Allstate Auto Insurance Claims
Filing an Allstate auto insurance claim after a serious car accident can be a complicated process. Regardless of whether Allstate is your own insurance company or the insurer of the responsible driver, it is essential for any claimant to keep in mind that insurance companies like Allstate are businesses. Accordingly, they are most concerned with their own bottom line and will look for legitimate reasons to avoid paying out your claim. An experienced Allstate auto insurance claims lawyer can work with you from the start of your case to ensure that you stand the best chance of obtaining the financial compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take Prior to Filing a Claim with Allstate Auto InsuranceBefore you file an Allstate insurance claim, it is extremely important to take a number of steps after being involved in a car accident. You should take note of the following:
- Gather information at the scene of the collision: It is important to gather information and evidence at the scene of the collision. If you are able to do so, it is essential to photograph the scene of the crash from a variety of perspectives. You should also obtain any contact information for witnesses who saw the accident happen, anyone involved in the crash, and detailed insurance information for the other driver.
- Seek medical attention for your injuries: If you do not seek medical attention quickly after you are involved in a collision, the negligent driver may try to argue that you bear some responsibility for the severity of your own injuries. Under California’s comparative fault law, a plaintiff can recover damages regardless of her share of the fault, but her damages award will be reduced by her percentage of fault. Even if you do not show immediate signs or symptoms of a serious injury, it can be helpful to have a doctor assess you. Some injuries can take hours or longer to appear.
- Report the accident to your own insurer as soon as possible: Whether you file a claim with your own insurance company or the negligent party’s insurer, you will need to report the accident to your own insurance company as quickly as possible after the crash. When you talk to your insurance company, it is important to stick to the facts and to remember that the insurance company is not on your side.
- Hire a car accident attorney: If you have suffered an injury that a reasonable person would view as serious, you should hire a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to assist with every stage of the claims process. Your Allstate Auto Insurance Cliam attorney can help you to determine whether you should file a first-party or third-party claim and can help you with the initial claims filing process. Your lawyer will also be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf for a reasonable settlement. If Allstate will not pay you the compensation you deserve, your auto accident lawyer can assist you in filing a car accident lawsuit.
The California Department of Insurance makes clear that California is an at-fault state for insurance purposes. As such, you have a decision to make about where and how to file your Allstate claim. When you file an Allstate insurance claim, you will need to decide whether to file a first-party claim (through your own insurance policy) or a third-party claim (through the responsible party’s insurance policy). Your car accident lawyer can discuss the pros and cons of each.
Once you file, your car accident attorney can negotiate with Allstate for a fair settlement so that you can begin paying your medical bills and making up for lost wages.
Contact an Allstate Car Insurance Claims AttorneyDo you need assistance filing an auto insurance claim? An experienced Allstate car insurance claims lawyer can help. Contact the Walton Law Firm today to learn more about our services.