Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A. Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A.2026-09-08T22:25:45Zhttps://www.wdtlaw.org/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1400964/2019/11/cropped-favicon-min-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A.<![CDATA[Why are truck accidents more dangerous than car accidents?]]>https://www.wdtlaw.org/?p=537752026-09-08T22:25:45Z2026-09-08T22:25:45ZBeing involved in any car accident can be dangerous. However, truck accidents are significantly more dangerous. A collision between a standard passenger car and a truck is more likely to result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities, particularly to the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
So, what makes truck accidents so dangerous?
Weight difference
A standard car weighs 3,000 to 4,000 pounds, whereas a commercial truck can weigh from 10,000 pounds to 80,000 pounds. When a small car collides with a vehicle that weighs almost 20 times its weight, it will absorb most of the impact force. Besides, the lighter weight of the car cannot make the truck slow down quickly, especially when fully loaded. Thus, the truck will push the car backward, forcing it to absorb almost all the rapid change in speed.The transfer of immense energy to the smaller vehicle risks its occupants, as the force will be transferred to them. This can lead to severe injuries.
Height difference
A standard passenger car is about 4 to 5 feet tall, while a commercial truck is about 13.5 feet tall. This creates a risk of an underride collision during impact. The passenger car can slide underneath the trailer from the back or the side. An underride collision is a very dangerous accident, as it bypasses safety features. When safety zones, such as crumple zones and airbags, are not engaged, a car’s occupants are not protected. There is also the risk of the car’s roof being crushed or sheared off, increasing the chances of severe head and neck trauma.
Hazardous cargo
An accident involving a truck carrying hazardous cargo, such as flammable liquids, compressed gases, and corrosive materials, increases the risk of toxic exposure and explosions.Many factors that cause truck accidents are preventable. If you were injured due to negligence, consider legal guidance to hold the liable party responsible. ]]>On Behalf of Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A.<![CDATA[What is an Ohio injury claim worth if you lose your career?]]>https://www.wdtlaw.org/?p=537712026-08-25T16:29:17Z2026-08-25T16:29:17ZHow lost earning capacity is calculated
When an injury ends your career, Ohio law lets you pursue more than missed paychecks. You can seek the full value of what you would have earned for the rest of your working life, with no dollar cap.
Vocational and economic experts typically help prove this by mapping out your career path and calculating what it was worth. If retraining is realistic, those costs may be recoverable too.
What non-economic damages cover
Ohio law also allows you to seek compensation for what the injury took from your life beyond income. This includes physical pain and suffering, permanent scarring or disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life and the inability to do things you once did, including caring for or playing with your children.
These damages are harder to quantify but often represent the largest portion of a catastrophic injury claim.
How Ohio law treats non-economic damages
Ohio limits how much you can recover for pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment in most cases. The ceiling is $250,000 or three times your economic damages, whichever is greater, up to $350,000.
However, that limit does not apply to everyone. If your injury caused permanent disfigurement, the loss of a limb or organ or left you unable to care for yourself, Ohio law removes the cap entirely. Many career-ending injuries meet this threshold, which means there may be no ceiling on what you can recover.
What goes into proving these damages
Strong claims require vocational experts, economic analysts, medical documentation and personal testimony from people who can speak to how your daily life has changed. The completeness of this evidence directly shapes the value of your claim, which is why building it early matters.
Acting quickly protects the value of your claim
In Ohio, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim. Missing that deadline means losing your right to compensation entirely. Acting early also preserves evidence and gives your legal team time to build the strongest possible picture of your losses before an insurance company shapes the narrative first.
If a serious injury has permanently changed your life and your career, speaking with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible may make a real difference in what you are able to recover.
]]>On Behalf of Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A.<![CDATA[Confusion at roundabouts can lead to accidents]]>https://www.wdtlaw.org/?p=537682026-08-20T14:49:55Z2026-08-20T14:49:55ZRoundabouts are designed to be relatively simple and efficient. When used correctly, they can lower accident rates and keep the flow of traffic moving.
But one of the problems with them is that many drivers are unfamiliar with roundabouts. They may be encountering one for the first time. This confusion can lead to mistakes that lead to serious accidents.
Failing to yield the right way
For instance, when a driver is entering a roundabout, they have to yield to any vehicles that are already within that roundabout. If a driver thinks the oncoming cars have to wait for them, they may fail to yield the right way and cause a collision.
Stopping completely
If there are no vehicles in the roundabout, drivers are not always required to stop completely when approaching. But a driver who is used to four-way stops may still slam on the brakes, surprising the driver behind them and leading to a rear-end accident.
Confusion over lanes
Furthermore, once a driver is in a roundabout, they should stay in their lane. In a two-lane roundabout, drivers will sometimes try to change lanes when they realize they need to exit at a specific point. But this could cause them to merge into vehicles that are already occupying that lane.
Overlooking pedestrians
Finally, roundabouts often have crosswalks for pedestrians. A driver who is too focused on other vehicles may not see pedestrians in the crosswalk while entering or exiting the roundabout.
Seeking financial compensation
Have you been involved in a car accident caused by another driver who made a mistake? If you suffered injuries, you may deserve compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and related damages.
]]>On Behalf of Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A.<![CDATA[A boat does not have brakes]]>https://www.wdtlaw.org/?p=537652026-08-05T14:20:31Z2026-08-05T14:20:31ZIf you are on the water this summer, you have to share that space with many other boaters. Remember that they may not be very experienced, as many people only go out on the water once or twice a year. A lot of people will rent or borrow watercraft that they have never even used before. This can lead to a multitude of mistakes.
One common mistake revolves around the fact that a boat does not have brakes the way that an automobile does. While sailboats are operated with a tiller system, many modern power boats have a steering wheel that feels, to the driver, the same as operating their car. But if they forget that they cannot brake in a hurry, it can lead to severe accidents.
An increase in inadvertent collisions
For instance, many boaters will approach the shore or a dock far too quickly. When they cut the throttle, they expect the boat to stop like a car. But instead, it takes time for the water to naturally slow the boat down, or they need to reverse the engine. They are too close to fixed structures and moving far too quickly, so they cannot avoid a crash.There can also be issues when they are operating around other watercraft or swimmers. A boater may see people swimming in the water and try to drive near them to talk to them, but as they get close, they realize they cannot stop in time to avoid striking someone in the water.Similarly, instead of taking evasive action, an inexperienced boater may try to slow down to avoid a collision with another boat. But it can take a significant distance for boats to stop, and a collision could become inevitable. This is especially true with relatively large watercraft, like a pleasure yacht.Misunderstandings over how boats work are common and can lead to serious accidents and injuries. If you have been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, be sure you know how to seek financial compensation.
]]>On Behalf of Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A.<![CDATA[How mislabeled marijuana products can increase Ohio road risks]]>https://www.wdtlaw.org/?p=537362026-07-23T18:43:02Z2026-08-03T14:00:29ZThe hidden threat of the potency gap
Some products can contain significantly higher tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels than what is stated on the packaging. This can happen due to inconsistent manufacturing, inaccurate testing or misleading marketing.
Even experienced cannabis users can feel overwhelmed if a product is stronger than advertised. This is especially risky before driving because it slows reaction time and affects judgment. Drivers may struggle to spot hazards, stay in their lane or judge distance and speed, which raises the risk of crashes and injuries.
Ohio law and marijuana impairment
In Ohio, operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) applies to marijuana just as it does to alcohol. Even if a driver misjudged their level of intoxication due to mislabeled products, they are still legally responsible for the damages and injuries they cause.
Challenges in accident claims
Unlike alcohol, THC stays in the system long after its most noticeable effects have worn off. This can make it harder to prove active impairment at the time of the crash. You will need strong evidence when building a personal injury case, including:
Police reports
Toxicology results
Medical records
Expert testimonials
Witness statements
Dashcam footage
Together, these materials help paint a clearer picture of what happened during the accident and support your case for seeking compensation.
Seeking justice for your injuries
If you have been hurt by a driver high on marijuana, you should not have to pay for their inability to gauge their own impairment. A lawyer can help protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.]]>On Behalf of Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A.<![CDATA[How to identify a drunk driver]]>https://www.wdtlaw.org/?p=537272026-07-23T06:59:01Z2026-07-23T06:59:01ZThousands of operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) citations and arrests are reported in Ohio each year. Toledo accounts for a concerning percentage of this number. Thus, your chances of sharing the road with an impaired driver are high.
Knowing how to spot a potentially drunk driver can help you avoid a serious collision. It’s a core defensive driving skill. Here are a few signs to look out for:
Impaired lane control
If a driver is unable to keep their vehicle safely centered in a single lane, they may be impaired. Weaving, swerving, drifting across lanes/onto the shoulder, unsafe/improper lane changing and straddling the center line are signs of a drunk driver. This is because alcohol impairs judgment, the brain's ability to process visual information and motor skills.
Sudden acceleration and deceleration
An impaired driver finds it difficult to maintain steady speed. Accordingly, they often engage in sudden acceleration and deceleration as well as unnecessary braking. A driver may do so because they are unable to judge distances; they can’t gauge how fast or slow they are going; they unintentionally press the accelerator instead of braking; or they realize they are not paying attention to the road and are overcompensating.
Vigilance problems
You can spot a driver with an impaired ability to maintain sustained attention and observe their surroundings. Examples of signs you may notice include driving at night without headlights, not using turn signals or leaving a signal on long after a turn/lane change, responding slowly to traffic signals, driving the wrong way, unnecessary stopping in the middle of the road and tailgating.When you notice a potentially impaired driver, maintain a safe following distance, pull over if necessary and call 911 to protect other road users. If a drunk driver caused you to sustain injuries in an accident, learn more about your options. ]]>On Behalf of Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A.<![CDATA[What are the lifetime costs of a spinal cord injury?]]>https://www.wdtlaw.org/?p=537252026-07-16T17:00:39Z2026-07-16T17:00:39ZWhen you suffer a very severe injury, such as a spinal cord injury, it is often permanent. As such, if you are seeking compensation from the person who was responsible for that injury, you must consider the lifetime costs—not just the immediate damages.
It is important to note that every spinal cord injury is unique. There are a few different types to consider, such as high tetraplegia, low tetraplegia, paraplegia and more. Additionally, every case is unique with regard to the type of recovery a person experiences or the skills and abilities that may be lost or retained.That said, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation has produced some estimates regarding lifetime costs, which can be valuable to consider.
High tetraplegia
One of the most severe injuries that the Foundation covers is high tetraplegia, which is an injury between the C1 and C4 vertebrae. In the first year, it is estimated that the costs will exceed $1 million. It will also lead to subsequent annual costs of more than $180,000.For a 50-year-old with such an injury, the estimated lifetime costs are just under $2.6 million. If the person who suffers the injury is 25 years old, then the estimate rises to $4.7 million.These estimates take into account only the medical costs themselves. The Foundation is quick to note that they do not consider things like lost wages or reduced earning capacity. If someone is 25 years old when they are injured and misses out on millions of dollars in potential future earnings, for example, those damages have to be added to the estimates noted above.Either way, you can see that a spinal cord injury creates very significant costs and damages, and that is why it is so important for you to understand your legal options.]]>On Behalf of Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A.<![CDATA[What are the warning signs of an unsafe day care?]]>https://www.wdtlaw.org/?p=537232026-07-16T07:57:28Z2026-07-16T07:57:28ZPoor supervision and inadequate staffing
A lack of proper supervision is one of the clearest signs that a day care may not provide a safe environment for your child.
Pay attention if you notice:
Children wandering without an adult nearby
Caregivers struggling to supervise too many children at once
Frequent staff turnover or unfamiliar faces every visit
If there are too few staff for the amount of kids, they can be spread too thin to adequately pay attention to everyone or avoid preventable accidents from happening.
Unsafe conditions inside the facility
The overall condition of a day care center often reflects how seriously the administration takes children’s safety. During visits, look beyond the classroom activities and colorful decor.
Make sure you look out for:
Broken playground equipment or damaged furniture
Dirty bathrooms, classrooms or eating areas
Unlocked entrances or visitors entering without staff verification
When routine maintenance and basic safety measures are overlooked, children may face unnecessary risks.
Signs of injury, neglect or abuse in children
Changes in your child’s physical condition or behavior can sometimes point to deeper concerns. Although an occasional scrape or bruise is part of childhood, especially with kids learning how to play with others, repeated injuries or sudden emotional changes deserve your attention.
Be wary of:
Unexplained bruises, cuts or other recurring injuries
New fear or anxiety about going to day care
Frequent crying, emotional distress or visible injuries among other children
Children mentioning suspicious activities they have seen or experienced
Unfortunately, recent Ohio cases have shown that abuse and neglect at some child care facilities can go unnoticed until children begin showing physical or behavioral warning signs. If explanations from staff do not match what you observe, it is reasonable to ask questions and document your concerns.
Protect your child by acting early
If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. Asking questions, documenting concerning incidents and seeking help from authorities may help prevent further harm. If your child has suffered injuries because of staff neglect, unsafe conditions or abuse at an Ohio day care, an attorney can help you determine the best way to protect them.]]>On Behalf of Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A.<![CDATA[Holding freight brokers accountable: a new path to recovery for Ohio truck accident victims]]>https://www.wdtlaw.org/?p=537202026-07-10T04:44:31Z2026-07-10T04:44:01ZSupreme Court ruling in 2026 changed that for Ohio accident victims by allowing negligent hiring claims against the freight brokers who hired them.
Large commercial tractor-trailers are a constant presence on Ohio highways, and the industry increasingly relies on third-party freight brokers to arrange cargo transportation. When brokers prioritize cost over safety and hire carriers without reviewing their safety records, hours-of-service compliance, or vehicle maintenance history, the consequences can be severe, and the legal landscape for holding them accountable just shifted significantly.
The Supreme Court's decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport
For years, freight brokers facing state-law negligence claims pointed to the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA) as a federal preemption shield, arguing that state personal injury laws did not apply to their logistics operations. On May 14, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC that rejected this defense.
The Court held that state-law negligent hiring claims against freight brokers fall within the FAAAA's safety exception, because a broker's duty to exercise reasonable care when selecting a carrier directly relates to motor vehicle safety. The federal preemption argument that had long protected brokers from accountability in state courts no longer applies to these claims.
What this means for Ohio accident victims
Before this ruling, crash victims could typically only pursue the driver and the immediate trucking operator, parties that frequently carry minimal insurance or limited assets. Following this decision, Ohio victims can pursue the freight broker alongside the trucking company.
Large freight brokers generally carry significantly higher insurance coverage and greater financial resources than the operators they hire. This expanded framework gives seriously injured victims a more realistic path to recovering the full scope of their medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering damages.
Acting within Ohio's legal timeframe
Ohio law sets a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, measured from the date of the accident. If your accident occurred within that window, this decision may significantly expand the parties available to pursue in your case.
If you or a family member has been injured in a commercial vehicle collision in Ohio, an experienced Ohio personal injury attorney can evaluate whether a freight broker bears responsibility and advise on how this ruling applies to your specific circumstances.
]]>On Behalf of Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A.<![CDATA[What are the long-term complications of a traumatic amputation?]]>https://www.wdtlaw.org/?p=537012026-07-02T07:59:33Z2026-07-02T07:59:33ZA traumatic amputation is a life-changing injury that affects far more than the loss of a limb. While emergency treatment focuses on saving a person's life and preventing further injury, recovery often continues for months or even years.
The long-term complications of amputation may involve ongoing physical challenges, emotional adjustment and repeated medical care. Understanding these issues can help injured individuals prepare for rehabilitation and recognize the lasting impact these catastrophic injuries may have on everyday life and an Ohio personal injury claim.
Common long-term complications after amputation
Pain is one of the most common long-term complications of amputation. Some people experience residual limb pain, while others develop phantom limb pain that feels as though it comes from the missing limb. These symptoms may interfere with sleep, work and routine activities long after the initial injury has healed.Infection and delayed wound healing may also occur, particularly if additional surgery becomes necessary. Some individuals require revision procedures because of wound complications, tissue damage or problems affecting the residual limb. Swelling can further delay healing and make it more difficult to begin rehabilitation or use a prosthetic limb comfortably.Muscle weakness, joint stiffness and changes in walking patterns may develop over time. These issues can place extra stress on other joints, increasing the risk of chronic back, hip or knee pain. An improperly fitting prosthetic device may also lead to skin irritation, pressure sores and additional discomfort that requires ongoing adjustment.
The lasting impact on daily life
Recovery from a traumatic amputation extends beyond physical healing. Many people must adapt to new limitations at work, at home and during everyday activities. Rehabilitation often includes physical therapy, prosthetic training and long-term medical follow-up to improve mobility and independence.The emotional effects can be equally significant. Anxiety, depression and difficulty adjusting to permanent physical changes are common after catastrophic injuries. Ongoing medical treatment, counseling and support may become important parts of recovery alongside physical rehabilitation.Every amputation presents different challenges, and no two recoveries are exactly alike. Understanding the long-term complications of amputation can help injured individuals make informed decisions about treatment and future care. If your injury resulted from another person's negligence, seeking legal guidance may help you understand your rights under Ohio personal injury law and the compensation that may be available.
]]>