Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Salem

Get Experienced Guidance After a Pedestrian Accident in Salem

A pedestrian crash can change everything in a single moment. In Salem, busy corridors like Commercial Street, Liberty Street, Lancaster Drive, and the Center Street and Marion Street bridges see heavy traffic that too often collides with the reality of people on foot. If you were hit by a driver while walking, you may be facing medical bills, time off work, and uncertainty about what comes next.

Elmer Law, PC helps injured pedestrians throughout Salem and Marion County understand their options and pursue full and fair compensation. Our team builds each accident claim carefully, investigates liability, and stands up to insurers that try to minimize what your case is worth. If you are ready to talk to a pedestrian injury lawyer who will prioritize your needs, we are here to listen and guide you.

Request your free pedestrian injury case review. We will listen, explain your options, and outline the next steps today.

Why hire a Salem pedestrian accident attorney

Pedestrian cases demand close attention to liability, insurance layers, and long-term medical needs. When you work with Elmer Law, PC on a pedestrian injury, we focus on:

• Establishing fault with evidence such as traffic camera footage, vehicle data, scene measurements, and witness statements.
• Preserving medical documentation and specialist evaluations to demonstrate the full value of your injuries and future care.
• Navigating multiple insurance policies, including the at-fault driver’s liability coverage and potential personal injury protection or underinsured motorist coverage.
• Countering insurer tactics that attempt to shift blame onto you or undervalue pain and suffering.

Local knowledge matters

From crosswalks near the Capitol Mall and Willamette University to high-traffic routes like Mission Street and State Street, we understand how Salem’s streetscape affects visibility, speed, and driver behavior. This local context helps us reconstruct what happened and explain why a driver should have seen you.

Your rights after a pedestrian injury in Oregon

Oregon law gives injured pedestrians the right to pursue compensation when a driver’s negligence causes harm. Key points include:

• Comparative negligence. Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be less than 51 percent at fault, your compensation is reduced by your share of responsibility. At 51 percent or more, you cannot recover. Careful investigation helps ensure fault is assigned fairly.
• Deadlines to file. In most personal injury cases, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Claims involving a city, county, or other public body have additional notice requirements, often within 180 days. Acting promptly protects your claim.
• Damages you can seek. Depending on the facts, an accident claim can include medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and, in serious cases, future medical needs or home modifications.

Common causes of Salem pedestrian accidents

Drivers have a duty to watch for people walking, especially at intersections, marked crosswalks, and school zones. We frequently see collisions caused by:

• Failure to yield while turning at intersections
• Speeding or aggressive driving near crosswalks
• Distraction from phones or in-vehicle screens
• Low-light or weather visibility issues without appropriate caution
• Backing up in parking lots without checking mirrors and cameras
• Impaired driving

Building a strong accident claim

• A successful claim is built on details. From day one, we work to preserve and develop the evidence that can move an insurer or a jury. Steps may include:
• Scene and vehicle evidence. We gather photos, video, and available traffic or business security footage. We capture vehicle damage patterns, skid marks, and sightlines that explain driver error.
• Witness interviews. Early interviews help lock in key observations like speed, signal status, and whether the driver appeared distracted.
• Medical documentation. Thorough records from the ER, imaging, specialists, and therapists connect your injuries to the crash and support the need for future treatment.
• Economic analysis. We calculate lost income, benefits, and future earning capacity with support from vocational and economic professionals when appropriate.
• Liability analysis. We compare driver conduct to Oregon statutes and local ordinances, signage, and roadway design to show where the duty of care broke down.

Injuries we commonly see in pedestrian cases

Pedestrian injuries can be severe because there is no vehicle shell to absorb the impact. We regularly handle cases involving:

• Fractures of the leg, pelvis, wrist, or shoulder
• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Spinal injuries and herniated discs
• Internal injuries and organ damage
• Severe soft tissue damage, lacerations, and scarring
• Psychological trauma, anxiety, and post-accident fear of walking

What to do after a pedestrian crash in Salem

Your health and safety come first. If you are able, taking a few steps can protect your rights:

• Seek medical care immediately and follow your treatment plan.
• Call law enforcement so a report documents the incident.
• Collect driver and insurance information and take photos of the scene and your injuries.
• Ask witnesses for contact details.
• Avoid discussing fault at the scene or on social media.
• Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to safeguard evidence and deadlines.

Dealing with the insurance company

Insurers often call quickly, requesting statements or suggesting a fast settlement. You do not have to accept the first offer or provide a recorded statement without counsel. We handle communications so you can focus on recovery while we advance your claim.

Compensation in a pedestrian accident case

Every case is unique, but compensation typically includes two categories:

• Economic losses. Past and future medical bills, lost wages, replacement services, and vocational rehabilitation.
• Non-economic losses. Pain, inconvenience, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and interference with daily activities.
• In severe injury cases, we also consider long-term care, assistive devices, or home modifications. If your loved one was fatally injured, a wrongful death claim may be available to pursue funeral expenses and other legally recognized damages.

How Elmer Law, PC adds value

We bring a structured approach to case development, clear communication at each stage, and a commitment to putting clients first. Many clients choose us after hearing from friends or colleagues who have worked with our firm. When you are ready, see our client testimonials to understand how we serve people after serious injuries.

Frequently asked questions

How much is my Salem pedestrian accident case worth?

It depends on liability, the severity of your injuries, medical needs, and available insurance. We evaluate medical records, work impact, and long-term recovery to estimate case value before any settlement discussions.

What if I was not in a crosswalk?

You can still recover if the driver’s negligence primarily caused the crash and your share of fault is under Oregon’s 51 percent threshold. Not being in a crosswalk may reduce compensation, but it does not automatically bar recovery.

Do I have to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer?

No. You can decline and direct the insurer to your attorney. Recorded statements can be used to minimize your claim. We handle communications and provide the necessary information at the right time.

How long do pedestrian accident claims take?

Timelines vary with medical recovery and disputes over fault. We generally recommend waiting until your injuries are well understood before resolving your claim so compensation reflects your full losses.

What if the driver fled the scene or had little insurance?

We investigate camera footage, witness leads, and vehicle details that may identify the driver. We also look at your own policies for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage that may apply.

Can I bring a claim against the City of Salem or another public entity?

If a roadway defect or a public vehicle contributed to the crash, special rules may apply. Claims involving public bodies typically require early notice, sometimes within 180 days. Contact a lawyer promptly to preserve your rights.

Will my health insurance or PIP affect my settlement?

Yes. Medical payments from health insurance or personal injury protection can create reimbursement rights. We address these issues during settlement so your net recovery is protected as much as possible.

Get clear guidance today from a Salem pedestrian accident attorney

Decisions you make in the first few weeks can shape your case. If you were injured while walking anywhere in Salem or Marion County, speak with Elmer Law, PC to understand your options and next steps toward compensation.

Call (503) 563-7035 or request a free consultation. No pressure, just straightforward legal guidance about your options.