Auto insurance is supposed to protect you when you are in an accident. Unfortunately, filing a claim with the insurance company is another battle you will face after your motor vehicle accident. Insurance companies, including the well-known insurance provider Allstate, make it challenging for claimants to access the financial support they need when they need it most.
It is not unusual for insurance companies to resort to many unscrupulous tactics to further their financial interests and avoid paying out on claims. For this reason, it is crucial to have an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer by your side as you negotiate with all state representatives. Our team at John Foy & Associates can help you deal with unjust claim denials and obtain the compensation you deserve from Allstate.
Compensation You Can Recover from Your Allstate Insurance Claim
When you file a claim with the insurance company, you may initially believe you can recoup your damages in full. However, this is rarely the case. It is important to understand how insurance settlements work before you file your claim with Allstate so you can prepare accordingly and know what to expect.
Insurance companies only cover damages that the policyholder’s policy covers. For example, Georgia law requires motorists to purchase a minimum of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and bodily injury liability coverage, and $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage. However, you may also have the option of purchasing comprehensive, collision, gap insurance, rental car coverage, and more.
Motorists who only purchased the bare minimum amount of coverage may not have enough insurance to cover the victim’s damages in the event of a collision. For this reason, when you file your claim with Allstate, keep in mind that it is unlikely you will receive compensation for anything other than your property damages and medical bills unless the policyholder has specifically purchased additional types of coverage options.
Get the strong arm
Steps to Take After Your Car Accident
Immediately after your car crash, there are steps you can take to gather the evidence you are going to need to get Allstate to process your claim fairly. These include the following:
Get Medical Attention
Obtain medical attention as soon as possible after the collision. This way, you can get the medical records you need to prove the severity of your injuries and prevent worsening injuries or the consequences of untreated injuries. Your medical bills, treatment, and your physician’s prognosis will go a long way in helping to prove the value of the compensation you are seeking in your Allstate insurance claim.
Collect Supporting Evidence at the Accident Scene
At the scene of the accident, gather powerful evidence to support liability and negligence for the collision. Some examples of this evidence could include
- The liable driver’s name and contact information
- The at-fault party’s Allstate auto insurance policy number
- The color, make, and model of the liable parties vehicle
- The names and contact information of car accident witnesses
- Photos of your injuries and any property damages at the accident scene
Hire a Car Accident Attorney to Advocate for Your Rights
As soon as you have an opportunity to get a car accident lawyer on your side, you should do so. Your attorney can help you navigate the claims process and fight back if Allstate attempts to deny you the settlement you are entitled to.
Your attorney will be prepared to challenge claims handled in bad faith and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair and reasonable settlement offer. We will protect you from being taken advantage of by profit-hungry insurance adjusters working for Allstate.
File Your Allstate Car Insurance Claim
There are several ways in which you can file your claim with Allstate. One of your first options is to simply call the insurance company directly at 1-800-Allstate. From there, you can file your claim with an Allstate insurance adjuster by phone.
You can also visit the Allstate website or file a claim via the Allstate mobile app. The sooner you file your claim, the better, as Allstate often has strict deadlines in place that require claims to be filed within days or weeks of the collision. If your claim is not filed before this deadline, you can expect Allstate to deny you the benefits you are entitled to.
What to Expect After Your Claim with Allstate Is Filed
After your Allstate insurance claim is filed, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case, and you will be given a claim number. The insurance adjuster will contact you shortly after your claim has been filed to obtain information about how the accident occurred.
Do Not Give a Statement to Allstate without Your Attorney
It is not in your best interests to speak with Allstate insurance adjusters about your collision. Anything you say to the insurance company could be manipulated and used against you to reduce your settlement. Instead, direct Allstate insurance adjusters to your car accident attorney who can provide Allstate with the facts they need to continue processing your claim.
Tips to Protect Yourself in Allstate Claim Negotiations
To protect yourself from being taken advantage of, you should:
- Never express guilt for the accident
- Never apologize
- Do not give a recorded statement to Allstate
- Do not speculate about how the accident happened
- Do not sign any Allstate documents until you have reviewed them with your lawyer
- Always be truthful when speaking with the insurance adjuster
- Only provide the facts, do not give complex answers
Meet with a Respected Car Accident Lawyer Today
Even though Allstate does everything in its power to come across as a trustworthy auto insurance provider, the truth is all insurance companies are the same. They make money by paying out as little as possible on claims and bringing in as much as possible in premiums. It is up to you to stand up and advocate for the compensation you are entitled to.
When you are intimidated or overwhelmed by the car accident claims process, make sure you have a dedicated and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer on your side. Contact our team at John Foy & Associates for a free consultation today to learn more about potential insurance negotiation strategies and to gain insight into how much your insurance claim should be worth.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form