Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company often promotes itself as being “on your side,” but that slogan does not change how car accident claims are handled in Tennessee. In fact, the truth is that insurers do not have your interests in mind and primarily want to protect their profits. If you go into the process uninformed, you could risk resolving your claim for a lot less than what it’s actually worth.
Continue reading to learn more about how Nashville car crash claims work and how an attorney can help you recover all of the damages you’re due under state law.
How Nationwide Typically Processes a Tennessee Car Accident Claim
Once a claim is opened, Nationwide will assign an insurance adjuster to manage the file from start to finish. That adjuster will gather information to decide both fault and damages. The process often includes several stages:
- Reviewing the police report and photos from the crash scene
- Speaking with drivers and witnesses
- Examining vehicle damage and repair estimates
- Requesting medical records and bills tied to the accident
This review is not just about confirming that the accident occurred; it is also about measuring how successful your case might be if it goes to court.
Tennessee’s Fault-Based Insurance System
Tennessee uses an at-fault auto insurance system. This means that you can take legal action directly against the driver who caused your crash as well as their insurance company. Your legal options include filing an insurance claim and/or personal injury lawsuit.
However, note that the state also applies modified comparative fault laws to these cases. This means that you can recover damages only if you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. Further, any percentage of fault assigned to you can reduce your total compensation.
It can be highly beneficial to hire an attorney who can advocate for you if you’re being blamed for your accident. Your lawyer can handle all of the communications and negotiations while you focus on your health and well-being.
How Long Do Nationwide Accident Claims Usually Take?
There is no fixed timeline for resolving a Nationwide accident claim in Tennessee. Some claims settle in a few months, while others take longer if liability and damages are disputed.
The length of your case often depends on factors like:
- The seriousness of your injuries
- How clear liability is under Tennessee law
- The amount of medical documentation involved
- Whether Nationwide challenges any part of your claim
It is usually best not to rush a settlement. Waiting until you understand the full impact of your injuries can help protect your right to recover the full amount of compensation you need and deserve.
Contact Woodard Injury Law for Legal Help With Your Nationwide Insurance Claim
Trying to handle an insurance claim while recovering from a serious car accident can be prohibitively difficult. If you or a loved one have been involved in a crash, call Woodard Injury Law at (615) 880-6126 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our personal injury attorneys will work hard to recover maximum value for your claim and won’t hesitate to take your case to trial if needed.