Don’t Face Insurance Companies Alone. Call Emerald City

In 2016, Nationwide was the 8th largest auto insurer in the U.S., confirming many people count on Nationwide to protect themselves and their families in the event of a car crash.

Nationwide’s famous jingle says, “Nationwide is on your side.” Yet, this marketing ploy may be far from the truth. As a business, Nationwide’s focus is on protecting its bottom line, which can cause you trouble during an auto insurance claim. If you already filed a claim with Nationwide, or you are figuring out what to do after a collision, contact a Nationwide auto accident insurance claims attorney from Emerald City Law Group. Our Seattle personal injury lawyers will guide you through each step of the insurance claims process, work with the adjuster on your behalf, and strive to obtain you full and fair compensation for your property damage and injuries.

Call us at 206-973-0407 to schedule a free consultation for your case.

Nationwide’s History

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company began as Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company in Columbus, Ohio, in 1926. At first, the insurance company focused on serving Ohio farmers. By the 1930s, it sold auto insurance policies to individuals in urban areas and numerous other states. The company also branched out into selling life and fire insurance policies. By 1943, the company operated in 12 states and D.C. In 1955, Farm Bureau Mutual changed its name to Nationwide Insurance. Over the decades, Nationwide acquired other smaller insurers and offered more financial and insurance products.

By 2016, Nationwide has become the No. 1 writer for farms and ranches, the No. 1 small business insurer, and the No. 1 in 457 retirement plans. It is the 7th largest homeowners’ insurer, 7th largest commercial lines insurer, 8th largest life insurer, 8th largest auto insurer, and top pet insurer, according to Nationwide’s 2017 Annual Report.

In regard to auto insurance, Nationwide offers standard and optional coverage products. You can purchase bodily injury liability, property damage liability, personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured/underinsured motorist, and medical payments (med pay) coverage. You can also purchase collision, comprehensive, towing and labor, rental, and gap vehicle coverages. Additional products include Nationwide’s Accident Forgiveness program, roadside assistance, vanishing deductible, and total loss deductible waiver.

Filing an Auto Claim With Nationwide Insurance

Following a car crash, you may deal with Nationwide in two ways. If you have auto insurance through Nationwide, then you will inform them of your accident either online or over the phone. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may expect Nationwide to take care of your property damage and medical bills.

Or, Nationwide maybe the other driver’s insurance. In this situation, you have to deal with Nationwide through a third-party claim. You may talk with your insurer and have them speak with Nationwide, or you may have to work directly with Nationwide.

In any of these circumstances, you should have a Seattle insurance claims lawyer by your side. Nationwide, like most major insurers, advertises themselves as a friend or a helping hand during a tough situation. Yet there have been many consumer complaints against Nationwide, some of which were part of high-profile lawsuits and state-level investigations. Nationwide has delayed and denied lawful claims against their policies, which have led to accusations of bad faith.

How a Nationwide Auto Accident Insurance Claims Attorney Can Help

Having a lawyer representing you during an insurance claim process is the best way to protect your rights. With a skilled attorney working on the claim, the insurance adjuster should know to be on their best behavior. An adjuster may be less likely to try to manipulate or coerce you into making a poor decision, such as signing a medical record release or claim waiver or accepting a lowball settlement. However, if an insurance adjuster does push the boundaries of propriety, your attorney will notice and take action.

Our experienced Seattle insurance claims lawyers are well-versed in the signs of insurance bad faith. Many situations can constitute bad faith, including an insurer:

  • Misrepresenting facts or provisions within the relevant policy
  • Failing to acknowledge a claim
  • Failing to promptly investigate a claim
  • Mishandling an investigation or processing of a claim
  • Failing to approve or deny a claim within a reasonable amount of time
  • Refusing to participate in good faith settlement negotiations
  • Wrongly denying a legitimate claim
  • Failing to provide a reasonable explanation for a denial

We know when an insurer’s actions become difficult or unethical. When an insurer acts in bad faith in regard to your claim, you may have a separate legal claim against the insurer. Our attorneys can represent you in fighting for an auto accident claim settlement and compensation related to the insurer’s illegal conduct.

If Nationwide does act in good faith in relation to your auto insurance claim, we are still here to help. At Emerald City Law Group, we are skilled in negotiating fair settlements so that you obtain the financial recovery you need to move forward in life. If you suffered serious injuries, or you have been left without the means to purchase a new vehicle, it is imperative you obtain as much compensation as possible. You have a greater chance to maximize your recovery with a skilled attorney handling your claim.

Let Emerald City Law Group Help You

After being injured in a car accident, you and the other driver’s auto insurers should be helpful. They should be on your side. Unfortunately, insurers’ actions often fall short of the ideal. They often make it challenging for you to get what you need from a claim. By hiring a Seattle insurance claims lawyer, you improve the likelihood that you walk away from your insurance claim happy.

Our insurance claims attorneys at Emerald City Law Group want to help you during this challenging time. We want to protect and fight for you. Please reach out to us online or call 206-973-0407 to schedule a free initial consultation. There is no risk in talking with us and learning more about how we can help.