You have several legal options to recover financial compensation if Nationwide denies your car accident claim. You can appeal the decision, file a bad faith case, or directly sue the at-fault party. A lawyer with experience handling car accident claims can explain your options and help you choose the right course for obtaining the compensation you deserve after a car accident.
What Are Your Options If Nationwide Denies Your Car Accident Claim?
You will receive a letter stating the reasons for denial if Nationwide denies your car accident claim. Keep this letter for your records and look into the reason for the denial.
Because you may not be familiar with the process of filing a claim, you may want a lawyer who has handled other car accident cases to investigate the denial for you and help you determine what to do next.
Resubmit Your Claim
Nationwide may have denied your claim because you left out critical documents. Our attorney can gather the supporting documents you need and submit them on your behalf.
It is also possible that Nationwide made a mistake in denying you. For example, if Nationwide denied your claim because you did not pay your premium, but you have a canceled check or credit card statement confirming payment, it should be easy to resolve the denial. Our lawyer can present evidence showing Nationwide’s mistake and request a correction.
Filing an Appeal with Nationwide
If another party caused your accident, they should be responsible for your accident-related losses, known as damages. If there is any question as to who is at fault and to what degree, Nationwide will decide to deny your claim. Our lawyer can appeal this decision and provide evidence that you are a victim and did not cause the accident.
We can investigate your case and collect evidence, such as the police report, interview eyewitnesses, and photos and video footage of the accident showing what really happened. We can use this documentation to argue that Nationwide should reverse its denial.
Filing a Bad Faith Claim Lawsuit Against Nationwide
Insurance companies like Nationwide must act in good faith, meaning that they fulfill their obligations in return for customers paying insurance premiums. Sometimes, insurance companies act in bad faith and neglect those obligations by:
- Failing to thoroughly investigate your car accident
- Asking you for unreasonable proof of your losses
- Misinterpreting its own policies to avoid paying you
- Employing deceptive practices
If we uncover evidence of bad faith as we investigate your denial, we will help you sue Nationwide. You may be able to recover damages exceeding your policy limits via this legal action.
Suing the Responsible Party
You also have the option of recovering damages directly from the party responsible for your car accident. This may be the best course of action if your losses exceed what you can recover through insurance or if you were hit but an uninsured driver but do not have uninsured motorist coverage.
A lawyer with our firm can prepare your case for trial, file the lawsuit against the at-fault party, and represent you in court.
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(855) 529-0269How Much Is Your Car Accident Case Worth?
How much your car accident case is worth depends on the value of your property damage, the extent of your injuries, and how the accident affects your life. Our lawyer can determine how much your case is worth and help you seek damages from Nationwide or the other driver. You may be entitled to recover the following:
Economic Damages in a Car Accident Case
Economic damages are tangible losses resulting from the car accident, such as:
- Medical expenses for your emergency treatment, diagnostic imaging, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, rehabilitative therapies, and prescription medications
- Loss of income for the wages, tips, and other income you lost if you were unable to work during your recovery or if you cannot return to work
- Property damage for the repair or replacement of your vehicle
Non-Economic Damages in a Car Accident Case
Non-economic damages are intangible losses caused by the car accident. You may be entitled to these damages if you:
- Live with chronic pain
- Have become permanently disabled or disfigured
- Have lost a limb or other body part
- Will endure a long recovery
- Suffer emotional trauma
- Have developed a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Have lost the ability to participate in activities or hobbies you used to enjoy
- Experience an overall reduced quality of life
Wrongful Death Damages in a Car Accident Case
If you lost a family member in a car accident caused by an outside party, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages, such as:
- Medical expenses for your loved one’s treatment after the accident
- Funeral and burial expenses such as embalming, cremation, a casket or urn, the memorial service, transportation, and flowers
- Loss of financial support for the income and benefits your loved one would have provided
- Loss of household support for the services, maintenance, chores, and childcare your loved one would have provided
File Your Car Accident Lawsuit Before Time Runs Out
Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party may be your best option for recovering damages after a car accident, but you must do so before time runs out. For example, Florida limits how much time you have to sue the responsible party. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death are both set at two years.
In general, you have two years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury and two years from the date your loved one passed away to file a lawsuit for wrongful death. A lawyer from our firm can determine how these laws apply to your case and ensure that you meet important legal deadlines.
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Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Is Ready to Help With Your Car Accident Claim
You don’t have to accept Nationwide’s decision to deny your car accident claim. When you work with the partners at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we will advocate for your best interests and help you recover your rightful damages after a car accident. Contact our office today for a free case consultation.
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(855) 529-0269
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