Car Accident Attorney in Salem
Helping Car Crash Victims Across Northwest Oregon
A car accident may leave you injured, bewildered, and in dire financial straits. The personal injury laws of Oregon exist to protect the rights of innocent drivers and pedestrians.
At Elmer Law, PC, our Salem car accident attorney has been protecting clients' rights for more than 40 years.
Clients throughout Oregon's Willamette Valley seek our help in getting the financial compensation they deserve after a car collision. Whether you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident, our Salem car accident lawyer can pursue a settlement or award that guards your family's legal rights.
Contact our car accident lawyer in Salem, Oregon at (503) 563-7035 today to schedule your free consultation.
Is Your Car Accident Claim Valid?
Speaking with our Salem car accident attorney about your situation is the first step in filing a claim for compensation.
You may have a personal injury claim if you were injured in an accident involving any of the following:
- Cars
- Semi-trucks
- Motorcycles
- Bicycles
- Pedestrians
With our attorney at Elmer Law, PC protecting your interests, insurance companies are far more likely to negotiate in good faith.
Essential Steps After a Car Accident in Oregon
The moments following an accident can be confusing and stressful. Whether it was on I-5, Highway 22, or a smaller street, it is important to take a few steps to preserve your health and your potential claim.
If you are able, the following steps may help you when you decide to file your car accident claim:
- Move away from traffic or danger if possible
- Call 911 and request medical assistance
- If able, collect the driver's contact information
- Gather witness statements if possible
- Give a police statement and collect the officer's badge number
- Seek professional medical assistance
One of the most important steps, aside from seeking medical help, is to avoid talking about the accident with the other driver's insurance company. The insurance company is seldom on your side and conversations with them should be had with caution. If you are involved in a car collision, it may be in your best interest to enlist the guidance of an attorney as soon as possible.
Understanding the Time Limits for Car Accident Claims in Oregon
If you’ve been involved in a car crash, you will generally have 2 years from the date of your crash to file a personal injury claim. Nevertheless, many exceptions to the 2-year limit apply, and some may impose shorter deadlines. A claim against a driver who works for the government, for example, may have special rules and allow less time for you to file.
Similarly, legal action involving a minor may be delayed until the minor’s 18th birthday, and injuries that are not discovered immediately may warrant more time. Nevertheless, you should file sooner rather than later, as missing a deadline can result in your insurance claim being denied or your personal injury case being dismissed.
Statutes of limitations in Oregon are laid out in the 2017 Oregon Revised Statutes §12.110.
If you have questions about these time limits or want to make sure you adhere to them, contact our Oregon car accident lawyer in Salem today at (503) 563-7035.
Serving Salem, OR Since 2000
Oregon Car Insurance Requirements
Oregon follows a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning the party responsible for causing the crash is generally liable for the resulting damages.
However, Oregon also requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. After an accident, your own PIP insurance may help pay for reasonable and necessary medical expenses, a portion of your lost wages, prescription medications, and certain in-home care services
PIP insurance carriers will only cover costs they deem reasonable and necessary, within the first year following the accident, and up to your policy limit. Many people have a standard $15,000 in PIP coverage, but some carry more. If your insurance carrier does not believe the medical bill you submit is related to your car accident injury, they may deny coverage.
Why Choose Elmer Law, PC?
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Over 40 Years of Legal Experience
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Free Case Consultations Available
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Client-Focused, Results-Oriented Advocacy
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Representing Clients in State, Federal & Appellate Court
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You Don't Pay Any Legal Fees Unless We Recover
Types of Compensation in Car Accident Claims
The compensation available in a car accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, financial losses, and the impact the accident has had on your life.
Potential damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expense
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
Understanding Pain & Suffering Damages
One factor to consider for your Salem car accident claim is your emotional, physical, and psychological pain and suffering. Injuries such as broken bones, bruises, and lacerations come with medical costs that are simple to prove with bills and receipts. But what counts as pain and suffering?
Any of the following symptoms and more can and should be considered when determining the value of your claim:
- Emotional distress
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Insomnia
- Feelings of shame and humiliation
- Loss of consortium
- Physical limitations as a result of your injuries
- Pain or discomfort, whether permanent or temporary
Our Salem Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You
Insurance companies often discourage potential claimants from seeking an attorney by suggesting that the process is easy and that they have offered them all of the money possible. When you hire our auto accident attorney in Salem, you balance the scales.
To see if you have a case, contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation with a Salem, Oregon car accident attorney. Call us today at (503) 563-7035.