When you’ve been in a vehicle collision and your case involves Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (better known as Nationwide), you’ve got to approach the claims negotiation process with a plan. We’ll walk you through the crucial phases, from the initial phone call to evaluating the offer. And give you the lowdown on how to increase your chances of getting a fair settlement.
Step 1 – First Steps After a Crash to Give Your Claim a Head Start
Document the accident scene
Collect every bit of evidence you can think of while it’s still fresh in your mind: take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the surroundings, skid marks, debris, traffic signs, and weather conditions. Also, get the other driver’s details (name, insurance company, policy number, and plate number) and any witness contact information.
Contact the insurer and file that claim ASAP
Nationwide wants to hear from you right away. Their FAQ reminds you to call them at 1-800-421-3535 or report the claim online. Filing quickly and smartly avoids any arguments about how long you waited, allowing evidence to remain intact.
Watch what you say in the early days
Don’t admit fault or speculate on what might have caused the crash. Just stick to the facts as you know them. Nationwide’s adjusters are always on the lookout for ways to reduce or deny claims when you volunteer too much extra info.
Go to the doctor and follow up as recommended
Even if you feel fine at first, it’s super important to get an evaluation and some treatment. Insurers often try to argue that your injuries must not be that bad if you waited a while to get medical attention. Receiving proper, documented medical care will give you significantly more leverage in negotiations.
Step 2 – Calculating Your Losses and Preparing Your Demand Position
Add up all the different types of damage
A good claim isn’t just about getting your vehicle fixed and paying off your medical bills. You should compile all the losses you’ve incurred, such as:
- The damage to your property (vehicle, personal items)
- The medical bills (past, ongoing, future)
- Lost wages and any decrease in earning capacity
- Non-economic losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress Guidance for negotiating with major carriers emphasizes the importance of accurately documenting all these losses.
Round up all the evidence you need You’ll want:
- Photos of the accident and any visible injuries
- Medical records, bills, and prescriptions
- Repair quotes, receipts, and rental car details
- Witness statements and the police report The more organized your file is, the more persuasive your demand will be.
Do some research on comparable vehicle values (if your vehicle is totaled or damaged badly)
If your vehicle is a total loss, Nationwide will attempt to determine its actual cash value. You should conduct your own research on comparable sales, condition, mileage, and local market factors, then be prepared to challenge the insurer if you believe they are underestimating your value. Note: In Texas, insurers should pay tax, title, and license fees on top of the fair market value of your total loss vehicle.
Step 3 – Negotiating With Nationwide: Tactics That Actually Work
Be prepared for dealing with the Nationwide adjuster
The adjuster’s primary role is to protect the insurer’s bottom line, which doesn’t mean your claim is invalid; however, it does mean you need to enter negotiations well-prepared and not simply wait for them to make an offer.
Write a clear and professional demand letter
Your demand letter should include:
- A quick and accurate summary of what happened (when, where, who)
- A description of your injuries and vehicle damage, with photos if helpful
- A list of all your losses (medical, wage, vehicle, future treatment)
- A demand amount (which is often a bit higher than you’re actually willing to accept) It’s common to ask for a bit more than you’re after, so you’ve got room to negotiate. We think it’s a good idea to keep your initial demand in the same ballpark; otherwise, negotiations will likely stall.
Don’t be tempted to accept the first offer from the insurer
Big insurance companies like Nationwide often make an initial lowball offer just to see how quickly you’ll settle. Accepting without obtaining all the information (such as future medical costs) can result in significantly higher long-term costs down the line.
Use all the leverage you can
Leverage might include:
- Strong, objective proof (dash-cam footage, surveillance video, injury documentation)
- Expert opinions (medical, vocational, vehicle valuation)
- Clear liability (crash report, witness statements) Having an attorney on board can give you even more leverage by letting the insurer know you’re serious about pursuing legal action rather than just accepting their initial offer.
Step 4 – Handling Specific Problems with Nationwide
If negligence or fault is being disputed
If the fault is unclear or the insurer is trying to shift the blame to you, you need to be ready to back up your argument with evidence and any relevant legal points (comparative negligence rules, pre-existing condition rules) to keep your rights intact.
When Your Vehicle Gets Declared a Total Loss
Nationwide tells you they’ll determine the value based on factors such as the make and model of your car, mileage, condition, local market rates, and an outside appraiser’s assessment. You need to double-check how they arrived at that number and be prepared to negotiate if the market value seems significantly off or if they have misjudged your car’s condition.
When Your Injuries Are Ongoing
If you’re looking at ongoing medical bills, surgeries, or a permanent injury, you can’t just factor in what you’re paying right now. You need to consider the potential costs down the line, which is why it’s usually a good idea to wait until you have a clearer idea of what the future holds.
When Nationwide Requests a Recorded Statement
The insurer may request a recorded statement or attempt to exploit a minor inconsistency to reduce your claim. Unless you’re 100% sure what you’re getting yourself into, don’t give the statement without talking to a lawyer first.
Step 5 – Knowing When to Bring in a Lawyer
You might be able to handle small, simple claims on your own – but when you’re dealing with serious injuries, mixed-up liability, future treatment, or multiple layers of damage, an experienced attorney can make all the difference in getting you a fair deal. They can handle the negotiations, draft demand letters, manage all the paperwork, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
Step 6 – Closing the Deal: What to Go for and What to Be Careful Of
Check Those Settlement Terms Carefully
The settlement payment should cover all the obvious losses and might even mean you have to sign off on any future claims against Nationwide. Ensure you understand what you’re giving up once you sign on the dotted line.
Get Clear On How They’ll Pay Up
If you no longer owe more on your car or if there are other liens on the vehicle, then the insurer must ensure that they also pay the lender (that’s Nationwide’s policy). We recommend agreeing on a payment date to avoid delays.
Double Check That All Your Expenses Are Included
Rental cars, towing, medical bills, and future treatment – that’s what the settlement should cover, or at least note. Ensure that the deductible and any other policy conditions are met.
Get in Touch With The Houston Auto Accident Attorneys at Baumgartner Law Firm For A FREE consultation
We’ve been helping car accident victims in the Houston area for nearly 40 years, and we’d be happy to assist you as well. Take advantage of our free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers in Houston. Give us a call now.
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