The Nationwide Car Insurance Claim Process in Chicago, Illinois

If you’ve been seriously hurt in a car accident and are filing a Nationwide car insurance claim, you’re dealing with more than just paperwork. You’re also trying to recover physically, manage medical bills, and protect your right to compensation, all while an insurance company works to limit what it pays.

Nationwide Insurance is one of the largest auto insurers in the United States, with a strong presence in Chicago and throughout Illinois. While many drivers trust Nationwide for their coverage and customer service, the process of pursuing a personal injury claim can be anything but smooth.

This article walks you through how to file a claim, what to expect from Nationwide, and why working with Chicago car insurance claim attorneys can make a major difference, especially when serious injuries are involved.

How to Start a Nationwide Car Accident Claim

You have a few options if you’re involved in a car accident and need to report a claim to Nationwide. Claims can be submitted by calling Nationwide at 1-800-421-3535, on their official website, or through the Nationwide mobile app.

Once you start the process, you’ll be asked to provide key information such as your policy number, the date and location of the accident, a description of how the crash occurred, and details about any injuries you sustained. Including the names and contact details of other drivers or witnesses is also helpful if you have them.

However, one thing to be careful about during this initial phase is what you say. Do not admit fault, speculate about what caused the accident, or downplay any injuries. Even casual remarks can later be used by the insurance company to deny or reduce your claim. Always stick to the facts and avoid giving any opinions or guesses.

What Happens After You File a Claim With Nationwide

Once your claim is submitted, it’s assigned to an insurance adjuster who will handle your case on behalf of Nationwide. The adjuster’s role is to evaluate your damages, determine liability, and decide how much compensation, if any, the insurance company should pay.

This process often begins with a review of the available evidence. The adjuster may request the police report, photos of the accident scene, medical records, and your statement about what happened. In many cases, the adjuster may also attempt to speak with witnesses or review traffic camera footage to help determine fault.

In Illinois, car accident claims are subject to a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this system, your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. For example, if you are determined to be 30 percent responsible, your payout could be reduced by that percentage. If you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you won’t be eligible for compensation.

Because of this, how the insurance company assigns blame is a critical part of the claims process.

What You’ll Need to Support a Nationwide Auto Insurance Claim

You’ll need to collect thorough documentation to strengthen your claim and improve your chances of receiving a fair payout.

A copy of the police crash report from the Chicago Police Department is a key piece of evidence, especially when it includes a clear description of how the accident happened and whether any citations were issued.

You’ll also want to have medical records showing your treatment, along with itemized medical bills confirming the costs.

If you missed work because of your injuries, documentation from your employer and pay stubs showing lost income will help support your claim.

Although this page focuses on personal injury, including information related to property damages, such as vehicle repair estimates or a total loss valuation is important.

Keeping detailed records and sharing them with the insurance adjuster helps protect your rights and strengthens your position during negotiations.

How Nationwide Handles Car Insurance Claims in Serious Accidents

Car accidents that cause significant injuries often lead to more complicated and time-consuming insurance claims. If you suffered broken bones, spinal cord injuries, a traumatic brain injury, or other life-altering conditions, your case may involve long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, or even permanent disability.

In these situations, Nationwide may take longer to process your claim and might try to minimize the total payout. Victims with serious injuries are often pressured to accept early settlements, sometimes before they fully understand the impact of their injuries or complete treatment.

The problem is that accepting a quick payout could prevent you from seeking additional compensation later, even if your condition worsens or new medical needs arise. Once you sign a settlement release, the insurance company is typically no longer responsible for further costs.

That’s why it’s so important to fully assess the value of your claim before agreeing to any payment, especially if future care will be needed.

Delays, Denials, and Other Issues With Nationwide Insurance Claims

Many people filing a Nationwide car insurance claim face challenges that delay or reduce their compensation.

One common issue is difficulty reaching an insurance adjuster or experiencing long wait times between updates. Some claimants report that their cases seem to stall for no clear reason. In more serious cases, Nationwide may offer a settlement that doesn’t fairly reflect the injury’s pain, suffering, or long-term consequences.

Another issue that often arises is using pre-existing condition arguments to deny coverage. In these cases, the insurance company claims your injuries were caused by a prior health issue, but by the car accident. There are also cases where Nationwide assigns partial fault in ways that seem unfair or unsupported by the evidence, which can significantly reduce the payout.

These strategies are often based on the policy language, including applicable exclusions, conditions, limitations, and applicable controlling law. It’s important to read the fine print and understand how the insurance company may interpret your individual facts and circumstances.

Notable Disputes Involving Nationwide Insurance Claims

Nationwide has faced its share of complaints and legal challenges related to auto accident claims. Some lawsuits have alleged unfair claim handling practices, including delays in payment and undervaluation of claims. There have been allegations that Nationwide misused policy language and exclusions to deny coverage or minimize payouts.

In some instances, the company was accused of systematically offering settlements that did not adequately cover medical expenses, future treatment needs, or pain and suffering. These cases underscore the importance of knowing your rights and having someone on your side who understands how insurance companies operate.

When to Contact a Lawyer About Your Nationwide Car Accident Claim

In several situations, contacting a personal injury lawyer is the smartest move you can make. If you’ve suffered serious injuries or believe your condition may cause long-term or permanent impairment, legal support is often essential.

A lawyer can help you evaluate your claim’s full value and ensure no aspect of your recovery is overlooked. You should also speak to an attorney if your claim was denied, if the payout offer doesn’t come close to covering your medical bills and lost wages, or if there’s a disagreement over who caused the car accident.

Legal help is especially important in cases involving wrongful death, where a family is seeking compensation for the loss of a loved one.

In these situations, an experienced car accident lawyer can push back against insurance company tactics, interpret policy language, including applicable exclusions, conditions, and limitations, and protect your claim under applicable controlling law.

How Rosenfeld Injury Law Can Help You Get Back on the Road

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we represent car accident victims in Chicago and throughout Illinois struggling to get a fair outcome from their Nationwide car insurance claim. Our firm handles every part of the claims process, so you don’t have to deal with the insurance company alone.

We communicate directly with Nationwide on your behalf, collect evidence to support your injuries and damages, and fight for the compensation that truly reflects what you’ve lost. That includes medical bills, future treatment needs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court. We understand how insurance adjusters work and how policy language, including applicable exclusions and conditions, can be used to protect the insurer’s interests, and we work hard to protect yours.

We aim to help you get back on the road physically, emotionally, and financially.

Don’t Tackle a Nationwide Car Insurance Claim Alone

If you were hurt in a car accident and are now dealing with a Nationwide car insurance claim, you don’t have to face the process alone. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests. You deserve someone in your corner who’s focused on yours.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers offers free consultations and only gets paid if we recover your compensation. Let us help you get back on the road with the financial support you need to heal and move forward.

Contact us today to speak with Chicago car accident attorneys who know how to handle Nationwide claims and how to fight for you. Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.