Over 100 Years Of Experience And Half A Billion Dollars Recovered

Last updated on April 10, 2025

At Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A., our Toledo transportation accident attorneys have been serving the injured for more than 100 collective years. Over the years, we have gained wide recognition for our client-focused advocacy and our successful track record, which includes over half a billion dollars in recoveries for our clients. We strive to be on the cutting-edge of personal injury advocacy and to deliver the highest standards of personalized legal service. Protecting our clients is our goal, and we are proud to be able to serve them.

Free consultations are available. Call 419-719-5195 to schedule yours.

There are many types of accidents, and some common motor vehicle crashes include but are not limited to:

• Boating accidents
• Motorcycle crashes
• Speeding semi trucks running cars off the road and rear-ending other vehicles
• Large commercial trucks causing T-bone accidents

No matter how complex your claim or how serious your injuries are, we fight for you every step of the way. We understand how difficult it must be for you and your family, and we are ready to stand up on your behalf and make sure your voice is heard. Put an experienced Toledo transportation accident attorney on your side. We care about results, and we intend to deliver them to you.

Statute Of Limitations For Vehicle Accident Claims In Ohio

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a motor vehicle accident claim is two years from the accident date, meaning that you have only two years from the day the accident occurred to file a lawsuit for any injuries or damages sustained.

You could lose the right to compensation if you do not file within this timeframe. Exceptions may apply, such as if the injured party is a minor or specific circumstances delayed the discovery of the injury. It is crucial to act promptly to help ensure you do not miss this critical deadline.

Should I Call A Lawyer Before Talking To My Insurance Company?

Absolutely. The insurance company’s only goal is to settle your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible, not to provide you with what you need to recover. If you are hurt in a car crash, you need a legal professional to look out for you and fight to protect your best interests. Contact an attorney immediately if the insurance company calls you and asks you to provide a statement. Don’t talk to anyone without legal guidance.

What Should I Do First If A Car Or Another Motor Vehicle Hits Me?

To the extent that you’re able after a crash, do the following things in this order:

• Call the police and emergency medical services
• Move to a safe location away from traffic
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other person or people involved as well as witnesses
• Don’t apologize or say anything that could be construed as admitting fault for the accident
• File a police report with the officer that comes to the scene
• Get medical attention as soon as possible
• Consult a personal injury attorney about your legal options

These steps will help prepare you for success should legal action be necessary.

How Can A Lawyer Help Me After A Serious Accident?

When you work with a personal injury attorney after a car accident, you don’t have to worry about talking to the insurance company or filing a claim on your own. We’ll handle everything for you. We’ll ensure you get the most value out of your claim and explore other sources of compensation, so you get as much financial support as you can. With a legal advocate on your side, you can concentrate on healing rather than dealing with a lot of paperwork.

What Are The Most Common Vehicle Crash Injuries?

Catastrophic, life-changing injuries are all too common in car, truck and SUV accidents. Among the most common are:

• Neck injuries
• Whiplash
• Frozen shoulder
• Torn rotator cuffs
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Other head injuries

These types of serious injuries can drastically impair your ability to earn a living and may require that you take extra vocational training. You might also need physical therapy to regain control of your motor skills. We can help you seek adequate compensation for these damages, so you do not have to struggle financially.

Understanding Whiplash

Whiplash is a soft tissue neck injury that commonly occurs during auto accidents, especially rear-end collisions. It happens when a sudden force causes the head to snap rapidly back and forth – much like the cracking of a whip. This abrupt motion can strain or tear the neck’s muscles, tendons and ligaments, leading to uncomfortable and sometimes long-lasting symptoms.

In car crashes, whiplash is caused by the unexpected impact of one vehicle hitting another. Even low-speed accidents can cause this type of injury. The force of the collision throws the body forward while the head lags behind momentarily, then whips forward violently. This unnatural motion can overextend the cervical spine (the neck portion of the spine), causing microscopic damage that may not always be visible on standard imaging tests.

Symptoms of whiplash often appear within 24 hours of the accident but can sometimes take days to develop fully. Common signs include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches (often starting at the base of the skull)
• Reduced range of motion
• Shoulder or upper back pain
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Tingling and numbness in the arms
• Cognitive issues like memory problems, difficulty concentrating or irritability can occur.

While many people recover from whiplash within a few weeks with rest and conservative treatment, complications are possible. Some individuals may suffer from chronic neck pain and long-term limitations in neck mobility. Factors like the severity of the initial injury, delayed treatment or a history of previous neck issues can increase the risk of prolonged symptoms.

If you have been involved in a car accident and are experiencing symptoms of whiplash, it is essential to seek both medical care and legal guidance. While prompt treatment can help reduce pain and prevent long-term complications, legal representation helps ensure your rights are protected throughout the recovery process.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation for your losses, gather the necessary evidence to support your claim and navigate complex insurance negotiations.

What If The Other Driver Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance?

Even though Ohio has laws requiring drivers to buy car insurance, thousands of people drive without insurance or with less than the amount needed to cover the injuries they cause. If you are in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM), your case becomes more complex. Fortunately, there are still options for recovering compensation.

It is crucial to purchase a UM/UIM policy from your auto insurance provider. This allows you to seek compensation from your own insurer to pay for your damages. You may also consider filing a lawsuit directly against the driver instead of their insurance company, but the amount you recover, if any, will likely be substantially less. This is where the assistance of an experienced car crash lawyer can make a big difference.

I Feel Fine. Do I Still Need To See A Doctor?

Even if you do not have any visible injuries and you feel fine, you need to go to a doctor for an evaluation. The sooner you seek medical attention after an accident, the better. Insurance companies are skeptical about accident victims who wait, even just a couple of weeks, to see a doctor. The longer you wait to have your injuries assessed, the lower the value of your claim. In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years. Timing is everything. If you wait until the last minute to talk to a lawyer, they may not have time or evidence to file a claim for you. This means you may lose your right to receive compensation.

Set Up Your Free Consultation Today

There is no time to waste. Contact our team today to discuss filing a personal injury claim after a car crash. At Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A., we are ready to protect you. Call 419-719-5195 or send us an email to learn more. We work on a contingency fee basis; you do not pay us unless we get money for you.