As you recover from injuries sustained in an auto accident, dealing with insurance companies and claims adjusters is often frustrating and confusing. When the at-fault driver has Nationwide Insurance, the process can be even more complicated. Nationwide is one of the largest insurance providers in the U.S., and their claims representatives are skilled at minimizing payouts. However, by understanding Nationwide's claims handling process and taking the right steps, you can maximize the settlement for your car accident claim. Consider talking with a car accident lawyer, that can help explain how to get started.
With medical bills piling up and your vehicle in need of repair or replacement, receiving fair compensation for your losses is critical. This article provides an overview of Nationwide's insurance claim procedures and offers guidance for navigating the system to get the maximum payout you deserve. While the process may seem daunting, especially when you're still recovering, staying persistent and following the recommendations here will help you get through it and come out the other side with the coverage and funds you need to recover fully. The most important thing is focusing on your health, but with the right approach, you can also achieve a fair resolution to your claim.
Don't Sign Anything From Nationwide Insurance Right Away
Don't sign anything from Nationwide Insurance right away following an accident. Their claims adjusters are trained to get you to accept a low settlement offer quickly. Signing any paperwork or accepting a payout before understanding the full extent of your injuries or vehicle damage could prevent you from receiving fair compensation.
Consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. They can evaluate your case, determine appropriate compensation, and handle negotiations with Nationwide on your behalf. Nationwide will likely offer you far less than the true value of your claim if you don't have legal counsel. An attorney can also investigate the accident, gather evidence to support your injuries and losses, and build a strong case to maximize your settlement.
Be prepared for Nationwide to deny or delay your claim. Insurance companies frequently deny valid claims hoping the claimant will give up. Don't let this discourage you. With the help of an attorney, you can challenge their decision and demand a fair settlement. Your attorney may even file a lawsuit against Nationwide to compel them to negotiate if they continue to act in bad faith.
Keep records of all communication with Nationwide, medical bills, lost work, and out-of-pocket costs. The more evidence you have to support the value of your claim, the better. Nationwide will look for any reason to diminish your compensation, so thorough records are critical.
By taking the right steps after an accident with a Nationwide insured driver, you can overcome their denial and delay tactics to recover maximum compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer is your best advocate for accomplishing this and ensuring you receive full and fair benefits under your policy.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer to Handle Your Claim
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney to handle your Nationwide car accident claim is one of the best steps you can take. An attorney who specializes in car accident and insurance claims will know how to properly value your case and fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf.
Your attorney will gather evidence like police and medical reports to determine the cause of the accident and substantiate your injuries and losses. They will calculate damages including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future costs. Nationwide insurers are experts in minimizing payouts, so you need an advocate to counter their tactics.
Negotiating with insurance companies is challenging and time-consuming. Your lawyer has experience determining appropriate settlement amounts and will try to reach an agreement with Nationwide to avoid litigation. If negotiation fails, they will file a personal injury lawsuit to take your claim before a judge and jury.
An attorney's fees are often contingent upon the outcome, so you typically pay nothing upfront or out-of-pocket. Their fees are deducted from any eventual settlement or court award. While you may pay slightly more overall in fees versus handling the claim yourself, an attorney is well worth the investment to maximize your payout, reduce hassle and stress, and increase your odds of success.
In summary, do not try to face a large corporation like Nationwide alone after a serious car accident. Let an experienced car accident lawyer do what they do best - fight for your rights and best interests so you receive full compensation for your losses. With the right legal counsel in your corner, you have the best chance of a fair outcome.
Nationwide Will Try to Minimize Your Claim: Don't Let Them!
Nationwide will work to minimize the value of your claim in order to pay out as little as possible. Do not let their tactics succeed. Instead, take the following steps to maximize your settlement:
Consult with a personal injury attorney. An attorney experienced in dealing with Nationwide will know their strategies and how to combat them. They can advise you on the true value of your claim and help you negotiate the best possible settlement.
Gather extensive evidence. The more evidence you have to support the severity of your injuries and other damages, the harder it will be for Nationwide to dispute your claim. Obtain police reports, medical records, bills, photos, and witness statements.
Do not give a recorded statement. Nationwide may try to get you to give a recorded statement about the details of the accident. Politely refuse. Anything you say can be used against you to justify a lower settlement offer.
Be very specific about all injuries and impacts. Do not downplay any pain, suffering, or adverse effects from your injuries. Provide medical records and statements from your doctors regarding diagnoses, treatments, medications, physical therapy, lost work time, and any long-term prognoses.
Negotiate from a position of strength. Come prepared with evidence and documentation to prove the full extent of damages. Have a bottom line figure in mind that you will not go below. Be willing to go to court if Nationwide will not offer a fair settlement. Often, the threat of litigation will motivate them to make a higher offer.
Do not settle quickly. Nationwide may pressure you to settle fast by making a low initial offer and claiming it is the most they can pay. Do not fall for this tactic. Take time to determine the true value of your claim before agreeing to a settlement. Nationwide would not make such an offer if they did not stand to benefit substantially.
With perseverance and the right legal counsel, you can overcome Nationwide's strategies to minimize your claim. Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve for the injuries and damages you have suffered.
The Tricks and Tactics Nationwide Uses to Pay You Less
Nationwide Insurance employs several tactics to minimize the amount they pay out for car accident claims. Be aware of these tricks and strategies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Nationwide will try to get you to accept a quick settlement. Do not settle immediately. Nationwide's first offer will likely be far less than the claim is worth. Consult with a personal injury attorney to determine a fair settlement amount before negotiating with Nationwide.
Nationwide may dispute or downplay the severity of your injuries. They may claim your injuries are minor or unrelated to the accident. Provide medical records, test results, and statements from your doctors to prove the extent and cause of your injuries. Photographs of your vehicle and the accident scene can also help validate your claim.
Nationwide often blames the victim or claims you share fault. They may allege you were speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or somehow contributed to causing the accident. Do not admit fault or provide a recorded statement. Let your attorney handle communications with Nationwide regarding liability and fault.
Nationwide frequently uses biased medical examiners to evaluate injury claims. Their examiners may minimize or dismiss objective medical evidence from your own doctors. Demand an independent medical exam by an impartial doctor if Nationwide disputes your injuries.
Nationwide may drag out the claims process to try to get victims to settle for less. Work closely with your attorney to build a strong case, gather necessary evidence and push for a fair settlement in a timely manner. Do not let Nationwide take advantage of you by stalling or prolonging your claim.
Staying aware of these tactics and strategies Nationwide uses to pay less on claims will help you maximize the compensation you receive. Do not deal directly with Nationwide - let an experienced personal injury attorney handle your claim to get you the fair settlement you deserve.
FAQs: Common Questions About Nationwide Insurance Claims
Many people who are in a car accident with a Nationwide-insured driver have questions about the claims process. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and what you need to know:
How long do I have to file a claim?
In most states, you have 2-3 years to file a personal injury claim. However, it is best to file as soon as possible while details of the accident are still fresh in your mind. Filing early also allows Nationwide to begin their investigation promptly.
Will Nationwide accept liability for the accident?
Nationwide, like all insurance companies, will conduct an investigation to determine who is at fault for the accident before accepting liability. If their insured driver is clearly at fault, they will likely accept liability. If fault is disputed or unclear, they may deny your claim or only accept partial liability. It is best to also report the accident to the police to have an official record of the details.
How much can I recover?
The amount you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses. Nationwide will evaluate all documented losses and damages to determine a settlement amount. You can negotiate with their adjuster to reach an agreed upon amount. If you are unable to reach a satisfactory settlement, you may need to pursue legal action.
Should I get a lawyer?
For a major injury claim, it is best to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. They can handle negotiating with Nationwide's attorneys and have a better chance of obtaining fair compensation. For a minor claim, you can attempt to settle directly with Nationwide's adjusters. However, if you feel you are getting the runaround or an unsatisfactory offer, don't hesitate to hire a lawyer.
How are claims paid?
Nationwide will issue payment for your claim either through a lump sum settlement or structured settlement (paid out over time). A lump sum is paid all at once, while a structured settlement provides guaranteed income over a fixed period, often many years. Your lawyer can help determine which option is best based on your needs and circumstances.
Fletcher Law May Be Able To Help With Your Nationwide Car Accident Case
If you were in a car accident caused by another driver insured by Nationwide Insurance, you may be entitled to compensation. Nationwide is one of the largest insurance companies in the U.S., so you'll want an experienced attorney to help you pursue the maximum claim amount.
At Fletcher Law, our personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of success in handling Nationwide car accident claims. We know how to properly value claims to account for all losses and future expenses. We will work tirelessly to hold Nationwide fully accountable and help you obtain fair compensation.
Some of the damages we may be able to recover in your Nationwide car accident case include:
- Medical bills (both current and future)
- Lost wages from time off work
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
To build a strong case, we will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident. We will collect police reports, medical records, photos, and witness statements. We have the resources and experience to determine the full extent of your injuries and losses.
At Fletcher Law, we work on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we obtain a settlement or verdict in your favor. Don't delay - statutes of limitations apply, so contact us as soon as possible to discuss your Nationwide car accident claim. We will fight to deliver the maximum compensation you deserve.
Call or email us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced attorney. We proudly serve clients throughout [Your State]. Let us help you hold Nationwide accountable and get your life back on track.