We Represent Injured Car Crash Victims in Salem & Throughout Oregon. Call 503-546-3167 for a FREE case review.
Salem, Oregon has beauty in bounds. Called by some as “the most Oregon part of Oregon,” Salem is known for all of its gorgeous scenery. Fields of flowers, gardens, green pastures, and vineyards are sprinkled throughout the capital city, meaning there is something to marvel at wherever you look. Travel just outside the city and you can play in the ocean, or take in the Cascade Mountains, depending on the direction you travel. While in the Mid-Willamette Valley, residents and visitors alike love to take in the unique dining options, craft breweries, and wineries.
With so much to see and do in Salem, it is no surprise that the city is a busy one. As people make their way to all the sights the city has to offer, auto accidents are bound to happen. If you have been hurt in an auto accident, you need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer when filing your claim. Car accidents are usually caused by the negligence of another person or entity, and it is important to hold them accountable and recover compensation to help you and your family heal. Personal injury attorneys will help you file a claim that will allow you to recover the losses you sustained during the crash. Filing the insurance claims, whether with your own insurance company or someone else’s, is complex and one small mistake could jeopardize your chances of claiming compensation. Our Salem, Oregon attorney can ensure your car accident claim is filed properly so that you can get the help you need for your lost wages and medical bills for your catastrophic injuries.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Salem, Oregon
Any time a motorist acts carelessly while on the road, they put themselves and others at risk of becoming involved in a serious crash. There are some acts of negligence that are more common than others, though. The most common causes of car accidents in Salem are:
- Improper lane changes
- Failure to follow traffic signs, signals, and laws
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
Regardless of what caused your crash, all car accidents should be taken very seriously. It is crucial that you speak with our car accident lawyers which can provide sound legal counsel and give your claim the attention it deserves.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Just as there are many different causes of car accidents in Salem, Oregon, the injuries sustained during a crash also vary widely. The most common injuries following an accident include:
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries such as concussions and contusions
- Neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Back injuries, including damage to the spinal cord that causes paralysis
- Damage to internal organs
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bones
- Burns
After being hurt in a motor vehicle accident, it is of vital importance that you seek medical treatment for any injuries. Getting the medical attention you need right away will ensure your injuries do not become any worse and that your pain and suffering is minimized.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Salem, Oregon
- Take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and your injuries. (These may be needed for the personal injury claims later)
- Locate witnesses and ask them for their contact information so if they are needed in a trial case, we can contact them.
- Exchange information, such as your name, address, insurance information, and driver’s license number with all motorists involved in the crash.
- Do not discuss your accident and when speaking to police, only give very basic information.
- Contact Salem car accident lawyers who can advise on your legal options for claiming compensation.
Just as there are some things you should do, there are also important things you should not do. You should never apologize for the accident, even if it is just to say you are sorry it happened at all. You should also never speak to an insurance company but instead, direct them to your attorney who can communicate with them on your behalf. If things are extremely severe, and death has occurred due to the accident, contact us and we can talk about how we can develop a wrongful death case against the at-fault party.
Accepting a Settlement After a Car Accident
In the days and weeks following a serious accident, the insurance company representing the negligent driver will likely contact you. They will act very friendly and as though they want to help you obtain the full compensation you deserve for medical expenses and vehicle repairs. Unfortunately, insurance is a big business and these companies are more concerned about retaining their profits than they are about your safety and well-being.
A Salem car accident attorneys can advise on whether a settlement offer is fair and if it will fully cover the cost of your injuries. If it will not, a lawyer can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to obtain a settlement that will help with the full cost of your losses, including your additional pain and suffering. If the insurer still refuses to offer a fair settlement, a lawyer can also file a lawsuit against the insurer to obtain the maximum financial compensation that you are entitled to.
Don’t miss out on these common personal injury mistakes.
Get the legal counsel you need to guide you through the process of filing an injury claim.
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