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Author: Duncan Selph

Missing Work After a Car Accident in Ohio? Here’s How to Get Paid and What Insurance Won’t Tell You

Posted on by Duncan Selph

If you were hurt in a car accident anywhere in Ohio and now you can’t work, you’re not alone but you are at risk. Insurance companies are counting on you being too overwhelmed to fight for the full paychecks you deserve. At SELPH LAW, we see this every week: good people sidelined by injuries, losing income while medical bills keep piling up. We make sure you don’t get shortchanged.

This is your straight talk guide to getting paid for lost wages, future income, and protecting your financial security after a crash.

Lost Wages After an Ohio Car Accident What It Really Means

Lost wages are not just the days you called off sick. They can include:

Days you missed for surgery, therapy, or doctor checkups

Overtime you lost because you can’t handle extra hours

Bonuses or commissions you couldn’t earn while recovering

Paid time off or sick leave you burned through to cover missed days

Income you’ll lose if you can’t return to the same job or hours

Insurance companies love to pretend lost wages only mean a couple of missed shifts. Don’t buy it Ohio law says they owe you for every dollar your injury cost you.

What Counts as Proof? (And What Doesn’t)

To get paid, you need more than just your word. You need real backup:

✅ Medical records and doctor’s work restrictions
✅ Pay stubs, W-2s, or tax returns showing what you normally earn
✅ A letter from your employer verifying exactly how much work you missed
✅ Expert opinions if you can’t go back to your old job at the same pay

We see people lose thousands because they didn’t get this early. We handle it for you so you don’t have to scramble.

Self-Employed? Gig Worker? Read This.

Rideshare drivers, contractors, freelancers we see you. And yes: your lost income counts too.

We prove your lost earnings with:

Recent invoices or 1099s

Bank deposits before and after the accident

Contracts you couldn’t fulfill because of your injury

Expert projections of lost revenue for small business owners

Insurance adjusters love to downplay gig income. We don’t let them.

How Future Lost Income Works in Ohio Injury Claims

Some injuries take you off the job for weeks. Others mean you can’t ever do the same work again. That’s when a smart injury claim includes loss of future earning capacity and this is where real money comes in.

At SELPH LAW, we work with:

Medical experts to document permanent limitations

Vocational experts to explain why you can’t do your old job

Economic experts to calculate what your lost future income is worth often hundreds of thousands over a lifetime

These damages don’t just happen automatically. We fight for every dime.

Why Waiting Hurts Your Case

Here’s what insurance companies hope: that you delay getting a doctor’s note, miss paperwork deadlines, or settle your claim too early before you know the full impact on your job. Once you sign, it’s over.

Every day you wait makes it easier for them to argue you weren’t really hurt or that your missed work was your fault. Don’t risk it.

How SELPH LAW Protects Your Paycheck and Your Future

When you hire us, we:
✔️ Handle all insurance calls so you don’t slip up
✔️ Collect bulletproof lost wage proof from your doctor & employer
✔️ Hire the right experts for permanent injury and future income claims
✔️ Fight for a full settlement that covers more than just your medical bills

And you pay nothing up front. We only get paid when we win.

Ready to Get Your Paychecks Back? Let’s Talk.

If your car accident has left you unable to work for days, months, or forever don’t guess what your claim is worth. Let us get you every dollar you legally deserve.

📞 Call SELPH LAW now at (614)-453-0971 for a free, honest review.📍 6047 Frantz Road, Dublin, OH 43017🔗 SELPHLAW.COM

Let’s make sure you don’t pay twice for an accident that wasn’t your fault.

Rear Ended but Still Being Blamed? Why Liability Isn’t Always Straightforward in Ohio Car Accident Claims

Posted on by Duncan Selph

If you’ve been rear ended in a car accident, you might assume that the other driver is automatically at fault. And in many cases, that’s true. But insurance companies don’t always play fair and in Ohio, you could still end up being blamed, even when it seems obvious who caused the crash.

At SELPH LAW, we help victims of rear end collisions fight back against unfair accusations, confusing liability disputes, and insurance company tactics designed to reduce payouts. Here’s what you need to know if you’re getting blamed after being rear ended in Ohio.

📍 6047 Frantz Road, Dublin, OH 43017📞 Call (614)-453-0971 for a FREE consultation🔗 SELPHLAW.COM

Why Rear End Accidents Aren’t Always Open and Shut

It’s true that in most rear end crashes, the trailing driver is presumed to be at fault. But that presumption can be challenged under Ohio’s comparative negligence system, where blame can be split.

Insurance adjusters may try to argue that you:

Stopped suddenly for no reason

Brake checked the driver behind you

Had non-working brake lights

Were driving too slowly for traffic

Even in clear cut cases, they may say you’re partially responsible to reduce what they owe you. In Ohio, if they can prove you were more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing.

What to Do If You’re Being Blamed After a Rear End Crash

Get the police report – It often includes the officer’s initial determination of fault.

Take photos of the scene – Skid marks, vehicle positions, and damage patterns can tell the story.

Look for witnesses or nearby cameras – Dashcams, businesses, and traffic cameras are gold.

Avoid recorded statements – Don’t admit fault or speculate when speaking to any insurance company.

Call a personal injury attorney immediately – Especially if you’re injured or being blamed.

We help you gather evidence fast and protect your side of the story.

Common Rear End Injury Types That Need Documentation

Even at lower speeds, rear end crashes can cause:

Whiplash and neck sprains

Herniated discs

Concussions or traumatic brain injuries

Lower back and shoulder injuries

Wrist and arm damage from bracing during impact

Insurance companies often downplay these injuries especially when there’s minor property damage. But with strong medical documentation and legal support, we show the real impact.

Why SELPH LAW Fights Back When Insurance Companies Twist the Facts

Our firm knows how to:

Reconstruct accident scenes

Use medical records to prove injury mechanisms

Challenge false or misleading blame assignments

Negotiate with adjusters who think they can scare you into settling cheap

Rear end collisions can turn into six figure cases when injuries are properly treated and documented. But not if the insurance company convinces you that you don’t have a case.

Rear Ended? Don’t Let Them Flip the Script on You

If you were hurt in a rear end crash and especially if the other side is trying to blame you—you need to act fast.

📞 Call SELPH LAW at (614)-453-0971📍 6047 Frantz Road, Dublin, OH 43017🔗 SELPHLAW.COM

We offer free consultations and only get paid when you do. We’ll listen to your story, look at the facts, and fight to get you every dollar you’re owed.

Do I Have a Case? How to Know If Your Ohio Car Accident Qualifies for a Big Settlement

Posted on by Duncan Selph

Not every car accident in Ohio turns into a big personal injury settlement but many people miss out on tens of thousands because they didn’t ask the right questions early. If you were hurt in a car accident and you’re wondering if it’s worth pursuing a claim, this article will help you understand what makes a case valuable and when to call a lawyer.

At SELPH LAW, we provide free, no pressure case reviews for Ohio accident victims. If you’re unsure about the strength of your case, we’ll help you find clarity and fight for what you deserve.

1. Were You Injured? (Even Slightly?)

The biggest driver of your case value isn’t property damage it’s your medical treatment.

Even if you “just feel sore” or think the pain will go away, you could be overlooking a serious injury like:

Whiplash or neck sprain

Herniated disc

Concussion or brain trauma

Knee or shoulder damage

Internal soft tissue injuries

If you went to the ER, urgent care, or are experiencing any physical symptoms even delayed ones you likely have a case. The sooner you get checked out, the better.

2. Who Was at Fault?

Ohio uses a comparative fault system meaning even if you were partially at fault, you may still be eligible for compensation as long as you were less than 51% responsible.

Examples of cases with clear fault:

Rear-end collisions

Left turn accidents where you had the right of way

DUI or distracted driving by the other party

Violations of traffic laws (running a red light, illegal U-turns)

We’ll help you gather police reports, witness statements, and evidence to prove fault.

3. Is the Insurance Company Already Contacting You?

If they’re calling, they see value in your case even if they pretend otherwise. But here’s the truth:

They may record you to use your words against you

They may offer a lowball settlement to close the case fast

They do not have your best interests in mind

Never accept a settlement or give a statement without speaking to a lawyer. We protect your rights from day 1.

4. Did You Miss Work or Daily Activities Because of the Crash?

Lost wages, missed job opportunities, and disruptions to your life add real value to your case.

Whether you missed one week or are unable to return at all, your economic losses count. So do the non-economic damages:

Pain and suffering

Anxiety or PTSD

Inability to care for your children or home

These are the kinds of impacts insurance companies try to minimize but we don’t.

5. Is There a Commercial Vehicle, Rideshare Driver, or Company Involved?

Cases involving:

Semi-trucks or commercial vehicles

Uber/Lyft or delivery drivers

Company owned cars

…often involve larger insurance policies and more complex liability issues. If you were hit by a commercial or rideshare vehicle in Ohio, your case could be worth significantly more than a typical crash.

6. You Have Nothing to Lose by Asking for a Free Review

Most people don’t realize that the biggest settlements we win often come from regular accidents that the victim almost ignored.

Don’t guess. Don’t wait. Let a lawyer tell you whether your case qualifies.

At SELPH LAW:

We don’t charge anything to review your case

We only get paid if you do

We serve clients across Columbus, Dublin, and all of Ohio

📍 6047 Frantz Road, Dublin, OH 43017📞 Call (614)-453-0971🔗 SELPHLAW.COM

How to Document Your Pain After a Car Accident in Ohio And Why It Can Add Thousands to Your Injury Claim

Posted on by Duncan Selph

When it comes to car accident claims in Ohio, insurance companies don’t just pay you because you say you’re hurting. They pay you based on proof and the more detailed and consistent your documentation, the more valuable your case becomes.

At SELPH LAW, we help our clients build bulletproof injury claims by documenting their pain, suffering, and recovery in a way that insurance companies (and juries) take seriously. If you want to maximize the value of your personal injury case, here’s what you need to know about documenting your pain the right way.

📍 SELPH LAW | 6047 Frantz Road, Dublin, OH 43017📞 (614)-453-0971🔗 SELPHLAW.COM

Why Pain and Suffering Are Often the Largest Part of Your Claim

Economic damages like medical bills and lost wages are easy to calculate. But your non-economic damages, including:

Pain

Physical limitations

Emotional trauma

Sleep disturbances

Loss of enjoyment of life

…can often be worth just as much or even more. But you have to back them up with real, credible documentation.

Start a Pain Journal Immediately After the Crash

One of the most powerful tools we use at SELPH LAW is a pain and recovery journal. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just write down, each day:

Where you feel pain (neck, back, head, shoulders, etc.)

How severe it is on a scale from 1–10

What activities you couldn’t do that day because of the pain

What medications or treatments you used

How the pain affected your sleep, mood, or work

This daily log tells a story and gives your attorney powerful evidence when negotiating with insurance companies.

Be Consistent in What You Tell Doctors and Therapists

Every time you see a medical provider, they take notes and the insurance company will read them all. If you tell one doctor you’re feeling better, and another that the pain is worsening, they’ll use that against you.

✅ Always describe your pain clearly and honestly.
✅ Use consistent language across every appointment.
✅ Don’t minimize your symptoms out of politeness or toughness.

We’ve seen cases where simple inconsistencies cost clients thousands.

Use Photos and Videos to Show Your Struggles

If you have visible bruises, swelling, assistive devices (like crutches or braces), or difficulty performing basic tasks document it visually.

Take photos. Record short videos. Show what your day looks like in recovery. These can be powerful pieces of evidence during settlement negotiations or trial.

Keep Track of Missed Life Events and Responsibilities

Juries and adjusters connect with real world examples:

Did you miss a child’s game or family event?

Were you unable to work, cook, drive, or clean?

Did you stop participating in hobbies or fitness?

Record these things in your journal. They show the human impact of your injury and increase the emotional and legal weight of your claim.

What SELPH LAW Does with Your Documentation

We don’t just collect paperwork. We:

Organize and present your pain logs and medical notes strategically

Use them to build compelling narratives in demand letters

Prepare you for deposition or testimony using your own words

Show insurers that you’re not just a file you’re a real person with real suffering

Don’t Wait Start Documenting Your Pain Today

The sooner you begin documenting your experience, the stronger your case becomes. Whether your accident happened last night or last month, SELPH LAW can help you take control of your claim and pursue maximum compensation.

📞 Call (614)-453-0971 for a free, confidential case review.📍 6047 Frantz Road, Dublin, OH 43017🔗 SELPHLAW.COM

We don’t get paid unless you win and we build serious cases that deliver serious results.

How Insurance Companies Use Your Odometer to Undervalue Your Car After a Crash in Ohio

Posted on by Duncan Selph

After a serious car accident, most people focus on their injuries and rightly so. But once the dust settles, another battle begins: dealing with the insurance company over the value of your totaled or damaged car. What many people don’t realize is that your odometer reading plays a massive role in how much they’re willing to pay you and if you don’t have the right documentation, you could lose thousands.

At SELPH LAW, we help car accident victims across Ohio protect their rights not just for injury compensation, but also when it comes to maximizing vehicle value claims. Here’s how to make sure your car isn’t undervalued after a crash.

Why the Odometer Reading Matters So Much

Insurance companies use your car’s mileage to calculate its actual cash value (ACV) the amount they claim it was worth at the time of the accident. Higher mileage means a lower payout. The difference between a car with 60,000 miles and one with 100,000+ miles can be thousands of dollars.

If the insurance company underestimates your mileage or doesn’t have accurate proof they’ll lowball you.

Common tricks include:

Using outdated service records

Relying on estimated mileage, not facts

Ignoring recent low mileage use (e.g., work-from-home changes)

What to Do Right After an Accident to Protect Your Car’s Value

✅ Take a clear photo of your odometer at the accident scene if safe to do so.

✅ Save maintenance and service records that show recent mileage.

✅ Request a copy of the police report, which may include odometer info.

✅ Document your vehicle’s condition tires, interior, features, upgrades.

✅ Ask the tow yard to photograph the dash before the vehicle is moved.

Why You Can’t Rely on the Insurance Adjuster

The adjuster is working for the other side even your own insurance company is motivated to settle your vehicle claim for less. They might:

Claim you didn’t maintain the vehicle

Ignore aftermarket upgrades

Use national depreciation calculators that don’t reflect Ohio markets

You have the right to challenge their valuation and we can help.

How SELPH LAW Fights for the Full Value of Your Vehicle

We take vehicle valuation seriously especially when it’s tied to a larger injury claim.

We:

Submit photo documentation of the odometer and condition

Dispute lowball settlement offers with market comparisons

Review all appraisal documentation for accuracy

Work with vehicle valuation experts when necessary

For many clients, we’ve recovered thousands more than the insurance company initially offered for their totaled vehicle.

Pro Tip: Low Vehicle Value Offers Can Undercut Your Injury Claim

If you’re financing or leasing your car, or you owe more than it’s worth, the insurance company’s payout may not even cover the loan. This can weaken your injury case by creating financial pressure to settle quickly.

We help our clients understand the full impact of their losses vehicle, medical, and beyond and structure your case for maximum recovery.

Call SELPH LAW for a Free Case Review

If you’ve been in a serious car accident in Ohio, don’t let the insurance company dictate what your car or your case is worth. Protect your claim and get the compensation you truly deserve.

Call SELPH LAW at (614)-453-0971 for a free consultation. No fees unless we win.

Traumatic Brain Injuries After Car Accidents in Ohio

Posted on by Duncan Selph

How to Protect Your Rights and Maximize Recovery
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most devastating consequences of a car accident and they’re also some of the most misunderstood by insurance companies. TBIs often don’t show up on X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, but they can result in lifelong impairments to memory, emotion, concentration, and overall quality of life.

At SELPH LAW, we help victims of brain injuries across Ohio secure the compensation they need for long term recovery and support. If you or a loved one suffered a head injury in a crash, here’s how to protect your legal rights and ensure your case is valued properly.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

A TBI occurs when a blow, jolt, or penetration disrupts brain function. This can happen even in seemingly minor collisions. Symptoms may appear immediately or take days or weeks to emerge.

Common symptoms of a TBI include:

Memory loss or confusion

Difficulty concentrating or speaking

Headaches and dizziness

Mood changes or depression

Sleep disturbances

Light sensitivity

The problem? Many of these symptoms are dismissed by insurance companies unless they’re thoroughly documented and properly presented.

How Car Accidents Cause Brain Injuries

TBIs frequently result from:

Sudden deceleration in a crash (brain slamming against the skull)

Head impact with a steering wheel, window, or dashboard

Airbag deployment injuries

Rollover crashes or ejection from the vehicle

Even if you didn’t hit your head, the force of the crash can still cause coup-contrecoup injuries where the brain bounces inside the skull, damaging both sides.

Why Brain Injury Claims Are High-Value Cases

A TBI can affect every area of your life:

Work and career

Relationships and parenting

Independence and daily function

That’s why brain injury cases often lead to six and seven-figure settlements when handled correctly. They require:

Neurologist evaluations

Neuropsychological testing

Cognitive and emotional therapy records

Expert witnesses to explain the life impact

We’ve seen cases where a client “looked fine” on paper—but with proper documentation, their TBI claim resulted in life-changing compensation.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Brain Injury Case?

In Ohio, victims of TBIs may be entitled to compensation for:

Emergency medical treatment and hospital care

Brain scans and diagnostics

Speech, occupational, and cognitive therapy

Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity

Pain, suffering, and mental anguish

Loss of enjoyment of life and personal relationships

In severe cases, we work with life care planners to calculate decades of future medical and support costs.

Proving a TBI in a Legal Setting

Insurance companies love to downplay brain injuries. At SELPH LAW, we know how to:

Connect clients with the right medical specialists

Prove TBI-related impairments even without imaging results

Use day in the life documentation, witness accounts, and expert analysis

The more detailed and credible your evidence, the harder it is for the insurance company to deny the severity of your condition.

Why You Need an Attorney Who Understands TBI Cases

TBI cases are not standard personal injury cases. They’re medically complex, hard to quantify, and often aggressively disputed.

At SELPH LAW, we:

Identify and prove hidden injuries

Push back against lowball settlement offers

Hire and coordinate with top brain injury experts

Litigate if necessary to maximize the claim’s value

We’re not afraid to go to trial if that’s what it takes to get the results our clients deserve.

Call SELPH LAW for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury after a car accident in Ohio, don’t try to navigate the process alone. These are high-stakes cases that require serious legal and medical coordination.

Call SELPH LAW today at (614)-453-0971 for a free, confidential consultation. We only get paid when you do.

Spinal Cord Injuries After Car Accidents in Ohio: What Victims Need to Know to Maximize Compensation

Posted on by Duncan Selph

A spinal cord injury isn’t just a medical diagnosis it’s a life altering event. These injuries often result in chronic pain, limited mobility, permanent disability, and emotional trauma. They also lead to some of the highest value personal injury cases we see in Ohio.

At SELPH LAW, we help accident victims with spinal injuries get the compensation they need for long term recovery, future medical costs, and loss of independence. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident, here’s what you need to know to protect your future.

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the spine suffers trauma that disrupts communication between the brain and body. The damage may be complete or partial and can lead to:

Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)

Chronic pain or nerve damage

Loss of sensation or motor control

Loss of bowel or bladder function

Even “less severe” spinal injuries like herniated discs or fractured vertebrae can result in permanent limitations, especially if surgery is needed.

Common Car Accidents That Cause Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries can happen in nearly any crash, but they are especially common in:

Rear end collisions (especially at high speeds)

T-bone or side-impact crashes

Rollover accidents

Commercial truck collisions

Crashes involving pedestrians or motorcyclists

These accidents involve sudden force and unnatural movement both major contributors to spinal trauma.

Why Spinal Injury Cases Are High-Value Claims

Spinal injuries often require:

Extensive hospitalization

Multiple surgeries (spinal fusion, laminectomy, discectomy, etc.)

Ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation

Adaptive medical equipment (wheelchairs, home modifications)

Lifelong care and loss of earning capacity

Insurance companies know the stakes and that’s why they fight these cases aggressively. Without legal representation, victims risk accepting settlements that are a fraction of what they truly need.

What Compensation Can You Recover in an Ohio Spinal Injury Case?

At SELPH LAW, we pursue maximum damages in every case, including:

Economic Damages:

Emergency room, surgery, and hospitalization costs

Follow up care and specialist visits

Physical therapy and assistive devices

Lost wages and future income

Non Economic Damages:

Pain and suffering

Emotional distress and mental health impact

Loss of enjoyment of life

Loss of consortium (for spouses)

Future Damages:

Life care plans

Long term home and vehicle modifications

In home nursing care or assisted living costs

We work with medical, vocational, and economic experts to fully calculate the long term cost of your injury.

Proving the Value of a Spinal Cord Injury Claim

These cases demand more than just medical bills. At SELPH LAW, we build high value cases through:

MRI and imaging documentation

Expert witness reports from neurologists and orthopedic surgeons

Testimony from therapists, pain specialists, and economists

Day in the life videos and impact statements

The better the documentation, the more leverage we have in negotiation or in trial.

Why You Need an Attorney Who Handles Spinal Injury Cases

Not every lawyer is equipped to handle a catastrophic injury case. Spinal injury cases involve:

Complex liability and causation issues

High value policy negotiations

Multiple expert witnesses

Aggressive defense tactics from insurers

At SELPH LAW, we are prepared to litigate, go to trial, and do what it takes to get results. We don’t settle for less—especially when your lifelong care is on the line.

Call SELPH LAW Today for a Free Case Evaluation

If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident in Ohio, don’t leave your future to chance. The earlier you involve an experienced attorney, the better your chances of recovering full and fair compensation.

Call SELPH LAW at (614)-453-0971 for a free, confidential consultation. We only get paid if we win.

Why Commercial Truck Accidents in Ohio Lead to Higher Value Injury Claims and How to Win Yours

Posted on by Duncan Selph

If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a semi truck, box truck, or commercial delivery vehicle in Ohio, you may already know this wasn’t just another car accident. The injuries are more severe. The companies involved have more at stake. And the insurance policies behind these vehicles often carry millions of dollars in coverage.

At SELPH LAW, we specialize in representing victims of high impact commercial vehicle crashes and we know exactly how to hold trucking companies accountable.

Here’s what makes truck accident cases different, and how we help clients across Ohio recover the maximum compensation possible.

Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous and So Legally Complex

A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh 80,000 pounds. When it collides with a passenger car or SUV, the results are often catastrophic.

Common causes of truck accidents include:

Driver fatigue or hours of service violations

Distracted driving or cell phone use

Improper vehicle maintenance

Overloaded or improperly secured cargo

Inexperienced or unlicensed drivers

Speeding or failure to obey traffic laws

These aren’t just traffic violations they’re often federal safety violations, and they can trigger liability well beyond the driver alone.

Multiple Defendants = Higher Settlement Potential

Unlike a typical car crash, truck accident cases often involve several responsible parties, including:

The truck driver

The trucking company or carrier

The vehicle’s owner (if leased)

The company that loaded the cargo

Manufacturers or maintenance contractors

Each of these entities may have separate insurance policies, dramatically increasing the pool of available compensation. But they’ll also have teams of lawyers fighting to limit their exposure.

That’s why you need a law firm that knows how to pursue layered liability claims.

Injuries in Truck Accidents Are Often Catastrophic

We represent clients who have suffered life-altering injuries in truck crashes, including:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Spinal cord injuries and paralysis

Multiple fractures or crush injuries

Internal bleeding and organ damage

Amputations

Wrongful death

These aren’t soft-tissue cases. They require advanced medical documentation, expert analysis, and long term care planning to accurately calculate damages.

At SELPH LAW, we don’t leave any money on the table.

Trucking Companies Are Not on Your Side

After a truck crash, the carrier’s insurance company will immediately deploy investigators and defense lawyers to protect their financial interests. Their goal is to:

Limit liability

Shift blame

Minimize payouts

Do not speak to them. Do not give a statement. And do not accept a settlement offer until you’ve spoken with a personal injury lawyer who handles commercial truck claims.

What We Do at SELPH LAW

We handle everything for our clients, including:

Preserving black box data and driver logs

Requesting employment records and training documentation

Investigating maintenance and inspection histories

Retaining trucking industry experts and accident reconstructionists

Filing lawsuits and litigating aggressively when needed

We understand the federal and state regulations that govern the trucking industry and how to expose violations that can strengthen your claim.

Call SELPH LAW Now for a Free Case Review

If you or a family member has been injured or killed in a commercial truck accident in Ohio, time is critical. Trucking companies will move fast to defend themselves. You need a legal team that moves faster.

Call (614)-453-0971 today for a FREE, no obligation consultation. We only get paid if we win and we fight to win big.

8 Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Limit Car Accident Payouts in Ohio

Posted on by Duncan Selph

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Ohio and are dealing with the insurance company, you might think they’re there to help. The reality? Insurance companies are businesses—and their goal is to pay you as little as possible.

At SELPH LAW, we’ve seen every trick in the book. We know how insurance companies operate, and we know how to beat them at their own game. Here are eight common tactics they use to reduce or deny your claim—and what to do about it.

1. Offering a Quick Settlement Before You Know the Full Extent of Your Injuries

This is one of the most common tactics. You’re hurt, your car is wrecked, and money is tight. The insurance company offers you a check within days. It seems like a relief—until you realize your injuries are worse than you thought and the check doesn’t cover half of your costs.

What to do: Never accept a settlement before completing medical treatment or speaking with a qualified car accident attorney. Once you sign, your case is closed.

2. Delaying the Claims Process to Wear You Down

They stop returning calls. They say they’re still “reviewing” your case. Weeks turn into months. It’s not by accident—it’s a tactic to make you desperate enough to settle for less.

What to do: Hire a lawyer who knows how to push back and keep the pressure on. At SELPH LAW, we hold them accountable.

3. Blaming You for the Accident (Even When It’s Not Your Fault)

Even if the other driver was clearly at fault, insurance adjusters will look for ways to pin partial blame on you. Why? Because Ohio follows comparative negligence laws, and reducing your percentage of fault reduces their payout.

What to do: Let us gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and build a case that proves your side of the story.

4. Downplaying Your Injuries as “Soft Tissue” or “Not Accident-Related”

They might say you had a pre-existing condition. Or that your pain is “subjective” and not serious. Or that you waited too long to see a doctor.

What to do: Seek medical treatment immediately, follow through with all appointments, and let us document your injuries through qualified medical experts.

5. Asking for a Recorded Statement to Use Against You

You’re told it’s “just a formality,” but that recorded statement can later be used to twist your words, minimize your pain, or suggest you weren’t really hurt.

What to do: Politely decline to give a recorded statement without legal representation. Direct all communication through your attorney.

6. Using Surveillance and Social Media Against You

Adjusters and investigators may monitor your social media or even hire someone to follow you. If you’re seen walking your dog, lifting groceries, or smiling in a photo, they’ll claim you aren’t as injured as you say.

What to do: Stay off social media and be cautious about what you post. Don’t give them anything to use against you.

7. Misrepresenting Insurance Coverage or Policy Limits

Some adjusters conveniently “forget” about certain coverage, downplay available limits, or refuse to disclose important policy information.

What to do: At SELPH LAW, we demand full policy disclosures and identify every possible source of coverage—including the other driver’s policy, your own underinsured motorist policy, and more.

8. Claiming You Don’t Need a Lawyer

One of the biggest red flags is when the insurance company tells you that hiring a lawyer will only make things slower or more expensive. The truth? That’s what they fear most—because they know we get better results.

What to do: Don’t face a billion-dollar insurance company alone. Get legal protection from the start.

What SELPH LAW Does Differently

We don’t take weak offers. We don’t let insurance companies bully our clients. And we don’t stop until we’ve exhausted every available option for full and fair compensation.

Our firm:

Coordinates with top medical professionals to document injuries

Investigates every angle of the accident and liability

Handles all communication with insurance

Files lawsuits when necessary to get the compensation you deserve

Call SELPH LAW Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident anywhere in Ohio, don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Our team at SELPH LAW is here to help you fight back—and win.

Call (614)-453-0971 for a free, no-obligation case review. We only get paid if you do.

Red Flags to Watch for After a Car Accident in Ohio

Posted on by Duncan Selph

Not all car accident claims are created equal and unfortunately, many people unknowingly make mistakes that ruin their chances of getting full compensation. If you were recently injured in a car accident in Ohio, knowing what NOT to do can be just as important as knowing what to do.

At SELPH LAW, we’ve helped countless injury victims avoid costly missteps and recover the money they need to move forward. Here are the biggest red flags to watch for after a crash and how to protect your rights.

Call (614)-453-0971 now for a FREE consultation with an experienced Ohio car accident lawyer.

Red Flag #1: You Didn’t Go to the Hospital or Get Medical Treatment Right Away

This is one of the most damaging mistakes accident victims make. Even if you “feel okay,” skipping the ER or waiting days to see a doctor gives the insurance company an excuse to deny your claim or downplay your injury.

What to do instead: Always go to the hospital, urgent care, or your primary doctor within 24–48 hours. Medical records are the foundation of your case.

Red Flag #2: You Gave a Statement to the Insurance Company Without a Lawyer

Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company not you. They’ll ask misleading questions, record your answers, and use your words against you later.

What to do instead: Politely decline to give a statement and refer all communication to your attorney.

Red Flag #3: The At Fault Driver’s Insurance Is Rushing You to Settle

If they’re calling you fast with a quick offer, it’s not because they’re being helpful it’s because they want you to sign away your rights before you know how injured you really are.

What to do instead: Don’t sign or accept anything until you’ve spoken with a lawyer and had time for a full medical evaluation.

Red Flag #4: You Posted About the Crash on Social Media

Even an innocent post like “Thank God I’m okay” can be twisted by the insurance company to argue that you weren’t really injured.

What to do instead: Stay off social media, or at the very least, avoid talking about the accident, your injuries, or your daily activities.

Red Flag #5: You Didn’t Call the Police

No police report = no proof the accident even happened. In some cases, this can cause your claim to fall apart entirely.

What to do instead: Always call the police after an accident, no matter how minor it seems. Get an official report.

Red Flag #6: You’re Delaying Hiring a Lawyer

Every day you wait is another day evidence fades, witnesses disappear, and your legal position weakens. Waiting too long can also jeopardize your claim due to Ohio’s statute of limitations.

What to do instead: Get a free consultation as soon as possible. It costs nothing to find out where you stand.

Bonus Tip: The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side

They might sound friendly—but behind the scenes, they’re working to minimize your payout. Don’t be fooled by promises or empathy from adjusters. You need someone who works for you, not against you.

Don’t Let a Mistake Ruin Your Injury Case Call SELPH LAW Today

If you were injured in a car accident anywhere in Ohio, don’t leave your case up to chance. Let us help you avoid these red flags, deal with the insurance companies, and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.

Call (614)-453-0971 today for your FREE consultation. No fees unless we win.