Nationwide Denied My Car Accident Claim – What Can I Do?

If Nationwide denied your auto insurance claim, there are steps you can take to demand justice. Unfortunately, it is common for insurance companies to attempt to avoid their financial obligations to claimants. Nationwide is no different. 

You may require the legal support of an experienced car accident attorney if you hope to avoid being taken advantage of during this challenging time in your life. With the right legal advocate working for you, you can ensure the liable party pays, and the insurance company compensates you reasonably for your damages and suffering.

Steps to Take After a Nationwide Car Accident Claim Denial

After filing a claim for a settlement through Nationwide, you may be devastated when you initially receive a denial. However, do not lose hope. You can take specific steps to hold Nationwide accountable, ensure you understand the value of your claim, and recover maximum compensation for your damages.

1. Call a Car Accident Lawyer for Help

First, do not hesitate to get a car accident attorney on your side. Although you may be hesitant and worried about being accused of filing a claim frivolously, having an experienced legal advocate working for you is crucial. 

Your car accident lawyer identifies liable parties, gathers compelling evidence, and will be prepared to bring your case to trial. Furthermore, your lawyer will handle the insurance negotiations process on your behalf. 

Your lawyer will negotiate with Nationwide insurance adjusters, provide them with the facts they need to continue processing your car accident claim and renegotiate your settlement when you receive an insultingly-low offer. You can rely on your attorney to identify bad faith tactics and ensure Nationwide compensates you based on the policy terms and limits.

2. Find Out Why Your Claim Was Denied

Next, it is essential to find out why your claim was denied. When Nationwide sends out denials, they have a legal obligation to provide their reasons for denying your claim in writing. 

Sometimes, this is simply because the insurance adjuster is missing the necessary documentation or evidence. Other times, they may attempt to argue that the policyholder does not have sufficient coverage or was not insured at the time of the accident. 

Your attorney can scrutinize your denial and determine whether it is valid. From there, we can determine how to proceed with negotiations or a formal appeal.

3. Provide the Insurer with Additional Supporting Evidence

The primary reason for your Nationwide claim denial may be because the insurance adjuster does not have enough evidence or information to process your claim. An easy way to address this issue is to get them the necessary documentation. 

Your car accident lawyer will provide the following:

• Photos of the accident scene.
• Video of the collision.
• Copies of your medical records.
• Other relevant evidence showing the insurance company their policyholder is responsible for the accident

In most cases, including additional supporting evidence or missing information is enough to overturn your denial. However, if more is needed to convince the insurance company to reverse the decision, there are further steps your car accident attorney can take.

4. Renegotiate Your Settlement 

We may need to continue negotiating with the insurance company if they deny your claim or make you a lowball offer. Suppose the insurance company knows your claim is worth more and attempts to deny you what is rightfully yours. In that case, your lawyer will be responsible for renegotiating with the insurance adjuster. 

If the insurance company initially denies your claim and suddenly makes you an offer, reviewing this settlement with your lawyer would be in your best interests before you accept. The last thing you need is to be taken advantage of by insurance companies hoping to save money.

5. Consider Pursuing a Bad Faith Claim

If Nationwide continues to uphold your denial and shows no signs of attempting to settle your claim outside of court, moving forward with a bad-faith insurance claim may be necessary. Your car accident attorney will carefully review the evidence and communications with the insurance company to determine whether a bad faith claim is appropriate. 

Suppose the insurance company unjustly delayed the processing of your claim, misrepresented the policy terms, or otherwise refused to compensate you for your damages as required by their contract. In that case, your lawyer will ensure they are brought to justice.

6. Prepare to Proceed with a Car Accident Lawsuit 

In some cases, Nationwide claim denials are entirely valid. If someone previously had Nationwide coverage but failed to make their premiums, the driver who hit you may very well be uninsured. 

Other times, insurance is not enough to cover every loss if the policyholder only purchases the minimum amount of coverage under GA law. While you may initially be denied the total value of your damages, the insurance company must compensate you up to the policy’s limits, should your damages reach that limit. Any remaining losses can be sought through your civil car accident lawsuit against the liable party.

How to Maximize Your Car Accident Recovery

You can maximize the compensation you win after your car accident by pursuing justice across all avenues. While your Nationwide insurance claim may not cover every loss, going to trial gives you a chance to be made whole.

Damages Insurance Covers

Examples of damages Nationwide insurance might be obligated to cover include:

• Medical expenses
• Vehicle repairs
• Rental car cost
• Diminished value of the vehicle
• Lost income

Damages You Can Only Recoup at Trial

When you bring your case to trial, you have the right to be fully repaid for economic and non-economic damages. Examples could include:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Diminished earning capacity
• Loss of household services
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of consortium
• Skin scarring and disfigurement 

Call a Car Accident Lawyer for Help with Your Nationwide Denial Today

Do not be surprised if Nationwide attempts to reduce your benefits or deny you the compensation you deserve. The insurance company prioritizes its financial goals above all else. 

With help from an experienced car accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates, you can protect yourself from being taken advantage of. Our firm proudly offers free, no-obligation consultations to car accident victims across Atlanta and the state of Georgia. Claim yours by completing our quick contact form for calling our office to get started on your case as soon as today.