After an accident, we know you have questions. The Salem car accident lawyers at Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, P.C. are here to answer them and guide your journey to justice. Start with a consultation ā itās completely free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
Salem’s Trusted Legal Advocates
SLP Law was founded right here in Salem more than 50 years ago, which makes our dedicated team of car accident attorneys the very best at what we do: advocating for our friends and neighbors in our hometown.
Since our opening, our car accident attorneys have been devoted to making sure our fellow residents are treated justly after any magnitude of collision or personal injury. Our local firm is backed by countless noteworthy recognitions, client success stories, and a proven track record for negotiating 6-figure settlements and higher.
Accident & Injury Areas of Practice Expertise in Salem
If you’ve suffered an injury, you need an ally who has sought and won justice before; our Salem law firm will bring over 60 years of experience and successful verdicts and settlements to your case. We can start working for you right away ā at no cost. Zero upfront legal fees are how we help you find the justice you deserve regardless of your ability to pay. If you’re looking for answers after an injury in Salem has upended your life, let our lawyers help.
Find Local, Expert Help After a Salem Car Accident
A serious car accident can change your life in an instant. Suddenly, you may face extensive injuries, emotional suffering, or even the unexpected loss of a loved one. When that life-changing car accident wasnāt your fault, coming to terms with your new reality can be even more difficult.
Our Salem car accident lawyers have helped hundreds of victims like you navigate this difficult time. We work tirelessly, in Salem and across Oregon, to secure the compensation and resources you need to heal and move forward. Our attorneys are expert communicators and advocates. Weāve negotiated with stubborn insurance companies to make sure our clients are awarded every dollar they need for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. If youāve been in an accident and donāt know where to turn, call our Salem car accident attorneys now for a free and confidential consultation.
Representing Motorcycle Accident Victims in Salem for Over 50 Years
If you’ve suffered a motorcycle accident, serious emotional and physical injuries are common. For many victims, healing is interrupted by the burden of new medical bills and a loss of income. To give yourself the best chance for recovery ā physically, emotionally, and financially ā turn to a Salem motorcycle accident attorney from Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, PC. We’ve been Salem, Oregon’s most trusted personal injury law firm for over 50 years, specializing in motorcycle accident cases and settlements. You never have to navigate this stressful time alone; we’ll step in and advocate for you, fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact our motorcycle accident lawyers in Salem; we’ll give you legal advice about what to do immediately after your accident, and provide a completely free consultation about your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect from the initial personal injury consultation?
In your initial consultation, a personal injury attorney will meet with you to get some basic background information, including information about any prior accidents you may have been involved with or claims you have filed.
They will then discuss your incident in detail. They’ll want to know what happened, information about the parties involved, information about police or other emergency personnel who responded to the scene, information about injuries and any treatment you have received so far, and how your injuries have progressed or changed since the incident.
You should also be ready to answer questions about the insurance companies that are involved, your employment status and the impact of the incident on your employment, and if you have lost wages since the incident.
Once the attorney has a better understanding of your potential case, they’ll explain what you can expect in the coming days and weeks, how the process works, the attorneyās and law officesā roles versus the clientās role, and how long your specific case may take. Finally, the attorney should discuss how their contingency fees work or how they will be paid.
To make this initial consultation more productive, bring any materials you may have regarding the incident, including photos (digital copies are fine), correspondence, emails, police printouts, vehicle information, etc.
How much is the average personal injury settlement?
The average settlement for personal injury varies greatly throughout the United States and depends on the type of case itself. However, many factors dictate the settlement amount you can expect. This includes the severity of your injuries, the insurance coverage of the defendant, the amount of mental or emotional trauma you’ve endured, who is determined to be at fault, and much, much more. Your personal injury attorney will be able to look at the specifics of your case and give you an estimate of what you may expect to receive through settlement. For a custom case evaluation, speak to our team now; we’re available 24/7 to take your call.
Will my personal injury case go to trial? Will I have to testify in court?
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court; estimates show less than 5 percent of all personal injury cases in the United States will go to trial. In Oregon, an auto accident case has about a one percent chance while a medical malpractice case has about a 50 percent chance. This low trial rate can be beneficial to all parties involved for several reasons. Trial is expensive and both sides have to pay significant sums for experts and other costs associated with trial. For defendants, going to court is costly and risky; it’s safer and more affordable for them, their insurance provider, and their legal team to reach an agreement through negotiations. For you, the victim, settlements can often be achieved much sooner than a verdict in a trial. Additionally, in out-of-court negotiations, your lawyer can continue negotiating until a favorable settlement is reached. In a trial, a verdict handed down by a judge or jury is final. For all these reasons ā and based on the statistics ā it’s safe to assume that you will likely resolve your personal injury case out of court.
What does a personal injury lawyer typically charge? How do I pay?
Most personal injury lawyers charge a contingency fee, often described as “no win, no fee.” A contingency fee is a unique payment structure that removes any upfront payment responsibility from the victim. In other words, you don’t have to pay anything to hire your attorney. Only when a settlement or verdict is reached and damages are awarded does the attorney take a fee (usually a percentage of the total settlement). This protects the victim, ensuring they can retain skilled legal representation at no financial risk to them. If the case does not settle, the victim doesn’t owe anything.
How can a car accident attorney help me navigate the complexities of my case?
When a Salem car accident attorney takes your case, youāll have an experienced lawyer who has worked on multiple car accidents in the Salem area. At SLP Law, our attorneys will expertly gather all the necessary evidence for your case, complete all legal documentation, skillfully negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court.
Without an attorney, it can be easy to underestimate damages, hard to prove fault and deal with insurance companies, and you may even miss critical deadlines. When you need a car accident lawyer in Salem, turn to Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, P.C.
What criteria should I consider when choosing a car accident attorney for my claim?
There are many things to consider when choosing a car accident lawyer in Salem. Start by looking for reputable, experienced attorneys specializing in car accident cases. Youāll want to find an attorney with an impressive track record, plenty of accessibility, and someone who will keep you updated on the process of your case.
Ensure you understand your attorneyās billing and fee structure because many car accident attorneys operate with a āno win, no feeā structure. Once you have narrowed your search, we suggest consulting with your top attorneys. Schedule your free consultation with SLP Law today.
Should I contact a car accident attorney immediately after an accident?
Yes! Call an attorney if youāve been in an accident where the crash significantly harmed you or another person. You should also seek consultation from an attorney if youāve been in an accident where the fault was not clearly established.
If you have noticed any discrepancies with the police report or other documents, you should consider consulting an attorney. We recommend contacting our Salem car accident attorneys for a free consultation if youāve been in a crash.
An Award-Winning Salem Car Accident Law Firm
Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, P.C. have the distinction of being a proven Oregon law firm, thanks to top rankings and coveted awards from independent publications and organizations.
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Let Us Help You
We offer free consultations to all prospective clients and if we take your case on, there is no fee unless we win. Let us know how we can help you!