Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Salem
Personal Injury Handled Personally: Over 4,000 Cases & 30+ Years Serving Salem
When a drunk driver causes a crash, the consequences are immediate: injuries, medical bills, missed work, and insurance companies looking to limit what they pay. At Smith Morgan LLP, personal injury is all we do. Attorney Langdon Smith handles every client’s case directly, from the first call through resolution. When you reach out, you won’t be routed to a case manager or paralegal. You’ll speak with Langdon.
We’ve served Salem and the greater Willamette Valley since 1991, building our practice around helping injured people pursue fair compensation. With more than 4,000 cases behind us, we understand how these claims work and where insurance companies push back. Virtual consultations and Spanish-speaking support are available.
If you or a family member was hurt in a drunk driving crash in Salem, call us at (541) 248-6979 for a same-day or next-day case evaluation. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Why Clients Choose Smith Morgan LLP
Drunk driving accident claims may involve disputed liability, multiple at-fault parties, and insurance companies motivated to limit payment. Direct attorney involvement from day one shapes how we investigate, build, and negotiate your case.
We’re available 24/7, with responsive communication and same-day or next-day case evaluations. We work on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront attorney fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Get a Free Case Evaluation from a Salem Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Oregon generally gives personal injury victims two years from the date of injury to file a claim. Acting quickly matters because evidence, witness accounts, and police reports are most valuable early. Contact Smith Morgan LLP at (541) 248-6979 to speak directly with Langdon about your case. You can also use our online contact form.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
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Successful Arbitration Award Rear-End Collision
A 38-year-old mother of two required surgery after being rear-ended. Despite the insurer arguing her injuries were degenerative, arbitration secured funds to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, and long-term limitations.
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$175,000 Hit-And-Run Accident
Arbitration award against a driver who fled the scene and attempted to blame someone else.
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$1,250,000 Road Construction Worker Fatality
Policy limit settlement for a worker killed by an inattentive driver in a construction zone.
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Good Samaritan Injured Policy Limit Settlement
A 52-year-old man was run over while trying to stop a severely intoxicated driver. Despite the insurer blaming the victim, Smith Morgan, LLP pursued punitive damages, resulting in a policy limit settlement within days.
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Settlement Trip And Fall At Local Business
An 81-year-old man suffered severe injuries after tripping at a business. Investigation revealed multiple code violations at the doorway. The case settled shortly before trial, covering all medical costs plus pain and suffering.
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$250,000 Uninsured Motorist Claim
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Salem Drunk Driving Accident
The impaired driver bears primary responsibility for a DUII crash, but liability in Oregon doesn’t always stop there.
Other parties who may share liability:
- Bars, restaurants, and licensed establishments: Oregon’s dram shop law under ORS 471.565 allows claims against a licensee, permittee, or social host when clear and convincing evidence shows alcohol was served or provided to a visibly intoxicated patron or guest. A claim against an alcohol-serving establishment requires formal written notice within 180 days of the incident, or within one year for a wrongful death claim.
- Vehicle owners: Under negligent entrustment, an owner who allowed an intoxicated person to drive their vehicle may share liability for resulting injuries.
- Employers: If the impaired driver was acting within the scope of employment at the time of the crash, their employer may face vicarious liability.
Claims arising from accidents in this area are handled through Marion County Circuit Court. Identifying all potentially responsible parties early helps establish the full scope of available recovery.
Compensation Available to Drunk Driving Accident Victims
Victims in Oregon can pursue economic and non-economic damages:
- Economic damages: Medical expenses, both current and future, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the effect injuries have on daily life.
In cases involving a fatality, wrongful death damages may be available to surviving family members. Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule: if a victim is found 50% or less at fault, they can still recover compensation, though the award is reduced by their percentage of fault. A victim who is 51% or more at fault can’t recover damages.
Oregon treats drunk driving as more than ordinary negligence, so punitive damages may be available in DUII cases. Courts may award them to punish especially egregious conduct, though their availability depends on the specific facts of your case. Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Salem can evaluate whether your situation supports that claim.