They built Matz Injury Law to stand up to insurance companies and pursue fair compensation for individuals and families facing life-changing injuries. Their work centers on clear communication, careful case preparation, and steady guidance through each stage of the legal process.

Our “22 Not 33” Promise: Why Matz Injury Law Stands Out

Many personal injury law firms charge a contingency fee of 33%. At Matz Injury Law, our standard fee is 22%. That difference can significantly affect how much of your recovery you keep.

For example, on a $500,000 settlement, a 33% fee would equal $165,000. At 22%, the fee would be $110,000. That leaves $55,000 more in your pocket.

We believe people who have been injured should keep as much of their recovery as possible. Our fee structure is clear from the beginning, and we explain how costs and attorney’s fees work before you decide to move forward.

Matz Injury Law Recognized as an Award-Winning Personal Injury Law Firm

Matz Injury Law has received statewide recognition for its work on behalf of injured people in Michigan. These honors reflect professional achievement and peer acknowledgment within the legal community.

Recognitions include:

• Avvo Rating 10.0
• Michigan’s Top Attorneys, Crain’s Detroit Business
• Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame
• Recognition by Expertise as a Personal Injury Attorney

Our Recent Settlements and Verdicts

Every personal injury case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. However, prior recoveries can provide insight into the types of serious cases we handle and the level of preparation we bring to each matter.

Our case results include:

• $2,350,000 recovery in a motorcycle accident wrongful death case
• $1,250,000 wrongful death settlement involving a drunk driver
• $3,450,000 recovery in a commercial truck accident case

Our Client Testimonials

“Following a near head on collision that left my wife with serious injuries to her leg and a head injury from the air bag that caused “instant onset dementia”, she has been deteriorating and needs constant supervision. Hats off to Steve Matz and all the work he and his firm have done to secure the compensation needed from the insurance company to facilitate her care. Without his tireless help I don’t know where we would be today. I highly recommend Matz Injury Law and if needed would definitely utilize them again.” — Thomas C.

“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 [level] 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.

“Jared worked with me when I broke both my ankles at the same time. He was so efficient, friendly and attentive to my needs. He was always in contact with me and answered my calls when I needed to speak to him, or he would call me back soon after. Jared did an outstanding job and looked out for my best interest during this ordeal. I believe Jared got me the most for my injury possible. A special “thank you” to you Jared, and I will refer you to anyone that is in need of an injury lawyer. I owe you a lot of gratitude” — Lisa S.

Personal Injury Legal Services We Provide in Traverse City, MI

Matz Injury Law represents injured people in Traverse City and throughout Northern Michigan in a wide range of serious injury matters, including:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Slip and fall injuries (premises liability)
• Wrongful death
• Dog bite injuries
• Swimming pool injuries
• Boating accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Rideshare accidents

We handle each stage of the claim, from initial investigation through settlement negotiations or litigation when necessary.

Key Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Having legal representation can affect how your claim is handled and valued. A personal injury lawyer can:

• Protect your rights from the beginning of the claim
• Calculate and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages
• Communicate directly with the insurance company on your behalf
• Manage filings, court deadlines, and required documentation
• Allow you to focus on treatment and recovery while your case moves forward

Do I Have a Personal Injury Claim in Traverse City, MI?

You may have a valid personal injury claim in Traverse City if:

• You were injured and needed medical treatment after a crash, fall, or other incident
• Another person or business acted negligently, such as a distracted driver on U.S. 31 or a property owner who failed to fix a hazardous condition
• You experienced financial losses, including medical expenses, lost income, or ongoing treatment costs

Michigan law requires proof that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. In auto accident cases, you may also need to meet the legal threshold for pain and suffering under the state’s no-fault system.

The most reliable way to determine whether you have a claim is to speak directly with a personal injury attorney who understands how cases are handled in Traverse City and the surrounding Northern Michigan courts. We review the facts, explain your options, and help you decide what steps make sense for your situation.

What to Expect During a Traverse City Personal Injury Claim

While every case is different, most personal injury claims in Traverse City follow a structured process:

• Initial case review and evaluation
• Investigation, including gathering crash reports, medical records, and witness information
• Communication and negotiation with the insurance company
• Filing a lawsuit if a fair resolution is not offered

In Michigan, auto accident cases may involve both a personal injury protection claim for no-fault benefits and a separate claim against the at-fault driver if the injury threshold is met.

Having legal representation helps protect important deadlines, including Michigan’s statute of limitations, and allows you to focus on your recovery while your case moves forward.

What Should I Do After an Injury in Traverse City, MI?

The steps you take after an accident in Traverse City can affect both your health and your legal claim. Consider the following:

• Seek medical care right away, even if symptoms seem minor at first
• Report the crash to local law enforcement or notify the property owner if the injury occurred on private property
• Take photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle or property damage
• Collect contact information from witnesses
• Keep copies of medical records, bills, and receipts related to your treatment
• Avoid giving a recorded statement to another party’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer

Prompt action can help preserve evidence and strengthen your claim under Michigan law.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Claim?

Many Michigan personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the date of the injury. This deadline applies to a wide range of negligence claims, including car accidents and premises liability cases.

However, car accident claims can involve additional timing rules under Michigan’s no-fault law, especially when personal injury protection benefits are involved. Different notice requirements may also apply in cases involving a government agency.

If a claim is not filed within the required time, a court may dismiss it. Speaking with a personal injury attorney early can help you understand which deadlines apply to your specific situation.

How Is Fault Determined in a Traverse City Personal Injury Case?

Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means more than one party can share responsibility for an accident. In general, you may recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, if you are 50% or less at fault, though any recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. The way fault affects a case can depend on whether the claim involves a motor vehicle under Michigan’s no-fault system or another type of negligence claim.

To evaluate fault, insurance companies and attorneys review:

• Police crash reports and witness statements
• Photographs and video footage from the scene
• Medical records that connect your injuries to the incident
• Physical evidence, vehicle damage, or property conditions

Because fault directly affects the value of a claim, insurance companies may attempt to shift blame. A careful review of the evidence helps protect your ability to pursue compensation under Michigan law.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Traverse City Personal Injury Case?

If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, Michigan law may allow you to pursue compensation for several categories of losses, depending on the facts of your case. These commonly include:

• Economic damages, such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage
• Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the ways the injury has affected your daily life

In auto accident cases, your medical bills and certain wage losses may first be covered through personal injury protection benefits under Michigan’s no-fault system. A separate claim against the at-fault driver may be available if the legal injury threshold is met.

How Much Can I Recover for Pain and Suffering in Michigan?

There is no fixed dollar amount for pain and suffering damages in Michigan. The value of a claim depends on how the injury has affected your life and whether you meet the legal threshold required to pursue non-economic damages in an auto accident case.

Factors that may influence the value of a pain and suffering claim include:

• The severity and permanence of your injuries
• Whether the injury affects an important body function
• The impact on your ability to work, care for yourself, or participate in daily activities
• The credibility and strength of the medical evidence

Insurance companies frequently challenge or minimize non-economic damages. Careful documentation, medical support, and a clear presentation of how the injury changed your life are critical to pursuing fair compensation under Michigan law.

How Do I Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer in Traverse City?

Choosing a personal injury lawyer is an important decision. In Traverse City, it can help to look for:

• Familiarity with Michigan personal injury law and local court procedures
• Experience handling serious injury and wrongful death cases
• Clear communication about case strategy, timelines, and fees
• A contingency fee structure explained in writing before you move forward
• A firm that takes time to understand how the injury has affected your life

Meeting with an attorney gives you the opportunity to ask questions and understand how your claim would be handled. The right fit should leave you informed, respected, and confident in the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traverse City Personal Injury Claims

What Are My Chances of Winning a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Michigan?

There are no fixed “odds” of winning a personal injury lawsuit. The outcome depends on factors such as the strength of the evidence, clarity of fault, the severity of the injury, and whether the legal threshold is met in auto accident cases. A careful case evaluation can help you understand the strengths and potential challenges involved.

What Should I Avoid Saying After an Accident?

It is important to be accurate and honest when discussing your case. Avoid exaggerating injuries, speculating about fault, or minimizing symptoms. Statements made to insurance adjusters or posted on social media may be used to challenge your credibility. Speaking with an attorney before giving a recorded statement can help protect your claim.

Can I File a Claim If I Was Partly at Fault?

Yes. Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may recover non-economic damages if you are 50% or less at fault, though any recovery may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If you are more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering non-economic damages.

Do Most Personal Injury Cases Go to Trial?

No. Many personal injury cases resolve through negotiated settlements. However, filing a lawsuit may be necessary if the insurance company does not offer a reasonable resolution. Preparation for trial can also strengthen settlement discussions.

Ready to Take the Next Step After an Injury in Traverse City? Contact a Traverse City Personal Injury Lawyer Today.

A serious injury can leave you with questions about your health, your finances, and your future. You do not have to sort through Michigan’s legal system alone.

If you or a loved one was hurt in Traverse City or anywhere in Northern Michigan, contact Matz Injury Law at 866-226-6833 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation. Our Traverse City personal injury attorneys will listen to your story, explain how Michigan’s no-fault system may apply, and outline the options available to you.

The sooner you understand your rights, the better positioned you are to protect them. Reach out today to start the conversation.