Experience When You Need It Most
Lance D. Youd is a trusted Salem car accident lawyer with 30 years of experience helping injury victims throughout the Willamette Valley. After a crash, you deserve personalized representation from an attorney who will fight for maximum compensation and justice.
When you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies, the last thing you need is more stress. Our law firm takes the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.
Salem Car Accident Victims: How We Help
At Youd Law, we understand that car accidents can turn your life upside down. As your Salem auto accident attorney, Lance will:
- Listen to your story and answer all your questions
- Thoroughly investigate your crash and gather crucial evidence
- Handle all paperwork and communication with insurance companies
- Consult with medical experts to fully understand your injuries
- Calculate the true cost of your current and future damages
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- Take your case to trial if necessary to ensure justice
Our approach is both compassionate and results-driven. We treat every client with dignity and respect while fighting relentlessly for their rights.
Compensation You Deserve After a Salem Auto Accident
If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver, you have rights under Oregon law. We help clients recover damages for:
- Medical expenses (current and future treatments)
- Rehabilitation costs and therapy
- Vehicle damage and repair costs
- Lost wages during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death (for family members)
Every case is unique, and the compensation you deserve depends on the specific circumstances of your accident. We’ll work closely with you to ensure every aspect of your suffering is accounted for.
Car Accident Claims in Oregon: What to Expect
Oregon’s Fault-Based System
Oregon uses a fault-based system with comparative negligence standards. This means:
- At-fault parties are responsible for damages they cause
- You can still recover compensation even if partially at fault
- Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault
- Oregon requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance
Important Deadlines
You have just two years to file a car accident injury claim in Oregon. This statute of limitations begins on the date of your accident. Don’t wait to get legal help—evidence can disappear and witnesses’ memories fade quickly after an accident. Also, claims against governmental defendants require the service of a Notice of Tort Claim within 180 days from the date you got hurt.
Additionally, your insurance policy may require you to report the accident within a much shorter time frame, sometimes as little as 72 hours.
Common Causes of Salem Car Accidents
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, approximately 1,000 collisions occur in Salem each year. The most common causes include:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use, eating)
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs
- Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Poor weather conditions (rain, fog)
- Inexperienced drivers
- Vehicle defects or poor maintenance
Understanding the cause of your accident is crucial for determining liability and building a strong case for compensation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Salem
- Seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries
- Report the accident to the police
- Exchange information with other drivers involved
- Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Notify your insurance company
Contact an experienced Salem car accident attorney
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Our clients say it best
At Youd Law, we pride ourselves in offering unmatched service. Lance and his staff are responsive and respectful, providing efficient, expert assistance in a kind and courteous manner.