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 aftermath is immediate and serious: 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. You won’t speak with a case manager or paralegal when you reach out. You’ll speak with Langdon.
We’ve served Salem and the greater Willamette Valley since 1991, building a practice centered on one thing: 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. We offer virtual consultations, serve Spanish-speaking clients, and are available 24/7 with same-day or next-day case evaluations.
If you or a family member was hurt in a drunk driving crash in Salem, call us now 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 can involve disputed liability, multiple at-fault parties, and insurance companies motivated to pay as little as possible. These aren’t cases that benefit from a high-volume intake model where your file sits with a rotating team. Direct attorney involvement from day one changes how your case is built and how it’s negotiated.
Langdon answers calls during business hours and provides after-hours support around the clock, with messages returned within hours. That kind of access isn’t common at larger firms. Our contingency fee arrangement means we only get paid when you do. There are no upfront attorney fees and no financial risk in calling us.
Get a Free Case Evaluation from a Salem Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Under Oregon law, the general rule is that personal injury victims have 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. An online contact form is also available if you prefer.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
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$250,000 Uninsured Motorist Claim
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$100,000 Denied Claim Turned Around
Policy limit settlement where the insurance company initially denied responsibility until Smith Morgan, LLP got involved.
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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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$1,000,000 Mother Injured In Auto Accident
Arbitration award for a 39-year-old mother injured while driving her children home from school.
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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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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.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Salem Drunk Driving Accident
The impaired driver bears primary responsibility for a DUII crash. But Oregon law recognizes that liability doesn’t always stop there. Identifying every responsible party is one of the most consequential steps in building a strong claim.
Other parties who may share liability:
- Bars, restaurants, and licensed establishments: Oregon’s dram shop law under ORS 471.565 allows victims to pursue claims against establishments that served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then caused an accident.
- 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 is critical to understanding the full scope of available recovery.
Compensation Available to Drunk Driving Accident Victims
Oregon law allows victims to pursue several categories of damages. Economic damages cover medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages address pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the impact 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 less than 51% at fault, they can still recover compensation, though the award is reduced by their percentage of fault.
Because drunk driving is treated as more than ordinary negligence under Oregon law, punitive damages may be available in DUII cases. Courts may award them to punish especially egregious conduct, though whether they apply depends on the specific facts of your case. Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Salem can evaluate whether your situation supports that claim.