Consumers be forewarned - if you are an iPhone user and a Nationwide insurance customer, you be cautious about downloading and using their application on your phone. They are advertising this application on television as a way to immediately file a claim if you’re in an accident, but what they’re not telling you is that they will then have all of your information and could potentially use that evidence/information against you.

If you’re in an accident, you should document the evidence from the accident yourself - including photos, a sketch, and names and contact information of witnesses and the other driver. Additionally, you should maintain possession of your vehicle or have it towed by a third-party company - not your insurance company.  Your next step is then to call an auto accident or personal injury attorney who can advise you on the best way to handle the accident proceedings with your insurance company.

Balkan & Patterson is an experienced law firm that is well-versed in working with all types of accidents, including auto, car, trucking, motorcycle and all personal injuries. If you have any questions about an accident or an insurance issue, please contact us online or call us at (561) 750-9191. We work with clients in Boca Raton, Hollywood, Lighthouse Point, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Parkland, and all of Broward and Palm Beach counties.

State Farm Insurance Company has asked the state of Florida for a 67 percent average increase in statewide property insurance. This is the second request this year - the first which was for 47 percent. State Farm’s previous request was denied.

The company, according to an article in the Sun Sentinel, has lost revenue due to a state law that requires the insurer provides reduced rates to policyholders who hurricane proof their residences. The number of policyholders who updated their homes to qualify for the discount increased from about 112,000 to 264,000 in about two years.

A ruling is expected this week to determine whether State Farm will be given the rate increase or not. To see the full story and for more information, please click here.

The law firm of Balkan & Patterson, LLP is experienced in insurance bad faith claims and insurance litigation. Our personal injury law firm is based in Boca Raton, Florida, and has a satellite office in Broward County. For more information, please visit our website at www.balkanpatterson.com.