One Moment Changes Everything—But You Don’t Have to Face It Alone
You never expect a car accident to happen—until it does.
One minute, you’re driving home from work, listening to the radio. The next, you’re in pain, your car is totaled, and an insurance adjuster is already calling you with an unfair settlement offer. Suddenly, you’re dealing with hospital bills, missed paychecks, and a lot of uncertainty.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In 2022, there were 4,329 crashes in Marion County, resulting in 3,933 injuries. Many of these accidents happen on Lancaster Drive, I-5, and Mission Street, some of Salem’s most dangerous roads.
At SLP Injury Law, we’ve been helping Salem car accident victims for over 60 years. We understand the stress and uncertainty you’re facing—and we know exactly how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
You shouldn’t have to take on insurance companies alone. Let us fight for you. Get a free consultation today.
Why Choose SLP Injury Law? A Law Firm That Puts You First
With over 60 years of experience, SLP Injury Law has recovered millions for Oregon accident victims. We focus exclusively on helping injury victims—not insurance companies. As a Salem-based law firm, we know the local roads, courts, and insurance tactics inside and out.
We also understand that financial stress shouldn’t stop you from getting justice. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Don’t wait—insurance companies often undervalue claims. Call us now for a free case review.
Highly Rated Across the State
I was involved in an accident, and was having difficulties dealing with my insurance company.One of my neighbors recommended me to Brian Lathen, after a very prompt meeting I retained his services.Durring a long and tiring process, the staff at Swanson Lathen and Prestwich made me feel so much more comfortable, and helped greatly in getting through it.Along with now having a trusted lawyer/allie to call if anything unexpectedly happens in the future. I feel like I had made a friend.Thank you.
Swanson Lathen Prestwich is a Godsend!I was in a terrible car crash, literally caused by another person who admitted fault to the police, to their own insurance, to my insurance and I STILL had to fight for fair compensation. Realizing I needed to get a lawyer involved, an acquaintance recommended Travis Prestwich.After meeting Mr. Prestwich, I was immediately at ease. He was very knowledgeable, kind, welcoming and realistic. I appreciated that he actually listened to me and provided information that helped me get into the right mind frame. Travis was very patient and kind and responded to questions rather quickly. I appreciated his realistic approach and learned quickly that other lawyers, judges and community members, highly respect him; which was a huge sign that he was the right person for my situation!His staff, Carrie Meeker and Jennifer Hiser were equally phenomenal during the process! They were also very kind, empathetic, knowledgeable and responded to inquires in a timely manner and were just wonderful to work with. As odd as this sounds, I really enjoyed talking with them and knew that once my case with over with that I would miss all three of them.When the time came, and I had to go through a settlement hearing, Travis was by my side the whole way through. The unknown always frightens me but he found a way to keep me at ease with his calm demeanor. This review doesn’t even do this trio justice! They are wonderful people and did a phenomenal job on my case.I pray I never have to go through this process again however if I do, Travis will be the very first person I call. I HIGHLY recommend Swanson Lathen Prestwich and Travis Prestwich, Carrie Meeker and Jennifer Hiser!! I wish there were more people out there like them! I give them an A+++
Mr. Prestwich and his entire staff were nothing but kind, supportive and professional through the entire process of helping me with my car accident settlement. The outcome was exactly what I had hoped for and it was all because of the hard work that was done by this office.
Myself and my family have worked with Keith Swanson since the late 80's.Unfortunately when an accident occurs you need to make good decisions.You can't go wrong with Keith.He's an amazing man. Honest, straight forward and well respected in the industry.Not to mention one of the best accident attorneys in the profession.Thank you Keith, and Chris.
Great Services! Helpful reception. Brian Lathen was great and helped a lot.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Salem
Every year, crashes in Salem and Marion County happen due to reckless or negligent driving. Some of the top causes include:
Distracted Driving
Texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting GPS, or interacting with passengers all lead to delayed reaction times. According to data from CMT Research, drivers who use their phones the most are more likely to make an insurance claim.
Speeding & Reckless Driving
Speeding-related crashes are more likely on I-5 and Center Street, where higher speeds increase the risk of severe injuries.
Failure to Yield & Running Red Lights
Busy intersections like Commercial St & Madrona Ave typically see frequent accidents due to drivers running red lights or failing to yield when turning left.
Drunk or Drugged Driving
Alcohol-related crashes accounted for 35.89% of Oregon’s traffic fatalities.
If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. Let us review your case today.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Salem
What you do after an accident can significantly impact your case.
- Ensure Safety. Move your car to a safe location if possible and turn on your hazard lights. If the crash happened in a dangerous area, stay inside your vehicle until help arrives.
- Call 911. Even for minor crashes, a police report creates official documentation that can be critical for your claim.
- Gather Information. Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the crash scene. Get driver and witness contact info, and write down insurance details.
- Seek Medical Attention. Some injuries, like concussions or whiplash, may not appear immediately but can worsen over time. See a doctor as soon as possible.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters. Their goal is to minimize what they pay. Don’t admit fault or accept a quick settlement without speaking to a lawyer.
- Contact a Car Accident Attorney. The sooner you get legal representation, the stronger your case will be.
Myths About Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer – Debunked
Myth #1
“I Can’t Afford a Lawyer”
Here’s the Truth:
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Myth #2
“The Insurance Company Will Offer Me a Fair Settlement”
Here’s the Truth:
Insurance adjusters are trained to pay as little as possible – often far less than what you deserve.
Myth #3
“I wasn’t badly injured, so I don’t need a lawyer”
Here’s the Truth:
Even minor injuries can worsen over time, leading to unexpected medical bills.
Understanding Oregon Car Accident Laws
Navigating Oregon’s car accident laws can be confusing, especially when you’re dealing with medical bills, insurance adjusters, and recovery. Below are the key legal principles that affect your ability to seek compensation.
Statute of Limitations: How Long Do you Have to File a Claim?
Oregon law generally gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, in some cases, the deadline is much shorter.
If you were injured in an accident involving a city, county, or state employee, you must file a tort claim notice within 180 days of the accident, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Additionally, certain exceptions apply:
- If the injured person is a minor (under 18), the statute of limitations may be extended.
- If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, different deadlines may apply.
- If you discover injuries later, the “discovery rule” may allow you to file beyond the standard deadline.
Because missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim, it’s critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to determine the exact filing requirements for your case.
Comparative Negligence: Can You Still Get Compensation If You Were Partially at Fault?
Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault.
Here’s how it works:
- If you are 0% at fault, you can recover 100% of your damages.
- If you are 20% at fault, your settlement will be reduced by 20%.
- If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover compensation.
For example, if you were awarded $100,000 in damages but were 20% responsible for the crash, your final settlement would be $80,000.
Insurance companies often try to assign more fault to reduce your settlement, so having an attorney fight for you is critical.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): What Is Covered?
Oregon requires all drivers to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which helps cover your immediate costs after an accident—regardless of who was at fault.
Here’s what PIP covers:
- Medical expenses: Covers hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation (up to $15,000 minimum per person).
- Lost wages: Pays 70% of your income (up to $3,000 per month) if your injuries prevent you from working.
- Essential services: Covers the cost of hiring help for household tasks you can’t perform due to injuries.
- Funeral expenses: Provides up to $5,000 in case of a fatal accident.
Key Takeaway:
PIP helps cover immediate expenses, but it may not be enough for serious injuries. A personal injury claim can help you recover full compensation beyond what PIP provides.
Oregon’s Insurance Requirements: Do You Have Enough Coverage?
Oregon law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance to cover accidents:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury.
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury (if multiple people are injured).
- $20,000 for property damage.
- PIP coverage of at least $15,000 for medical expenses.
However, many drivers only carry the minimum coverage, which might not be enough if your medical bills or damages exceed these limits. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to rely on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
What Happens If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Oregon requires insurance, but not every driver follows the law. If the driver who hit you is uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage, you may still have options:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Pays for injuries if the at-fault driver has no insurance.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: Covers damages beyond what the at-fault driver’s policy can pay.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Helps cover initial medical expenses and lost wages, even if the other driver is uninsured.
Key Takeaways:
- You have two years to file a lawsuit, but exceptions may apply—talk to an attorney early.
- Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation if you were less than 51% responsible.
- PIP insurance covers immediate expenses, but it might not be enough for serious injuries.
- If the at-fault driver is uninsured, your own UM/UIM policy may help cover your losses.
Have legal questions? Our team is here to help. Schedule a free consultation today.
Settlements for Car Accidents
Our Results for Our Car Accident Clients
Don’t just take our word — trust the numbers. We’ve helped countless clients receive the settlements they deserve during their Oregon car accident cases.
11,000,000
Auto Accident / Defective Products Case
1,500,000
Auto Accident Case
538,000
Auto Accident Case
Our Process: How We Fight for You
We make the legal process simple and stress-free:
1. Free Case Review.
We’ll evaluate your claim at no cost and explain your legal options.
2. Thorough Investigation.
Our team gathers evidence, secures expert testimony, and reconstructs the accident to build the strongest case possible.
3. Aggressive Negotiation.
We handle all communications with the insurance company to ensure you aren’t pressured into an unfair settlement.
4. Prepared to Fight in Court if Needed.
While most cases settle, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.
5. No Fee Unless We Win.
You owe nothing unless we secure a settlement on your behalf.
Time is not on your side—insurance companies start working against you immediately. Don’t wait.
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!