How to File A Car Accident Claim with Allstate

Colburn Law

Posted in Car Accidents on November 1, 2020

After a car accident, you may wonder what you need to do next. Washington is a fault-based insurance state, which means that drivers who cause accidents are the ones responsible for paying for the damages of their victims. After an accident with a negligent driver, you can file a lawsuit against him or her, or file a claim with his or her insurance to collect this compensation. If the at-fault driver is an Allstate policyholder, you will need to know a few important facts before you file.

The Allstate Claims Process in Washington State

Like many insurance companies, Allstate has a relatively straightforward procedure for handling car accident claims. The company asks that you take the following steps to report your accident and initiate the process.

• First, file and track your auto insurance claim. You can file your claim online on the Allstate website or mobile app. Allstate will assign an insurance adjuster to your case.
• Next, the insurance adjuster will evaluate your damage. The company will send you estimates and vendor options where you can take your vehicle for repairs.
• After you review your estimate, the adjuster will send you details about your claim settlement. You can choose to accept or reject the settlement at this stage.
• If you accept this offer, you can take your car for repairs and receive your compensation. Allstate may send this payment directly to the repair shop depending on your case.

What to Expect When Filing a Car Insurance Claim in Washington State

While the insurance process may seem clear and straightforward, it is important to remember that it is not in the insurance company’s best interest to provide maximum compensation. The company is paying for your damages, and it is the responsibility of the adjuster to protect the company’s bottom line. As a result, it can be difficult to obtain maximum compensation.

When filing an insurance claim, it is important to be vigilant and take careful steps to preserve your right to compensation. Speaking to a Seattle personal injury attorney before filing your Allstate claim can provide several benefits during the claims process, including the following.

• Your attorney can perform an independent estimate of your damages and evaluate this number against the settlement offers you receive.
• If the insurance company offers an insufficient amount, your lawyer can negotiate for a higher settlement on your behalf.
• An insurance adjuster may ask for a statement, but you may not know all of the details about your injuries at this stage of your claim. To avoid saying anything that could hurt your case, your attorney will guide you through this process and prepare you for the statement.
• Your attorney will know the evidence required to establish the other driver’s liability. He or she will prepare your case on your behalf and help you gather the documents necessary to prove your right to compensation.

What to Do If Your Claim Has Been Denied

There are several reasons why an insurance company may deny your claim, from insufficient evidence to unclear liability. If Allstate denies your car insurance claim, you have additional legal options to secure compensation. You can file an appeal with Allstate to reverse the decision and receive a second opinion. You can also file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver in Washington civil court.

The pathway you choose will depend on a number of factors, including the reason for denial and the amount of compensation you intend to claim. Speak to your car accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options and determine which pathway is right for you.