Nationwide makes it easy for policyholders and third parties to file and track an insurance claim online. You can enter the details of your claim, include supporting documents, and submit them for review. While this simplifies the submission of claims, getting a fair resolution may be more complicated.
Unfortunately, some insurers can make it unnecessarily difficult to claim the compensation you deserve. When this happens, you should know that you have the right to request assistance. Read on to learn more about damages that may be available to you, how to prepare a successful claim and how to get help.
Recovering Damages in a Nationwide Claim
One purpose of an insurance claim is to help you recover accident-related expenses. Therefore you can claim compensation for your injury-related costs if you were hurt in the accident. Here is a breakdown of what you may be entitled to:
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Past and future medical expenses
- Car repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
You cannot put a price on your well-being. However, when it comes to valuing your claim, you should be sure that you are getting the best possible result. Unfortunately, some insurance companies do not always work in your best interest, meaning they may attempt to deny or limit the amount of compensation you can collect.
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Preparing a Nationwide Insurance Claim
Preparation is key when dealing with insurance companies. What you do not know can end up hurting your claim. For example, if you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, you can file a claim against their liability insurance.
When dealing with Nationwide, you can start your claim by submitting it online via Nationwide’s website.
Here are a few steps you should take to ensure your claim is successful:
- First, document the other party’s identifying information (name, phone number, etc.)
- Take down eyewitness information.
- Capture photos and videos of the scene, if possible
- File a police report
- Do not admit fault or express guilt for the accident if you are not at fault
- Refrain from providing a recorded statement about the accident
Your actions and statements following the accident are important to the success of your claim. Insurance companies and other parties might use this information against you. They may want to investigate the validity of your claim potentially to disprove their client’s liability.
You can protect yourself by taking the necessary precautions.
Determining Fault in Ohio
Fault is not always clear-cut in a car accident. As previously mentioned, the insurance company will want to investigate to prove or disprove their client’s liability. In negligence-based insurance claims, you must prove that:
- The other party owed you a duty of care.
- The other party breached their duty of care.
- As a result, you sustained quantifiable injuries and damages.
- Your injuries and damages are directly linked to their breach of duty.
The insurance company may place you, the other driver, or both of you at fault for the accident. However, Ohio recognizes the comparative negligence rule, meaning you may still be entitled to compensation regardless if you are found partially at fault for the accident.
As long as you are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident, you can still claim compensation for the percentage you are not at fault. For example, for a settlement of $100,000, if you are 40% at fault, you can still collect $60,000 in compensation.
Getting Help for Your Claim with Nationwide Insurance
You do not have to face the insurance company alone. You have the right to request assistance from a car accident lawyer. Attorneys regularly work with insurance companies and can help submit your claim and negotiate a fair settlement.
Here are a few other ways car accident lawyers help their clients:
- Valuing your claim
- Collecting eyewitness statements
- Gathering evidence
- Investigating your accident
- Recruiting industry experts to assist with your claim
- Leading negotiations
- Taking your case to court, if needed
Most car accident attorneys offer their services on a contingency fee, meaning you pay no upfront fees or costs unless they bring your case to a successful end. This benefits you because you get virtually risk-free representation and a guarantee that they are working hard to settle your claim.
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Contact Our Office to Get Help with Your Nationwide Insurance Claim in Ohio
At the Fitch Law Firm LLC, we will review your accident case before presenting it to Nationwide. We can advise you on your rights, represent you when speaking to the insurance company, and negotiate top dollar in your claim. Contact us today to discuss your claim with Nationwide insurance.