Nationwide Insurance Accident Attorney

The auto insurance provider that would eventually become Nationwide began in 1925. That year, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation incorporated the Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company with the purpose of providing auto insurance policies to Ohio farmers. Its first policy sold in 1926 and by 1934, the company expanded to writing property insurance policies. The business continued to grow, and with a significant expansion westward, it changed its name to Nationwide Insurance. In the decades that followed, Nationwide went from focusing on providing farmers with high-quality, low-cost auto policies, to providing individuals and businesses throughout the country with all types of insurance and financial products.

If you were injured in a car accident, or another type of incident, you may have to file a third-party claim against another person’s Nationwide policy, or you may need to file a claim against your own Nationwide policy. In either case, you should be represented by a Miami Nationwide Insurance accident attorney throughout the claims process. Nationwide is a large and experienced insurance company, which will have a team of adjusters and lawyers prepared to deny your claim or pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer. Instead of fighting on uneven ground, hire a car accident attorney from Gerson & Schwartz P.A.

Nationwide offers individuals and businesses a wide range of insurance and financial protects, including vehicle, property, life, travel, pet, and various specialty insurance policies. If you were in a car accident in Florida, you may need to file a claim against another driver’s liability coverage, which includes property damage and bodily injury coverage.

However, you may also carry you own Nationwide policy that protects you in case of an accident, such as:

• Collision coverage: This may cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle in the event of an accident. This can be particularly helpful when the at-fault driver’s policy is not enough for your vehicle to be repaired or, if it was totaled, replaced.
• Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance: A PIP policy covers your medical bills, lost wages, and more in the event of an accident that causes you injuries. This is “no fault” coverage, and is required in numerous states, including Florida. If you are injured in a crash, no matter who caused it, then you will need to file a claim against your PIP policy to cover your medical costs. You should contact a Nationwide Insurance accident lawyer in Miami for help with protecting your rights.
• Comprehensive coverage: If your vehicle was damaged by animals, the weather, or vandalism – in other words, in an incident not involving a collision – then comprehensive coverage covers repairing the damage.
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage: If you are hit by someone who does not have any insurance or has too small of a policy for your needs, then your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can help. Also, if your vehicle is damaged or you are hurt in a hit-and-run accident, then Nationwide’s uninsured motorist insurance covers you.

If you are unsure of whether you can file a claim, how to file a claim, or your potential benefits under your or another driver’s policy, do not be afraid to reach out for help. At Gerson & Schwartz P.A., we have years of experience handling accident claims and will guide you through the claim process while fighting for you to receive the compensation you deserve under the policy and the law.

To recover benefits under your or another person or entity’s insurance policy, you must notify Nationwide of the incident and file a formal claim. You can typically file a claim by calling an 800 number, using an online form, or contacting your local insurance agent. If you have Nationwide’s Mobile App, you may be able to begin an auto accident claim through the app.

Once you begin the claim process, Nationwide will assign an adjuster. This person will begin an investigation into your claim, and they may reach out for your statement or answers to questions. You should speak with an attorney before providing an insurance adjuster with any formal statement, and you should be very careful in how you answer questions. Never admit fault or responsibility for any part of the accident.

During the claim process, you may be asked to sign paperwork or certain waivers. Always have an attorney review paperwork before you sign anything. Some of these waivers, such as a waiver allowing Nationwide to see your entire medical history, should be avoided.

If your claim is denied, a car accident attorney can represent you in appealing the denial or beginning a lawsuit. If your claim is approved, then a lawyer will negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Insurers have a habit of positioning themselves as friendly and working to promote your best interests. Few things could be further from the truth. Insurance companies are predominantly concerned with turning a profit. Though insurers are required by law to uphold their policies and deal with claimants in good faith, many of them, including Nationwide, have gotten in trouble for bad faith tactics.

In recent years, Nationwide has been hit with lawsuits regarding bad faith conduct, including delaying investigation of legitimate claims, wrongly denying legitimate claims, refusing to negotiate fair settlements, and trying to strong arm individuals into accepting low-ball offers. In 2014, a family won a multi-million court award in a bad faith suit against nationwide. These past actions make it even more important that you have an attorney on your side for help in dealing with an auto insurance company after an accident.

To discuss how a car accident lawyer can help and protect you during the claims process, contact Gerson & Schwartz P.A. in Miami at (305) 371-6000 or toll free at (877) 475-2905.