Gile Injury Law2026-08-03T18:48:49Zhttps://www.gileinjury.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1304400/2026/02/cropped-GileInjuryLaw-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Gile Injury Law<![CDATA[When car crashes cause dental injuries ]]>https://www.gileinjury.com/?p=2498292026-07-19T16:01:18Z2026-07-19T16:01:18ZDamage to the teeth and jaw is all too common in the aftermath of serious collisions. A person's face may strike the steering wheel, dashboard, airbag, window or another object during a crash, resulting in painful and expensive dental injuries that require extensive treatment.
Dental trauma can take many forms. Teeth may chip, crack or break completely on impact. In more severe cases, teeth may be knocked out entirely or pushed out of position. Injuries to the jaw, gums and surrounding soft tissue are also common. Some accident victims suffer fractures to the jawbone or damage to the temporomandibular joint, commonly known as the TMJ, which can affect chewing, speaking and everyday comfort.
Managing the aftermath of an injurious crash
Dental treatment can be costly and may continue for years. Depending on the severity of the injury at issue, an individual may require fillings, crowns, root canals, implants, oral surgery or orthodontic treatment. Some injuries require ongoing care or future replacement of dental work as the patient ages.Insurance companies sometimes underestimate the long-term impact of dental trauma, particularly when injuries are viewed as cosmetic rather than functional. In reality, damaged teeth and jaw injuries can affect eating, speaking, appearance and overall quality of life.These costs should not be overlooked when evaluating a personal injury claim. Compensation may include medical expenses, dental treatment costs, lost wages and pain and suffering resulting from the injuries. Future anticipated dental care may also be considered when calculating damages.When car accidents cause dental injuries, victims deserve compensation that reflects both the immediate and long-term effects of the harm they have suffered. An experienced legal team can work with dental professionals and medical experts to ensure that all injuries are fully considered.]]>On Behalf of Gile Injury Law<![CDATA[How do I start a car accident claim?]]>https://www.gileinjury.com/?p=2498272026-07-17T12:35:46Z2026-07-17T12:35:46Z1. Report and document the crash
Call 911 if anyone is injured or the scene is dangerous. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers. When safe, photograph the vehicles, road conditions and visible injuries. Collect witness information and keep medical bills, repair estimates and records of missed work.
Keep these materials together with insurance correspondence and notes about your recovery to create a clear timeline of the claim.
2. Notify your insurance company
Report the crash promptly because your policy may contain a notice deadline. Provide the basic facts and request a claim number to open your claim. Keep copies of your communications, and avoid guessing about fault or injuries when you lack complete information.
3. Identify the available coverage
Ohio generally holds the person who caused a collision responsible for the losses. If you are 50% or less responsible, you may still recover compensation from other at-fault parties, but your amount decreases by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover from them.
If the other driver lacks adequate insurance, check whether your policy includes optional uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. It may help cover your injuries.
4. Track deadlines and review settlement offers
An insurance deadline differs from the deadline for filing a lawsuit. Under state law, you generally have two years from the crash to file a lawsuit for physical injuries or damage to your vehicle or other personal property. Different deadlines or extensions may apply to claims involving minors, certain mental disabilities or damage to land or buildings.
Before signing a release, consider whether the offer accounts for your current and expected losses. A release generally ends your claim.
Some claims become more complicated over time
An auto accident claim may become harder to evaluate when injuries develop gradually, several parties share responsibility or insurance coverage falls short of the losses. In these situations, legal guidance may help you understand how Ohio law and policy terms apply to your circumstances and what options remain available.]]>On Behalf of Gile Injury Law<![CDATA[How can you maintain a safe following distance?]]>https://www.gileinjury.com/?p=2498212026-07-06T12:46:46Z2026-07-06T12:46:46ZAn appropriate following distance is a critical part of driving safely. You always need to have enough distance between you and the car in front of you that you can stop if there is an emergency.
But one problem that people often run into is that they accidentally tailgate. When all the cars are moving together and the flow of traffic is consistent, it can feel safe to drive relatively close to the next vehicle. But if that car suddenly had to stop in an emergency, a rear-end accident may become unavoidable.So how do you determine if you are using a safe following distance or not?
Count off three seconds
People do sometimes advise looking at the physical distance, such as trying to keep three car lengths between every vehicle. But this can be difficult to do, and the amount of physical space you need changes depending on how fast you are driving.As such, a better approach is often to count off three seconds. When the car ahead of you passes a stationary point, like a cross street, it should take you at least three seconds to reach the same point on the road.This way, the actual physical distance between vehicles expands when they are traveling at higher speeds and shrinks when they are traveling at lower speeds. But you always have enough time to react and hit the brakes, should it become necessary.
Seeking compensation
Unfortunately, there are many accidental tailgaters who could cause serious crashes. If you have suffered injuries in a crash that one of them caused, you need to know what legal options you have.
]]>On Behalf of Gile Injury Law<![CDATA[Why parking lot pedestrian crashes are on the rise]]>https://www.gileinjury.com/?p=2498152026-06-22T19:06:01Z2026-06-22T19:06:01ZParking lot distraction is a safety issue
Researchers have found that more drivers admit to using cellphones in parking lots than on the road. People not only text and email, but they also scroll through social media and even watch videos while driving in parking lots.
The low traffic density and reduced speeds in parking lots give drivers the impression that they can multitask without risk. Regardless of how fast they drive, they can overlook people nearby, knocking them down and causing serious injuries. Distraction can lead to devastating crashes that cause brain injuries, broken bones and other serious medical issues for the injured pedestrian.
Understanding the root cause of a pedestrian crash can potentially help injured people seek compensation. An insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit can help injured pedestrians recoup their medical expenses and other losses caused by a collision with a negligent or reckless driver.]]>On Behalf of Gile Injury Law<![CDATA[Do Ohio traffic laws address drowsy driving?]]>https://www.gileinjury.com/?p=2498012026-06-04T18:06:25Z2026-06-04T18:06:25ZCommercial drivers face restrictions
Ohio traffic statutes mirror federal regulations. The law specifically prohibits a person from operating a commercial vehicle when they recognize that they are too drowsy or fatigued to do so safely. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) helps reinforce this standard by limiting drive times and mandating rest for those operating commercial vehicles, such as buses and semi-trucks.
There are no similar rules limiting the conduct of those operating passenger vehicles. Drivers who have gone an entire day without sleep can still get behind the wheel without breaking the law.
However, choosing to drive when obviously tired is at the very least a negligent decision. People injured by drowsy drivers may potentially be able to take legal action on the basis of negligent behavior instead of regulatory violations. Actually proving fatigue can be difficult if a driver does not admit to their drowsiness, but establishing that they did something unsafe in traffic is often a feasible strategy.
Reviewing a motor vehicle collision with a personal injury lawyer can help people understand their rights. Even in cases where unsafe conduct does not overtly violate state law, it may still be possible to hold a driver responsible for causing a preventable crash.]]>On Behalf of Gile Injury Law<![CDATA[Beware of risk during summer’s 100 deadliest days]]>https://www.gileinjury.com/?p=2498002026-05-29T17:49:35Z2026-05-29T17:49:35ZTransportation officials warn that the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, often called the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” brings heavier traffic and an increase in serious‑injury and fatal crashes.
An Ohio news report highlights this seasonal risk, noting that officials see a consistent rise in severe collisions during these months. While the warning applies statewide, the pattern is especially relevant for drivers in Columbus, where summer traffic and construction activity can create challenging conditions.
Why the heightened risk?
Columbus roadways carry a mix of commuters, visitors and commercial vehicles throughout the summer. High‑volume corridors like I‑70 and I‑71 often experience congestion, sudden slowdowns and lane shifts due to ongoing construction. These conditions can contribute to crashes that result in life‑altering injuries. Severe harm from summer collisions may include the following:
Spinal cord damage
Traumatic brain injuries
Complex fractures regarding surgical repair
Damaged internal organs
Significant burns
These injuries often involve long recoveries and major disruptions to daily life.
Factors causing higher risk
Several factors make the summer months more dangerous for Columbus drivers. Traffic increases as families travel, teens spend more time on the road and holiday weekends bring heavier volumes. The warmer weather also means more motorcycles and bicycles sharing space with larger vehicles. Impaired driving incidents tend to rise during summer celebrations, and distracted driving remains a concern on busy urban roads. When these elements combine, the likelihood of a serious crash increases.The “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” serve as a reminder that severe crashes can happen quickly when traffic is heavy and conditions change without warning. For Columbus residents, recognizing these patterns supports safer driving and helps reduce the risk of catastrophic harm during the busiest travel season of the year.]]>On Behalf of Gile Injury Law<![CDATA[What Is The Biggest Mistake People Make When Dealing With A Car Accident Insurance Claim?]]>https://www.gileinjury.com/?p=2497942026-05-19T06:10:45Z2026-05-19T06:10:45ZIf you make the wrong move after a crash, you could lose money you are legally owed. Ohio's fault-based insurance system means your actions in the hours and days after an accident directly shape your financial recovery.
Admitting fault can cost you everything
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Ohio Revised Code § 2315.33. You can recover damages only if your share of fault is 50% or less. If investigators assign you 51% or more of the blame, you collect nothing. Saying "I'm sorry" or "I didn't see you" at the scene gives insurers an easy reason to shift that percentage onto you. Stick to exchanging contact and insurance information only. These actions at the scene can hurt your claim:
Apologizing: Courts can treat this as a legal admission of fault.
Speculating about the crash: Statements like "I may have been going fast" invite comparative fault arguments.
Skipping the police report:Ohio Revised Code § 4549.02 requires you to report accidents involving injury or significant property damage.
An official police report creates an unbiased record that protects you later.
Delaying medical care weakens your case
Adrenaline can hide serious injuries like whiplash or traumatic brain injury. If you wait days to see a doctor, insurers may argue your injuries came from something other than the crash. See a physician the same day, and attend every follow-up appointment your doctor schedules. Gaps in your treatment records give adjusters a reason to reduce your payout.
Recorded statements and social media posts
The other driver's insurer may call you quickly. You have no legal obligation to give that company a recorded statement. Adjusters are trained to ask leading questions that get you to minimize your injuries or accept partial blame. Do not agree to a recorded interview before speaking with an attorney.Keep social media completely off-limits until your claim resolves. A photo of you at a weekend event can be used to contradict your injury claims.
Protect your right to fair compensation
Ohio generally gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. First settlement offers are almost always low. Signing a release waives your right to return for more money, even if your medical costs grow. An attorney can help you understand your options before you accept anything.]]>On Behalf of Gile Injury Law<![CDATA[How can a crash damage the heart?]]>https://www.gileinjury.com/?p=2497812026-05-11T02:59:42Z2026-05-11T02:59:42ZSerious car crash injuries often involve broken bones, lacerations, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal injuries and, in some cases, amputations and burns. However, a crash can also cause damage to the heart.
A myocardial contusion (sometimes called cardiac contusion) is a bruise on the heart muscle caused by blunt force. It can be caused by chest striking a hard surface or object. Those who suffer a myocardial contusion this way often fracture their sternum, or breastbone, as well.Myocardial contusions aren’t as common in crashes as they used to be since most cars on the road have airbags (at least for the front seats) to prevent people from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard. However, a high-impact crash combined with the force of the airbag deployment can still cause this injury.
Symptoms of a myocardial contusion
In the aftermath of a crash, occupants of the vehicles and even first responders and medical professionals who treat them typically focus on the most obvious injuries, like those noted above. However, anyone who has suffered a blow to the chest should also get a heart evaluation as well – especially if they’re experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
Chest pains
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness
Nausea
Sometimes, people might feel like they’re suffering a heart attack. That’s not common, but it’s certainly possible. Either way, it’s important for the right testing to be done as soon as possible to determine whether there has been damage to the heart.A myocardial contusion isn’t always a serious injury. Milder ones can heal in a few weeks. More serious ones can result in permanent heart damage. If a serious myocardial contusion isn’t detected early and treated properly, it can become fatal.You can never know the full extent and long-term consequences of injuries suffered in a crash. That’s one reason it’s never smart to agree to a settlement with an insurer until you have a clear idea of the financial and other impacts on your life. By getting experienced legal guidance as soon as possible, you can protect your right to fair compensation from a reckless or negligent driver.
]]>On Behalf of Gile Injury Law<![CDATA[Why don’t brain injuries fully heal?]]>https://www.gileinjury.com/?p=2497802026-04-30T23:17:10Z2026-04-30T23:17:10ZHow the brain heals
One key thing to understand is that the brain does not always heal like other parts of your body. In many areas, the body can create new cells through cellular division. Skin cells and scar tissue can form to repair cuts and lacerations. The bone marrow can create new red blood cells to replace those that are lost.
But in the brain, the vast majority of cells do not divide, cannot be recreated and cannot be replaced. When neurons are lost due to the trauma of an accident, they are lost forever.
The brain can often still heal by finding new neural pathways for the electrical impulses. This is why some healing will occur, as the brain seeks alternate pathways and makes new connections. But the same type of complete healing may be impossible, even with medical care.
Seeking financial compensation
Have you suffered from a traumatic brain injury due to another’s negligence? You could be facing lifelong symptoms, so it is important to know how to seek financial compensation.]]>On Behalf of Gile Injury Law<![CDATA[How Ohio’s texting and driving law affects personal injury claims]]>https://www.gileinjury.com/?p=2497772026-04-15T10:40:20Z2026-04-15T10:40:20ZThe role of distracted driving in your personal injury claim
If you find yourself injured in a car crash caused by a distracted driver, the Ohio law is on your side. The illegal act of texting while driving becomes negligence per se, regarding it as careless behavior in a civil case. You simply need to prove that the at-fault motorist broke the law.
You can gather evidence of the other driver’s distraction from police reports, witness statements, phone records and accident reconstruction. Doing so can make your claim more credible as it helps link the driver’s texting to your accident.
What to do after a distracted driving accident
The first thing you need to do following a car accident is to get to safety and seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, they might turn out to be more serious upon closer inspection.
Documenting every step of the treatment and rehabilitation process also strengthens your case when you pursue compensation from the driver. Seeking legal guidance can help you better position yourself to fight for the justice you deserve.
Helping you regain stability after tragedy
The expanded texting and driving laws in Ohio are there not just to reduce accidents but to hold distracted drivers accountable. If your injury is a result of someone using their phone while behind the wheel, these laws provide the path to recover your losses and find your footing again.
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