Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Salem

Legal Help For Injured Riders

A serious motorcycle crash can change your life in a moment. You may be dealing with painful injuries, a damaged or totaled bike, time away from work, and constant calls from insurance adjusters. In this situation, you need clear information and a steady legal team on your side.

At Elmer Law, PC, we represent injured riders and families after motorcycle collisions in and around Salem. Our firm has practiced personal injury law in Oregon for more than 40 years, and we prepare every case carefully by reviewing, documenting, and investigating the facts. We offer a free consultation and work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so there are no upfront attorney fees.

Your recovery cannot wait. Speak with our Salem motorcycle accident attorney who rides for results. Call (503) 563-7035. No fee unless we win.

Why Injured Riders Choose Our Firm

If you are searching for a motorcycle accident lawyer Salem riders can turn to, you are likely comparing several firms. You may be wondering who truly understands serious injury cases and who will put in the work to protect you from unfair blame. Our firm has built its practice around careful preparation and strong advocacy for injured Oregonians.

For more than four decades, our attorneys have represented clients in Oregon’s state, federal, and appellate courts. This long experience gives us insight into how judges, insurers, and opposing lawyers tend to approach injury cases. We use that insight to anticipate issues, gather the right evidence, and build claims that are grounded in facts rather than assumptions about motorcyclists.

Led by founding attorney Randy Elmer, our team has not only handled individual cases but also contributed to broader changes in Oregon law. Mr. Elmer helped author important workers' compensation bills that improved protections for injured workers. This history reflects a sustained commitment to people whose lives have been disrupted by injury, including riders who face bias and skepticism about their claims.

When we take on a motorcycle case, we do not treat it as a simple insurance claim. We review police reports, medical records, and photographs, and we work to understand how the crash really happened. We look closely at traffic patterns, road conditions, and driver behavior. Our approach is to prepare thoroughly and then pursue the path that best fits the client’s goals, whether that involves focused settlement negotiations or presenting the case in court.

We know cost is a major concern, especially when medical bills and lost wages are already weighing on your mind. Our no-win, no-fee structure means our attorney fee is contingent on securing a recovery. You do not pay upfront attorney fees for us to evaluate your situation and begin working on your case.

What To Do After A Motorcycle Crash

After a collision, it can be difficult to think clearly about what to do next. The steps you take in the hours and days after a crash can affect both your health and any future injury claim. The following suggestions are general guidance, and we can talk through your specific situation during a free consultation.

Key steps that can help protect you and your claim:

• Make your safety and medical care the first priority. Call 911 if anyone is hurt and accept medical evaluation, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some serious injuries, including head or internal trauma, may not be obvious right away.
• Ensure the crash is reported to law enforcement. A police report often becomes an important piece of documentation in a motorcycle injury claim, especially when there is a dispute about who was at fault.
• Gather information if you can safely do so. This can include the other driver’s name, contact details, license plate, and insurance information, along with contact details for any witnesses who saw the collision.
• Preserve evidence related to the crash. Photographs of the scene, your motorcycle, your riding gear, and any visible injuries can be helpful later. If possible, keep your damaged helmet, clothing, and bike parts rather than repairing or discarding them right away.
• Be cautious about statements to insurance companies. An adjuster may contact you quickly and ask for a recorded statement or encourage a fast settlement. It is usually wise to speak with an attorney before giving detailed statements or signing documents.

We understand that it can feel overwhelming to manage all of this while you are in pain. When you call us, we can review what has already happened, help you decide what to do next, and communicate with insurers so you are not facing them alone.

How We Handle Motorcycle Injury Claims

Riders often want to know what will actually happen if they hire an attorney. Our process is designed to be thorough and transparent, so you know what we are doing and why each step matters. While every case is different, there are common stages that many motorcycle injury claims follow.

The process usually begins with a free consultation where we listen to your account of the crash, review any documents you already have, and discuss your injuries and medical treatment. If we both decide to move forward, we gather additional records, such as police reports, medical records, photographs, and information about your work and income. We look closely at how the collision occurred and what the evidence shows about each party’s actions.

In many motorcycle cases, there is a dispute about fault. Drivers sometimes say they did not see the motorcycle or claim that the rider was speeding or changing lanes improperly. Our team works to test these claims by studying the scene, reviewing statements, and comparing them with physical evidence. The goal is to present a clear, documented account that reflects what actually happened, not simply what an insurance company prefers to believe.

We then analyze your losses. This can include medical expenses, time away from work, reduced earning capacity, and the impact of pain or permanent limitations. Oregon law allows injured people to pursue compensation for both economic losses and non-economic harm, such as pain and disruption to daily life. We work to understand how your injuries affect you personally so the claim reflects your real experience.

When the evidence and damages picture are developed, we typically present a detailed claim to the insurance company or companies involved. Our attorneys use strong negotiation tactics and aim to resolve cases in a way that saves time and resources when that is in the client’s best interest. If insurers are unwilling to make a fair offer, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and represent clients in court. Our background in state, federal, and appellate courts means we are comfortable pursuing cases through the stages that may follow.

Throughout this process, we keep clients informed and involved in decisions. We explain options, potential risks, and likely timelines so you can make choices that align with your priorities. Our work is carried out on a contingency fee basis, which means our fee depends on obtaining a recovery for you.

Common Motorcycle Crashes & Injuries

Motorcycle collisions differ from typical car crashes because riders have far less protection. Even when motorcyclists follow the rules and wear proper gear, they are exposed to greater forces in a collision. Understanding common crash patterns and injuries can help explain why these cases often involve significant losses.

Many riders in this area encounter dangerous situations at intersections where drivers turn left across their path or pull out from side streets without checking for motorcycles. Other frequent scenarios include vehicles changing lanes without checking blind spots, following too closely, or opening doors into the path of a rider. Poor road conditions, such as uneven pavement or debris, can also contribute to serious crashes.

When these collisions occur, injuries can be severe. Riders may suffer fractures, road rash, neck and back injuries, or damage to the head and spinal cord. Some people experience long periods away from work, ongoing pain, or permanent limitations. These physical problems often come with substantial medical costs and changes to daily life that are not captured by a quick, early settlement offer.

Insurance companies sometimes focus narrowly on bike damage or initial treatment costs and may overlook future care needs or the full impact of the injuries. Part of our role as motorcycle accident attorneys that Salem residents can turn to is to bring forward a complete picture of how the crash has affected you. This helps support a claim that accounts for both current and future consequences, rather than just the immediate bills.

Serving Motorcycle Riders In Salem

Our firm is based in Salem, and we regularly assist clients whose injury cases are filed in courts such as the Marion County Circuit Court. Riders here share the roads with a mix of local traffic and vehicles traveling along major routes through the region. When a crash occurs, local law enforcement agencies typically respond and generate reports that become central to an injury claim.

In many cases, injured riders receive treatment at hospitals or clinics in Salem or nearby communities. We review those medical records carefully and work to understand both your current condition and the care that your doctors anticipate you may need. Our knowledge of how Oregon insurers and defense lawyers often approach motorcycle claims helps us anticipate arguments and prepare responses in advance.

Our work on workers’ compensation reform and our decades in Oregon courts reflect a long-term commitment to people in this state. We apply that same commitment when we stand up for riders who are facing lost income, medical bills, and uncertainty about the future after a crash.

If you are looking for a motorcycle accident lawyer, Salem riders can contact us for guidance. We encourage you to reach out. We offer a free consultation, and if we take your case, you will not pay upfront attorney fees. Our goal is to make it easier for you to get clear information and to have an experienced team handle the legal side of your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay upfront attorney fees. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery if the case is successful. We explain the percentage, costs, and any other financial details during your free consultation so there are no surprises.

What if the driver says the motorcycle crash was my fault?

Disputes about fault are common in motorcycle cases. We review the evidence, such as the police report, scene photos, and witness accounts, to understand what really happened. Even if you are accused of partial fault, Oregon law may still allow you to pursue compensation, depending on the circumstances.

How will your team handle the insurance company for me?

We communicate with insurance adjusters on your behalf, provide documentation to support your claim, and respond to their questions. Our attorneys negotiate with insurers and evaluate any settlement offers. This approach helps reduce stress for you and supports a more complete presentation of your injuries and losses.

How long will a motorcycle injury case usually take?

The length of a case depends on factors such as medical recovery, the complexity of the crash, and how insurers respond. Some claims resolve through negotiation, while others require litigation. We discuss likely timelines with you and provide updates as the case progresses, so you know what to expect.

What can I expect in my first meeting with you?

During your first meeting, we listen to your description of the crash and injuries, review any documents you have, and answer your questions. We explain how the process works and outline potential next steps. This meeting is also your opportunity to decide whether our firm is the right fit for you.

Move Forward After a Motorcycle Crash in Salem

Evidence disappears quickly, and deadlines are strict. Put a Salem motorcycle accident team on your side to preserve proof, deal with insurers, and pursue full compensation for medical care, lost income, and the damage to your bike.

Request your free consultation with Elmer Law, PC today. Call (503) 563-7035 or contact us for a same-day response. No fee unless we win.