Do Not Talk to Nationwide Insurance Without Talking to a Personal Injury Attorney First

If you’ve been in a car, truck or motorcycle crash with a driver who has Nationwide insurance, please read this story before talking with one of their adjusters. It could save you a lot of money and heartache.

But before I get into the meat of this story, let me share some quick bullet points. If you read nothing else, read this list:

• Do not talk to Nationwide’s insurance adjusters without first talking to a personal injury attorney.
• Know that Nationwide is digging for evidence to limit how much they pay you.
• Nationwide is a for-profit company and their main goal is to limit how much they pay victims of car crashes.
• If you have been injured by someone who has Nationwide insurance, you likely need a personal injury attorney. Nationwide will play hard ball and we at the O’Sullivan Law Firm have experience beating them at their own game.

Now that I’ve covered the most pressing information, let’s dive in! In this article, I am going to discuss several of the ways that Nationwide insurance company tries to limit how much it pays victims of car crashes, and why you should hire a Denver personal injury law firm, including the following:

1. Nationwide insurance adjusters will try to record their calls with you after a car crash. Don’t let them.
2. Why does Nationwide lowball their offers to car crash victims?
3. Should I take the first offer made by Nationwide after a car crash?
4. A driver with Nationwide insurance hit me in a Denver car crash. Why do Nationwide adjusters want to talk to me? Should I trust them?
5. How can a personal injury attorney help me get a bigger settlement out of Nationwide?

If you were hit by a driver with Nationwide insurance, you should call a personal injury attorney before you talk with anybody else. The O’Sullivan Law Firm offers free consultations and we have negotiated with Nationwide on behalf of crash victims many times. We always get what our clients are owed.

Nationwide insurance adjusters will try to record their calls with you after a car crash. Don’t let them.

The worst thing you could do after a car, truck or motorcycle accident with a driver who is insured by Nationwide is to talk to their adjuster without talking to a personal injury attorney first. Why? Did you know that Nationwide insurance will record everything you say?

Now, you may think, “I have nothing to hide, so I don’t care if they record me.” But I have seen completely innocent people say things that undermine their case against Nationwide drivers, wiping out thousands of dollars that they most certainly had a right to in the settlement. How does this happen? In completely innocent ways.

For example, car and truck accidents typically happen in the blink of an eye. Usually, victims only have time to reflect on the circumstances of the crash hours or days later. And, as most humans do, they start to wonder what they could have done to avoid the crash, the pain, the losses. Even if there was absolutely nothing at all that they could have done differently. Our brains torture us this way.

Well, if you get on a call with a Nationwide insurance adjuster who is trained to sound empathetic and to manipulate you based on your vulnerabilities, it won’t be long before you say something like, “I wonder if I could have hit my brakes faster.” But you were blindsided, T-boned by a blur coming from the side. Even if the police report states that the other driver was 100% at fault, Nationwide will use your words to try to place a percentage of the blame on you.

Also, we live in a polite society and most people don’t want others to worry about them. If the insurance adjuster asks how you’re doing, and you say, “Oh, I’m doing fine,” or “I’m feeling so much better,” the insurance adjuster will claim that you were never as injured as you clearly were.

You need to talk to a personal injury attorney before you speak with a Nationwide insurance adjuster. Or, even better, have an attorney on every call with you. I am a former insurance company defense attorney. Yes, I used to work for those jerks. But my conscience couldn’t take it anymore and, over 25 years ago, I switched sides. Now, I work for car and truck crash victims, and I know the tricks that Nationwide plays.

It is free to get a consultation with me, so you have absolutely nothing to lose by contacting me to review your case. I would love to hear your story and discuss the ways that you can fight Nationwide insurance.

Why does Nationwide lowball their offers to car crash victims?

If you were hit by a Nationwide driver, Nationwide insurance company may employ several strategies to limit their payouts to you. It’s important to note that while Nationwide has a legal and ethical obligation to compensate you for your legitimate claim, they also have a financial interest in minimizing their costs. In fact, their first priority is to make sure their shareholders are happy, meaning that Nationwide adjusters are incentivized to make a profit by lowballing crash victims.

Here are some ways Nationwide insurance may try to limit your payout:

• Denying or delaying claims: Nationwide insurance may initially deny or delay your claim, hoping that you will become frustrated and abandon your pursuit. They may request extensive documentation, conduct lengthy investigations, or raise questions about liability to create hurdles for claimants.

  Don’t put up with this ridiculous slow walk. Hire an experienced personal injury attorney who knows how to stand toe-to-toe with these behemoth insurance companies and beat them at their own games.

• Disputing liability: Even if their insured driver is clearly at fault, Nationwide may dispute liability or attempt to shift some portion of blame onto you, the victim. They might argue contributory negligence, suggesting that your actions or negligence played a role in the accident, which could reduce the amount of compensation you’re owed.

  As mentioned earlier, you should never speak to an adjuster without first talking to a personal injury attorney. Your attorney can make sure that the other driver maintains 100% of the liability.

• Downplaying injuries: Nationwide insurance may question the severity or extent of your injuries. They might argue that your injuries are pre-existing, unrelated to the accident, or exaggerations, aiming to minimize the compensation offered. Never, ever sign a document giving Nationwide access to your medical history without first showing the document to a personal injury attorney.

  You do not have to show them your entire medical history, but they will try to get you to give it to them in very underhanded ways. Then, they will scour your entire history, looking for prior injuries that they can blame for the pain you’re feeling.

• Lowball settlement offers: Nationwide insurance may make initial settlement offers that are far lower than the actual value of your claim. By doing so, they hope to entice you to accept a quick but inadequate settlement, avoiding the possibility of a larger payout through negotiations or legal action.

  You should have a personal injury attorney review any offer made to you by Nationwide insurance. I have almost never seen any insurance company offer the full amount that a victim is owed in their first offer.

• Surveillance and investigations: Nationwide insurance may conduct surveillance or hire investigators to gather evidence that could be used to undermine your claim. They may look for inconsistencies between your reported injuries and your activities, such as things you post on social media, trying to cast doubt on the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
• Using policy exclusions or limitations: Insurance policies often have various exclusions, limitations, or deductibles that may be used to reduce the amount payable to victims. Nationwide might argue that certain damages or medical treatments are not covered under the policy, thereby limiting their responsibility.

  Usually, Nationwide is trying to use inscrutable legal language as smoke and mirrors to baffle victims into accepting lowball offers. The O’Sullivan Law Firm has read thousands of insurance policies and we don’t let Nationwide get away with these tactics.

Nationwide may attempt to limit payouts to protect their bottom line and satisfy their shareholders. if you believe Nationwide insurance is acting in bad faith or unfairly denying your legitimate claim, contact the O’Sullivan Law Firm immediately for a free consultation.

Should I take the first offer made by Nationwide after a car crash?

In my experience, car crash victims should never take the first offer made by Nationwide insurance. Usually it is far lower than they actually owe you and they are hoping that you will feel desperate enough, or grateful enough to accept an offer that, in the end, won’t even come close to covering your needs.

In fact, you may not even understand all of your future medical costs or losses yet!

When it comes to accepting a settlement offer from Nationwide after a car accident, it’s important to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney before making a decision.

Here are a few factors that you and your attorney should consider:

• The extent of your injuries: If you’ve been injured in the accident, it’s important to fully understand the severity and long-term implications of your injuries. This may involve consulting with medical professionals and obtaining proper documentation of your injuries and related expenses.

  Taking the time to assess the full extent of your injuries can help ensure that any settlement offer adequately compensates you for your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and potential future medical needs.

  Most people don’t know that good personal injury attorneys see the same types of injuries many times in their careers, so they have a good understanding of how long your recovery may take and how much money you will need to cover the medical bills.

• Property damage: If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, you should assess the cost of repairs or replacement. The settlement offer should account for the fair market value of your vehicle or the cost of necessary repairs. Additionally, you need to think about items you were carrying in your vehicle, such as a laptop or other equipment.
• Other losses: Consider any other losses or expenses you may have incurred as a result of the accident. This could include lost wages due to missed work, the cost of renting a replacement vehicle, or other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the accident.

  This area of the law is extremely complex and I strongly suggest that you speak with an attorney to find out what areas you may be able to count as losses under a settlement with Nationwide.

• Comparative negligence: Depending on the jurisdiction, the concept of comparative negligence may come into play. This means that even if the other driver is mostly at fault, your own actions may have contributed to the accident. In such cases, the settlement offer may be adjusted based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party.

  Now, as I stated earlier, Nationwide will probably try to pin some of the blame on you even if their driver was 100% at fault. Call the O’Sullivan Law Firm for a free consultation before accepting any blame in a crash that wasn’t your fault.

• Legal advice: At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it’s generally a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement offer from Nationwide. An experienced attorney can review the details of your case, assess the value of your claim, and provide guidance on whether the offer is fair and reasonable given the circumstances.

  They can negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company to secure a higher settlement. The O’Sullivan Law Firm offers free consultations, so you have nothing to lose. Call or text today: 303-388-5304.

A driver with Nationwide insurance hit me in a Denver car crash. Why do Nationwide adjusters want to talk to me? Should I trust them?

If a Nationwide adjuster wants to speak with you after an accident, it is likely they are looking to gather information regarding the crash. However, as we mentioned earlier, you should never trust them.

Here are some details that the Nationwide insurance adjuster may want to obtain from you:

• Personal Information: They may ask for your full name, address, phone number, and possibly your email address. This information is necessary for their records and communication purposes. However, do not give them any more information than the bare minimum without first speaking with a personal injury attorney.
• Accident Details: They will likely ask you to describe the accident in detail, including the date, time, and location of the incident. They may also want to know the road conditions, weather conditions, and any factors that you believe contributed to the accident. Remember, the Nationwide adjuster is not on your side and they are trained to act empathetic to your plight, but their number one goal is to save their company money.

  Call the O’Sullivan Law Firm for a free consultation before you share any details of the car, truck or motorcycle accident with a Nationwide insurance adjuster.

• Police Report: Nationwide may inquire about whether a police report was filed and they will request a copy of the report. This report contains valuable information about the accident, including the officer’s observations and statements from both parties involved. This is why you should always call the police to the scene of an accident.

  If you are the victim of a crash with a Nationwide driver, that police report will provide a huge help in your claim.

• Injuries and Damages: They will likely ask if you sustained any injuries and the extent of those injuries. They may also inquire about the damages to your vehicle or any other property involved in the accident.

  Because they may ask you to provide information about any medical treatments you received and any expenses you incurred as a result of the accident, I recommend that you absolutely have a personal injury attorney on this call with you. Only a seasoned attorney will understand if Nationwide’s questions are leading you into a corner that you can’t get out of.

• Insurance Information: The Nationwide insurance adjuster may ask for your insurance policy details, including the name of your insurance company and your policy number. This allows them to coordinate with your insurance provider, if necessary. That said, they may also be digging into your policy, which usually has no bearing on the case.

  Only a Colorado personal injury attorney can assess whether this request should be honored.

Remember, if you DON’T hire an attorney, you will be the only person putting your needs first. You will be facing off against a giant legal machine whose only job is to pay you as little as possible. There is truly no downside to getting a free consultation with a personal injury attorney before beginning this process. Don’t you want someone on your side? Call or text us today: 303-338-5304

How can a personal injury attorney help me get a bigger settlement out of Nationwide?

It’s no secret that personal injury attorneys have a bad reputation these days due to the ridiculous TV commercials and billboards they create.

It’s too bad, because the profession is actually extremely important and there are those of us – the small personal injury firms – who treat our profession as a calling, a way to help the little guys win against Nationwide’s underhanded tactics.

So, here are some reasons why you might consider trusting the O’Sullivan Law Firm and the services we provide:

• Legal Expertise: Our attorneys specialize in the laws and regulations surrounding Colorado personal injury cases. We possess knowledge and experience in handling various types of accidents, such as car crashes, truck crashes, bicycle crashes, hit-and-run accidents and more.

  We understand the legal complexities involved and can provide you with guidance based on our expertise. Personally, I have been practicing for over 25 years in Colorado, which very few attorneys can say.

  I know the laws, the courts, the judges and the tricks that Nationwide plays.

• Evaluation of Your Claim: When you hire the O’Sullivan Law Firm, we will assess the details of your case, including the circumstances of the accident, your injuries, medical records, and any potential liability. We can help you understand the strength of your claim and advise you on the best course of action.
• Negotiating with Nationwide insurance: Dealing with insurance companies can be intimidating, and they rely on the fact that you likely have a lot less experience in dealing with car accidents than they do. At the O’Sullivan Law Firm, we have experience negotiating with

  Nationwide insurance adjusters to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other applicable damages. We will protect your rights and advocate on your behalf.

• Building a Strong Case: Our attorneys gather evidence, interview witnesses, review medical records, consult with experts, and perform other necessary tasks to build a solid case on your behalf. We aim to establish the Nationwide driver’s liability and demonstrate the extent of your injuries and damages, maximizing your chances of receiving fair compensation.
• Handling Legal Procedures and Deadlines: The legal process can be complex and involves various deadlines for filing paperwork, submitting claims, or initiating lawsuits.

  With over two decades of experience, I can handle all the legal procedures on your behalf, ensuring that everything is done correctly and within the required time frames.

• Representing Your Interests in Court: If your case proceeds to trial, I can represent you in court and I never shy from a court battle, unlike some of those attorneys you see on TV. I will present your case, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.
• Contingency Fee Arrangement: The O’Sullivan Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we secure a favorable settlement or win your case in court.

  This arrangement allows you to access legal representation without upfront costs, as the attorney’s fees are typically a percentage of the compensation you receive.

At the O’Sullivan Law Firm, we have seen every trick in Nationwide’s book and we know how to protect victims of car crashes from Nationwide’s underhanded tactics. Contact the O’Sullivan Law Firm for a free consultation if you are hit by a driver with Nationwide insurance. 303-388-5304