How to File a Car Accident Claim With Allstate

April 19, 2022 | Car Accidents

How to File a Car Accident Claim With Allstate

All drivers in Pennsylvania must maintain “financial responsibility” to drive a motor vehicle legally within the state. Most people purchase automobile insurance to satisfy the requirement. When you are injured in a car accident, you may file a car insurance claim to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.

Allstate is a common insurer for drivers in Pennsylvania. Below are some tips for filing a car accident claim with Allstate.

Before Filing Your Claim With Allstate

Regardless of whether Allstate is your insurance provider or the other driver’s insurance provider, the company wants to limit liability for car accident claims. All insurance companies try to pay as little as possible for claims to maximize profits. Therefore, it is wise to take steps to improve your chance of receiving fair compensation for an Allstate insurance claim:

Contact the Police and Document the Accident Scene

Remain at the accident scene as required by law. Notify the police of the crash by calling 911. Check on other drivers and passengers to see if they need help.

Document the scene of the crash. Take photographs of the vehicles and the accident scene. It can also help to make a video of the accident scene. 

Ask bystanders and witnesses for their names and contact information. Eyewitness testimony can help support your insurance claim. However, avoid discussing the details of the accident and never say anything that could be misunderstood as admitting fault.

Seek Medical Treatment for Accident Injuries

Go to the hospital or your doctor for medical care immediately. Prompt medical treatment is essential. Delays in medical care give Allstate a reason to question your claim. 

Allstate might claim that the accident did not cause your injuries because you did not seek medical treatment right after the accident. The insurance company could also claim that you did not take steps to mitigate damages by seeking prompt medical care. Failing to mitigate damages is a reason to lower the value of your claim. 

Make sure that you keep copies of all medical records, invoices, and bills. Document your out-of-pocket expenses with receipts. 

Filing the Insurance Claim with Allstate

As soon as possible, contact Allstate to file the insurance claim. Ideally, you should contact the insurance company within 24 hours after the car accident. 

Allstate has an online claims system, or you can call 1-800-ALLSTATE. Policyholders may also use the company’s mobile app to file and track claims.

Write down any information you receive from Allstate, including the claim number. If Allstate is the other driver’s insurance provider, notify your insurance company of the accident.

Tips for Maximizing the Value of an Allstate Insurance Claim

Dealing with an insurance company after a car accident can be challenging. Everything you say could be used to lower the value of your claim. Allstate wants to avoid paying high claim values, just like all other insurance providers. 

Even if your claim is valid, Allstate might deny the claim or undervalue damages. It could drag out the investigation or delay paying your claim. Some insurance companies cross the line by using bad faith insurance practices to avoid paying valid claims.

You can do things to protect yourself and your right to fair compensation for accident damages. Tips for maximizing your chance of receiving the compensation you deserve include:

  • Never admit fault, including saying you are sorry for the accident
  • Do not agree to provide a written or recorded statement without speaking with a Carlisle car accident lawyer
  • Report the car accident promptly to Allstate
  • Keep copies of all records, including medical records, car accident reports, etc.
  • Provide sufficient documentation to prove damages
  • Do not provide unnecessary information or details
  • Never sign legal documents unless required to do so by the police officers
  • Do not answer questions that the claims adjuster does not ask
  • Do not sign any documents authorizing the insurance company to access your medical records
  • Do not discuss the details of the accident with your Allstate insurance agent 
  • Do not accept the initial settlement offer because the first offer is generally lower than the value of your damages

The claims adjuster and other insurance company representatives are not trusted sources of legal advice. Therefore, it is helpful to talk with a car accident attorney as soon as possible. Most attorneys offer free consultations for car accident victims, so it costs nothing to seek legal advice.

An accident attorney in Carlisle can investigate the cause of the car crash. In addition, a lawyer protects you from bad faith insurance practices and helps you avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim. 

Contact an Award-Winning Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyer For Help

If you or a loved one has sustained an injury in Harrisburg or elsewhere in the state of Pennsylvania, contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates. Our award-winning Harrisburg car accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and fight to secure the financial award you may deserve. Please contact us at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963