If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a driver with Nationwide insurance, you might wonder how you can recover compensation through the driver’s policy. Nationwide’s commercials feature the slogan “Nationwide is on your side.” Does that mean Nationwide will be there for you, too, as the party who has been hurt by their insured driver?
Like any insurance company, Nationwide is a for-profit business. It makes money by collecting premiums from its policyholders and paying as little as possible to resolve claims. Getting what you are owed after a crash can be challenging. With the help of an experienced car accident lawyer, you have a better chance of recovering the money you need to pay your medical bills, replace lost wages, pay for repairs to your vehicle, and move on with your life.
The Georgia car accident attorneys at Butler Kahn have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies, including Nationwide. If you have been injured in a car accident, we hope you are receiving the medical care you need and are recovering. If you would like to speak with a lawyer about your legal options, we can analyze your case for free. There is no charge to talk with us about your accident.
What Is a Third-Party Claim? When Do I File One?
A third-party claim is filed against the at-fault driver’s insurance company after an accident. If another driver hits you and they have insurance through Nationwide, you will file a third-party claim with Nationwide against the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance.
Before you submit a third-party insurance claim after a Georgia car accident, it is in your best interest to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer. The insurance company will likely want to pay as little as possible for your claim. The company might try to place the blame on you to avoid paying altogether. If you say the wrong thing to an insurance company, make a mistake in your paperwork, or fail to be careful with the evidence you include with your claim, you risk having your claim denied or underpaid.
Filing a claim on your own is fine if you were involved in a minor fender bender that resulted in just damage to your vehicle. If the at-fault driver who damaged your car has Nationwide insurance, you could follow the company’s instructions online. You can complete the initial paperwork online if you have the other driver’s insurance policy number and last name. Nationwide provides a checklist of the basic steps in the claims process.
However, if you were injured in the crash, you should hire a lawyer to represent you. If you try to file an injury claim with Nationwide without having legal representation, you risk having your claim denied or receiving a low settlement offer. The best way to maximize your claim’s value is to work with an experienced lawyer who knows the insurance company’s tactics and how to build a solid case for the recovery of all compensation you are entitled to receive. If you have Butler Kahn representing you, insurance companies will know that you are serious about being treated fairly.
What Is a First-Party Claim? When Do I File One?
A first-party claim is a claim with your own insurance company after an accident. For example, you will file a claim with your insurance company if you have medical payments coverage or comprehensive collision insurance. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you will also file a claim with your insurance company after a hit-and-run accident or a crash with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive Through a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance?
Insurance companies will only cover a claim up to the limits of a driver’s policy. Depending on the circumstances of your crash, your compensation after a Georgia car accident could include money for:
- Medical expenses related to the crash, including doctor’s appointments, prescription drugs, physical therapy, and cost of future treatment
- Lost wages while you heal from your injuries
- Reduced future earnings because of an injury or disability
- Physical pain and emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life due to an injury or disability
- Damaged personal property.
What Kind of Information Should I Have Before Filing an Insurance Claim?
If possible, you should make sure you have the following information ready when filing an insurance claim with Nationwide:
- Your name, address, driver’s license number, vehicle registration number, and license number
- The name of your insurance company and your insurance policy number
- The other driver’s name, address, driver’s license number, vehicle registration number, license plate number, and insurance information
- The police accident report
- The date, time, and approximate location of the accident
- The names and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the crash
- Any photos you have from the crash scene
- Any medical records you have to substantiate your injuries.
Because the insurance company will be looking for reasons to deny, delay, or underpay your claim, you should gather this information and have your lawyer handle all communication with the insurance company representatives. Your lawyer will look out for your best interests and not let the other side bully you into accepting less than what you deserve.
How Do I Handle a Phone Call with an Insurance Adjuster?
Whenever you talk to an insurance adjuster, remember that their goal is to protect the company’s bottom line. You should avoid saying or doing anything that could hurt your case. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you talk to an insurance adjuster:
- You do not have to speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance company if you do not want to. It is generally better for you to let a lawyer speak to the insurance adjuster.
- Do not agree to a recorded statement.
- Do not speculate about what caused the crash. You could accidentally implicate yourself if you are not careful.
- Do not authorize any release of your medical records. If an insurance company needs your medical records, you can send them yourself, which is a better way to protect your privacy and right to compensation.
- Do not say “I’m sorry” or anything else that the insurance company might see as an admission of fault.
- Do not agree to accept any settlement offer until you have spoken to a lawyer first.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Georgia Car Accident?
Here are the critical steps to take to protect your right to compensation after a collision:
- Report the crash to the police.
- Seek medical attention, even if you aren’t sure if you’ve been hurt.
- Collect information from the other driver and any eyewitnesses.
- Take photos and video of the scene, including damage to the vehicles, the surrounding environment, your injuries, and more.
- Keep all medical records, bills, wage statements, travel receipts, and other paperwork related to the accident.
Our Georgia Car Accident Lawyers Can Help with Nationwide Claims
We hope the information on this page has been useful. The Georgia car accident attorneys at Butler Kahn have seen how companies like Nationwide work to protect their profits over the health and well-being of others. Our attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and seeking the maximum amount of compensation available for you.
