Experienced Salem Car Accident Attorneys
Salem Car Accident Lawyer
Find out why we are one of the best auto accident law firms in Salem
Salem Car Accident Attorney
Have you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in an auto accident?
Has a car accident in Salem resulted in physical harm, mounting medical bills, and lingering uncertainties?
If so, you need a dedicated Salem car accident lawyer to help you secure the compensation and justice you rightfully deserve.
Goldberg & Loren has represented clients in traffic accident injury claims for over 30 years.
When an insurance company drags its feet or lowballs your claim, our battle-tested lawyers swing into action, using their expertise to wring out every last penny of compensation you’re entitled to.
Our Salem personal injury lawyers represent clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
Contact us today by calling (971) 366-2792 for a free consultation and an experienced car accident attorney will help you determine if you have a case.
Our Law Firm's Recent Verdicts and Settlements
$1,700,000
Settlement
A CDL driver ran a stop sign which ended up killing our client's husband.
February 2024
$1,200,000
Settlement
Our client was struck and injured by a distracted driver.
February 2024
$900,000
Settlement
Our client was severely injured when an Uber driver attempted to run a yellow light.
February 2024
Fatal Traffic Accidents in Salem, Oregon
Most traffic accidents involve fender-benders with little to no property damage, resulting in only minor injuries. Many result in serious injury and even death. We find the following statistics in Salem.
2023 Fatalities
- Pedestrians: 9
- Bicycles: 2
- Motorcycles: 6
- Motor vehicles: 16
- Fatal Accidents in total: 33
2024 Fatalities
- Pedestrians: 9
- Bicycles: 4
- Motorcycles: 6
- Motor vehicles: 10
- Fatal Accidents in total: 29
When a traffic accident leads to death, this is known as a wrongful death when the negligent party is responsible. If you have lost a loved one, you have the right to seek compensation for that loss in a wrongful death claim. See our Salem wrongful death lawyer for more details.
What are the Most Dangerous Roads in Salem?
According to data collected between 2018 – 2022 shows that most accidents occur in downtown. Some of the most dangerous roads and intersections are found:
Downtown
- Liberty Street NE and Center Street NE
- Commercial Street NE and Marion Street NE
- Lancaster Drive NE and Sunnyview Road NE
East Salem
- Market Street and Interstate 5
South Salem
- Commercial Street
In fact, in this five-year period between 2018 – 2022, there were 12,225 total crashes with 72 fatalities, 389 serious injuries, 3,097 moderate injuries, and 7,796 minor injuries.
Table of Contents
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Salem Car Accident Attorney
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Our Law Firm's Recent Verdicts and Settlements
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Fatal Traffic Accidents in Salem, Oregon
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What are the Most Dangerous Roads in Salem?
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Common Injuries in Salem Car Accidents
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What Should I Do After a Salem Car Accident?
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Common Causes of Car Accidents in Salem
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What to Expect When Working with Our Salem Car Accident Lawyers
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Why You Should Consider Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in Salem
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How Long Do I Have to Make a Car Accident Claim in Oregon?
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Understanding Compensation in Car Accident Cases
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What Matters Most When Hiring a Car Accident Law Firm
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Why Choose Goldberg & Loren as Your Salem Auto Accident Lawyer
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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us – Client Reviews
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Local Salem Resources
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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Our Salem Practice Areas
Common Injuries in Salem Car Accidents
Injuries are not uncommon in car accidents, and the severity can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of each incident.
Understanding the types of injuries that frequently occur can help victims and their families prepare for what may lie ahead if they find themselves involved in an accident.
Here are some common injuries sustained in car accidents:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Cuts, scrapes and lacerations
- Facial trauma
- Internal injuries
- Knee injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Shoulder injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic amputations
- Traumatic brain injury
- Whiplash
Did you know that just a single concussion in your lifetime can increase the chances of Parkinson’s by 57%? It’s true! [1]
What Should I Do After a Salem Car Accident?
- Get to Safety – The most important priority after an accident is to ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. Move to a safe location away from any potential further hazards, such as oncoming traffic or unstable vehicles. Call 911 for assistance.
- Seek Medical Treatment – Even if you feel fine, it’s very important to get checked by a medical professional.
Some physical injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Documenting your medical evaluation and treatment is essential for any future claims.
- Report the Accident – Notify the police about the accident, especially if there are injuries involved. A police crash report can be invaluable when filing an insurance claim or seeking compensation.
Within 72 hours of any motor vehicle crash with injury or death; or if the property damage to any one vehicle is greater than $2,500.00, you must submit a motor vehicle accident report to the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles.
Note: Failure to do so can and will lead to a suspended drivers license.
Submit your own Crash and Insurance Report to the DMV, regardless of whether the police have filed one. ORS 811.720 and 811.725
Submit the report to:
- By email at [email protected].
- Fax to 503-945-5267
- Mail to DMV Crash Reporting Unit 1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, Oregon 97314
- You may deliver the report to your local DMV Office, which includes the following:
North Salem DMV located at 955 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem, OR 97301
- South Salem DMV located at 4825 Commercial St SE Suite 120, Salem, OR 97302
- Oregon DMV located at 1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, OR 97314
- Gather Evidence – Collect as much evidence as possible from the scene. Take photographs of the vehicles involved, the accident site, and any visible injuries. Note the time and date of the accident, weather conditions, and road signs or signals. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information
- Exchange Information – Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident.
- Limit Your Statements – While it’s important to communicate with law enforcement and gather necessary information, be cautious when discussing the accident with the other parties involved or insurance companies. Admit no fault.
- Contact Our Experienced Traffic Accident Lawyer – Consulting with our Salem auto accident lawyers as soon as possible after the accident can help you understand your rights, assist you through the claims process, and ensure you do not miss deadlines. An attorney’s expertise in negotiating with insurance companies can significantly increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
- Keep All Records – Maintain a detailed record of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs. This documentation is essential when calculating the damages for your claim with our auto accident attorneys.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Salem
Our law firm has handled all types of accident claims, and we have found that some of the most common causes of traffic collisions include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Impaired driving (DUI/DWI)
- Weather conditions
- Failure to obey traffic signals
- Road rage
- Construction
In the case where you are injured by an uninsured driver, your own PIP policy can be beneficial in covering your medical expenses and lost wages. It’s essential to review your auto insurance policy to understand the extent of your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, as this insurance can protect you from significant financial setbacks in the event of an accident.
What to Expect When Working with Our Salem Car Accident Lawyers
- Initial Consultation – When you first meet with our Salem accident lawyer, we will conduct an in-depth consultation to review the details of your case.
This is an opportunity for you to share your account of the accident, the injuries you sustained, and the impact the accident has had on your life.
Our auto accident attorney will ask questions to gather the necessary information to help build your case.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering – Our lawyer will handle the intricate details of your case, including gathering evidence. This includes obtaining police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other documentation or testimony that can support your claim.
Your lawyer will also consult with accident reconstruction experts and doctors if needed.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies – Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or contest claims. Your personal injury attorney will take on the responsibility of negotiating with the insurance adjusters on your behalf.
- Case Strategy Development – After gathering all relevant information, our legal team will develop a tailored strategy to navigate your case. This may involve considering the specific circumstances of your accident, your injuries, and the liability of the parties involved.
A well-crafted strategy is important for effectively pursuing your claim and maximizing your potential financial compensation.
- Filing Your Claim – Your car accident claim lawyer will prepare and submit all necessary documentation for your claim.
This includes formally filing with the appropriate insurance companies and, if required, initiating a legal action.
We will make sure that all paperwork is completed accurately and submitted within any applicable deadlines to avoid any delays in your case.
- Discovery Phase – If your case progresses to litigation, your lawyer will enter the discovery phase. This is where both sides exchange information and evidence relevant to the case.
We will request documentation from the other party, interview witnesses, and employ interrogatories to gain deeper insights.
This phase is essential for building a robust case and can reveal critical elements that may aid in your defense or negotiation strategy.
- Trial Preparation – In the unlikely event that a fair settlement cannot be achieved through negotiation, your attorney will prepare your case for trial.
This involves outlining the arguments, gathering evidence, and preparing witnesses to testify.
Our collision lawyer will also help you understand the trial process, including what to expect in court, the potential outcomes, and how to present your case compellingly.
We will advocate on your behalf, presenting your arguments and evidence to ensure that your story is heard.
- Post-Trial Actions – Your lawyer will guide you through the next steps following the trial. If you’re awarded a settlement, they will assist you in collecting the compensation.
If the verdict is not in your favor, your attorney may discuss the possibility of an appeal, outlining the necessary steps to challenge the decision.
Why You Should Consider Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in Salem
- Legal Expertise – Navigating the complexities of car accident claims can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with legal terminology, paperwork, and the insurance process.
A skilled car accident lawyer will have the necessary expertise to guide you through each phase of your case effectively.
- Increase in Compensation – Studies have shown that individuals who hire a lawyer to handle their personal injury claims tend to receive higher compensation than those who try to negotiate alone.
Our lawyers understand the true value of your claim, and we can help ensure you receive a fair settlement reflective of your injuries and losses, which will account for both economic and non-economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Negotiation Skills – Insurance companies are often more inclined to negotiate favorably with experienced lawyers who understand the nature of personal injury claims.
Our car accident attorneys in Salem have developed negotiation strategies and techniques tailored to maximize your compensation, ensuring you aren’t pressured into accepting a lowball offer.
- Burden of Proof – In any car accident claim, the burden of proof lies with the injured party.
Establishing liability requires significant evidence, which can be challenging to accumulate without legal guidance.
An experienced vehicle accident lawyer knows the types of evidence needed to support your claim—such as police reports, medical records, and expert testimony—and will gather and present this evidence effectively.
- Time-Saving – Handling a car accident claim requires considerable time and effort, from gathering data to negotiating with insurance adjusters.
By hiring a car accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while they take care of the legal processes, communications, and negotiations on your behalf.
- Emotional Support – Accidents can lead to not only physical trauma but emotional and psychological trauma as well. Leaving your claim with someone with decades of experience in traffic collisions, auto accident injury, pedestrian accidents, and motorcycle accidents can give you peace of mind in your auto accident claim.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Car Accident Claim in Oregon?
The Statute of Limitations is the allotted time a legal action can be taken after an accident occurs. In Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the incident.
Failing to file within this time frame may result in losing your right to seek compensation altogether, making it more important than ever to act promptly.
See ORS 12.110(1)
Understanding Compensation in Car Accident Cases
When considering a car accident claim, it’s vital to understand the types of compensation you may be entitled to. A Salem traffic collision lawyer can help you identify and pursue various damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs related to medical bills, rehabilitation, surgeries, medication, and ongoing treatments resulting from the accident.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries require time off work, you might be able to claim lost income. Your attorney can help calculate your lost wages accurately, including any potential future earnings lost due to long-term disabilities.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages refer to the physical pain and emotional distress you experience following a car accident. This can encompass everything from chronic pain to anxiety or depression resulting from the accident.
- Property Damage: The costs of repairs or replacements for your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident are included in property damage claims.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries limit your ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed, you may be eligible for compensation focused on the reduction in your quality of life. This loss can significantly impact emotional well-being and should be considered when pursuing a claim.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, if the conduct of the other party was especially reckless, you might be able to seek punitive damages. The aim of punitive damages is to penalize the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Our Salem auto accident attorneys will assess if your case meets the necessary
What Matters Most When Hiring a Car Accident Law Firm
There are a number of personal injury law firms in the Salem area. Not all are equipped with the expertise that it takes to get fair compensation for your injuries in an auto accident case.
Just like medical attention, you should always push for the best because you are worth it.
As an experienced auto accident attorney, I can tell you that it takes a dedicated team to hold the liable party responsible, and even more so, insurance companies.
Why Choose Goldberg & Loren as Your Salem Auto Accident Lawyer?
We fight for maximum compensation in car accidents for our clients. We are hard-hitting lawyers committed to seeing our clients get the justice they deserve.
If you or a loved one have been in an accident and have suffered bodily injury damages, then contact us today for a free consultation or call us at (971) 366-2792.
We will review your case to see if you have a claim.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us – Client Reviews
Local Salem Resources
Local Hospitals
If your loved one has been involved in a traffic collision with injuries, they will most likely be located at the nearby hospital.
Salem Hospital
890 Oak St SE Bldg A, Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 561-5200
Local Auto Repair Shops
Dabler Auto Body
1465 Sunnyview Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 585-8066
*Disclaimer: we do not endorse these companies, they are only recommendations that have been given to us by clients over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. We do not ask for any upfront costs. We shoulder all of the risk, which is why we have to be selective in our choices when taking cases. Then, we get paid 33%—44% of the case settlement or verdict amount, depending on the complexity of the case.
Q. What are the Chances My Case Will See a Courtroom?
Over 95% of all personal injury cases never see a courtroom. Most cases settle before that, but it does take patience. The average time to settle is about two years. Some can be settled in 6 months, but most take nearly two years.
Q. What is the Average Payout for A Car Accident Settlement in Salem?
While that is a complex question, the average of all settlements we have collected is about $34,266.
Minor injuries - $5,921 to severe injuries at $372,499.
That said, again, it depends very much on the case. A wrongful death lawsuit can sometimes end in millions of dollars.
Source:
[1] Sport, G. (2024, September 26). ‘I wrote the book on head trauma’: Favre was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in January. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/sep/25/i-wrote-the-book-on-head-trauma-favre-was-diagnosed-with-parkinsons-in-january
Goldberg & Loren
Salem, Oregon
Phone: (971) 366-2792
We advocate strongly for our clients who have been injured in a car accident in Salem. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
We Represent Car Accident Victims in the Following Cities and Communities Near Salem, Oregon.
- Keizer, OR
- Hayesville, OR
- Dallas, OR
- Tigard, OR
- Woodburn, OR
- Albany, OR
- Newberg, OR
- West Linn, OR
- Canby, OR
- Wilsonville, OR
- Corvallis, OR
- Lebanon, OR
- Sherwood, OR
- Tualatin, OR
Have Questions About Your Case? Call Us Today:
