Skip to main content

Author: Duncan Selph

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Using outdated service records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.

The Hidden Reason Your Car Accident Settlement Might Be Lower Than You Deserve

Posted on by Duncan Selph

You could do everything right after a car accident—go to the hospital, follow up with doctors, hire a lawyer—and still walk away with less compensation than your injuries are worth. Why? Because of something most accident victims never think about until it’s too late: insurance policy limits.

At SELPH LAW, we’ve represented clients across Ohio who suffered major injuries only to discover the at-fault driver’s insurance wasn’t enough to cover the true cost of their losses. If you’ve been seriously hurt in an accident, here’s what you need to know about how insurance policy limits can affect your settlement—and what we can do to fight for more.

📞 Call (614)-453-0971 now for a FREE case review.

What Are Insurance Policy Limits?

Every Ohio driver is legally required to carry minimum auto insurance coverage:

$25,000 per person for bodily injury

$50,000 per accident

$25,000 for property damage

That means if you’re hit by a driver with only minimum coverage, $25,000 might be the most you can recover—even if your medical bills, lost wages, and pain are worth hundreds of thousands.

How This Affects Real People Like You

Let’s say you’re in a serious crash. You break your leg, need surgery, miss work for months, and suffer long-term pain. Your total damages could be $100,000 or more.

But if the at-fault driver has only $25,000 in coverage, and no personal assets to go after?

That might be all you get—unless you know how to fight back.

3 Ways to Get More Than the At-Fault Driver’s Policy Limit

✅ 1. Stack Coverage with Your Own UM/UIM Policy

If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance to make up the difference.

Example: If the at-fault driver has $25k and you have $100k in UIM, we can potentially recover up to $100,000 total for you.

✅ 2. Find Additional Liable Parties

We dig deep to see if other parties share blame:

Was the driver working? Their employer may be liable.

Was a commercial vehicle involved? These often have $1M+ policies.

Was a bar responsible for overserving a drunk driver? That opens the door to a dram shop liability claim.

✅ 3. Sue the At-Fault Driver Personally

If they have assets worth pursuing—like property, investments, or business interests—we can file a lawsuit directly against them.

Why Policy Limits Matter Most in Serious Injury Cases

In minor fender benders, $25,000 might cover your bills. But if you have:

Broken bones

Surgeries or hospital stays

Long-term disability

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Spinal cord damage

Then policy limits become the ceiling on what you can recover—unless your legal team knows how to break through it.

What You Can Do Right Now to Protect Your Case

1️⃣ Get medical care immediately—it documents the seriousness of your injuries
2️⃣ Don’t accept any settlement offer without talking to a lawyer
3️⃣ Call SELPH LAW to investigate the policy limits, your own coverage, and other avenues of compensation

📞 (614)-453-0971 | Free consultations | No fee unless we win

SELPH LAW Fights for Full Compensation—Not Just What Insurance Offers

Insurance companies want to settle for the lowest possible amount. We don’t let that happen. At SELPH LAW, we:

✔️ Investigate every liable party
✔️ Fight insurance denials and delays
✔️ Pursue every available policy
✔️ Maximize your recovery through expert negotiation and litigation

Final Word: Don’t Let Policy Limits Define Your Future

If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident in Ohio, the last thing you want is to settle for less than you need to recover and move on. Let SELPH LAW fight for every dollar you deserve—no matter what the policy says.

📞 Call (614)-453-0971 now or visit SELPHLAW.COM to schedule your FREE case review.

Understanding Trusts in Ohio: Revocable vs. Irrevocable & How They Protect Your Assets

Posted on by Duncan Selph

When it comes to estate planning in Ohio, creating a trust is one of the most effective tools to protect your assets, avoid probate, and ensure a smooth transfer of wealth to your loved ones. But not all trusts are created equal—and knowing the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable trust can make a major impact on your financial future.

At SELPH LAW, we help Ohio families and individuals choose the right trust structure for their unique goals. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Trust?

A trust is a legal entity that holds and manages assets on behalf of a person or group (the beneficiaries). The person creating the trust (the grantor) appoints a trustee to manage those assets according to specific instructions.

✅ Trusts are powerful tools because they allow for:

Avoidance of probate

Privacy (unlike wills, trusts are not public record)

Asset protection

Efficient and controlled distribution of wealth

Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts: What’s the Difference?

Both types of trusts are valuable—but they serve different purposes.

🔁 Revocable Living Trust (aka Living Trust)

This is the most common type of trust used in estate planning.

Key Features:

You can change, update, or revoke it at any time while you’re alive.

You maintain control of the assets placed in the trust.

Assets pass to your beneficiaries without going through probate.

Ideal For:

People who want to retain flexibility

Those looking to avoid probate

Families with minor children or blended families

Downsides:

Offers limited protection from creditors

Included in your taxable estate

🔒 Irrevocable Trust

Once created, this type of trust cannot be changed (in most cases). You give up control of the assets, but gain significant legal and financial protection.

Key Features:

Assets are removed from your estate (reducing estate taxes)

Offers strong protection from lawsuits and creditors

Can help with Medicaid planning

Ideal For:

High-net-worth individuals

People wanting to protect assets from nursing home costs or lawsuits

Families seeking to minimize estate taxes

Downsides:

Less flexibility

Assets are no longer directly accessible by the grantor

What Can You Put Into a Trust?

Almost any type of asset can be transferred into a trust, including:

Real estate

Bank accounts and investments

Business interests

Life insurance policies

Personal property and valuables

✅ Pro Tip: Only assets titled in the name of the trust avoid probate. Funding your trust correctly is just as important as setting it up.

Benefits of Using a Trust in Your Estate Plan

Avoids probate (saving time and money)

Keeps your financial matters private

Reduces the risk of legal disputes among heirs

Allows for detailed, controlled distribution (e.g., staggered inheritance)

Protects beneficiaries with special needs

Shields wealth from creditors, lawsuits, or Medicaid claims (in irrevocable trusts)

How SELPH LAW Helps You Create the Right Trust

At SELPH LAW, we walk you through every option and design a custom trust that reflects your goals, assets, and family situation.

We help with:

Creating revocable or irrevocable trusts

Transferring and titling assets into the trust

Coordinating your trust with your will, POAs, and healthcare directives

Updating your estate plan as life changes

📞 Call (614)-453-0971 to schedule a personalized trust consultation today.

Final Thoughts: A Trust Is Protection You Can Put in Writing

Whether you’re focused on probate avoidance, asset protection, or long-term care planning, a properly designed trust gives you control, clarity, and peace of mind.

Let SELPH LAW help you protect what you’ve worked so hard to build.

What Is Estate Planning? A Simple Guide for Ohio Families

Posted on by Duncan Selph

When most people hear “estate planning,” they picture something reserved for the ultra-wealthy. But the truth is—estate planning is for everyone, regardless of income, age, or the size of your estate. Whether you’re a young parent, a retiree, or just someone who wants to protect their loved ones, a solid estate plan ensures your wishes are honored and your family is protected.

At SELPH LAW, we help Ohio families create customized estate plans that provide peace of mind and long-term security. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process of legally arranging what happens to your assets, your children, and your medical decisions if you become incapacitated or pass away. It ensures your wishes are followed—and not left up to the state or the courts.

A comprehensive estate plan may include:

A Last Will and Testament

A Trust (revocable or irrevocable)

Powers of Attorney (financial and healthcare)

A Living Will

Guardianship designations for minor children

Beneficiary designations for life insurance, retirement accounts, etc.

Estate planning is about more than distributing wealth—it’s about protecting your family, avoiding unnecessary legal battles, and reducing emotional stress during a difficult time.

Why Every Ohio Family Should Have an Estate Plan

If you don’t have an estate plan, the state of Ohio has one for you—and it may not reflect your wishes.

Without a plan:

Your assets may be tied up in probate court for months or years

The court, not you, decides who gets what

Minor children could be placed with a guardian you wouldn’t have chosen

Loved ones may face conflicts, confusion, and legal expenses

✅ Pro Tip: Estate planning now saves your family time, money, and emotional strain later.

Key Documents in an Ohio Estate Plan

📝 Will

A legally binding document that outlines who inherits your property and who will care for your minor children. It must be signed and witnessed according to Ohio law.

🏛️ Trust

A legal structure that holds assets for your beneficiaries. Trusts help you avoid probate, keep things private, and manage wealth distribution. (We’ll cover this in a separate blog post!)

💼 Power of Attorney (POA)

Designates someone to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so.

❤️ Healthcare Power of Attorney

Allows someone you trust to make medical decisions for you if you’re incapacitated.

📜 Living Will

Outlines your wishes regarding end-of-life care, including resuscitation, life support, and other critical interventions.

When Should You Create or Update Your Estate Plan?

Major life events are a good time to create or revisit your plan:

Marriage or divorce

Birth or adoption of a child

Buying a home or property

Retirement or inheritance

Significant change in health or finances

✅ Estate planning isn’t a one-and-done task. We recommend reviewing your documents every 3–5 years or after any major life change.

How SELPH LAW Helps Ohio Families Plan for the Future

We take a personalized approach to estate planning. We’ll walk you through every step, explain your options, and help you make decisions that reflect your values, goals, and family needs.

At SELPH LAW, we:

Draft legally sound wills, trusts, and POAs

Guide you through complex family or financial situations

Help you avoid probate or unnecessary taxation

Provide clarity and peace of mind

📞 Call (614)-453-0971 to schedule a confidential estate planning consultation today.

Final Thoughts: Estate Planning Is a Gift to Your Family

Estate planning isn’t just about legal documents—it’s about protecting your legacy, your children, and the people you love most.

Whether you’re just getting started or need to update an existing plan, the best time to act is now. Let SELPH LAW help you plan wisely and live confidently.

Tragic Loss in Cleveland: Four Teens Killed in High-Speed Crash

Posted on by Duncan Selph

On March 12, 2025, a devastating accident in Cleveland, Ohio, claimed the lives of four teenagers: Caurie Williams (19), Eddy Deandre Bonner (18), Tamera Davis (14), and Kalise McGee (14). The incident occurred when the driver, Bonner, lost control of a stolen 2014 Hyundai Sonata, causing the vehicle to collide with two trees and another car. The impact was so severe that three occupants were ejected from the vehicle; all four teens were pronounced dead at the scene. ​

This heart-wrenching event has left families and the community grappling with profound grief and unanswered questions. Parents of the victims have expressed their devastation, with some indicating that the younger teens may not have been aware that the car was stolen. Mourners have gathered at the crash site to pay their respects, highlighting the deep impact this tragedy has had on the local community.

Understanding Legal Rights After a Fatal Car Accident

In the aftermath of such a tragic loss, families often face not only emotional turmoil but also financial hardships. Medical expenses, funeral costs, and the loss of future income can be overwhelming. In Ohio, families who have lost a loved one due to another’s negligence or wrongful actions may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.​

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a legal action that seeks compensation for the survivors’ loss, such as lost wages from the deceased, lost companionship, and funeral expenses. In Ohio, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate typically files this claim on behalf of the surviving family members.​

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Ohio?

Under Ohio law, the following family members may be eligible to receive compensation through a wrongful death claim:​

Spouse​
Children (including adopted children)​
Parents of the deceased​
Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

Compensation in wrongful death cases may cover:​

Funeral and burial expenses​
Medical bills related to the deceased’s final illness or injury​
Loss of the deceased’s expected income​
Loss of companionship and consortium​
Mental anguish suffered by surviving family members​

Why Legal Representation Matters

Navigating the legal complexities of a wrongful death claim requires experience and sensitivity. An experienced personal injury attorney can:​

Investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident​
Gather and preserve critical evidence​
Negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the family​
Advocate for fair compensation in court, if necessary​
SELPH LAW: Compassionate Advocacy for Ohio Families

At SELPH LAW, we understand the profound pain that comes with the unexpected loss of a loved one. Our dedicated team is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to families in Columbus and throughout Ohio. We work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that families receive the compensation they need to begin healing.​

Contact Us for Support

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident and believe you may have a wrongful death claim, we are here to help. Contact SELPH LAW at (614)-453-0971 for a free, confidential consultation. Let us guide you through this challenging time with the care and dedication you deserve.​

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Each case is unique, and specific legal guidance should be sought from a qualified attorney.