Initially founded in 1931 as a part of Sears, Roebuck & Co, Allstate became a publicly traded company in 1993. In 1995, it became a completely independent company. Allstate holds 113 million proprietary insurance policies. The company offers a variety of policies, including home insurance, life insurance, and auto insurance.
When you’ve been in a car accident and need to make an Allstate auto insurance claim, it’s important to know your rights and understand the process. While Allstate serves over 16 million customers, they also have a reputation for being one of the most challenging insurance companies to work with. The company has received complaints from customers who say they were denied coverage or not given fair settlements, and some have even gone so far as to file lawsuits. Contact an attorney to discuss your options if you experience issues when making an Allstate auto insurance claim.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our Charlotte car accident lawyers help injured, and grieving clients with their Allstate claims. We can help you understand your rights and ensure that your claim is handled correctly by the insurance company. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Charlotte, NC
There were over 8,000 car accidents in Charlotte in 2021. While you might think that your insurance company and their lawyers will handle the accident, it’s important to know what you can do after an accident. Here are some steps you should take after a car crash in Charlotte:
- Pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if your vehicle is blocking traffic.
- Exchange information with other drivers and witnesses.
- Take photos of the collision scene and any damage to your car.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident.
The most important thing to remember is to speak only to the police about the details of the accident – not to the other driver or drivers. Allstate can use anything you say to try and deny your claim.
The Allstate Auto Insurance Claims Process for Property Damage to Your Vehicle
The property damage claims process for Allstate is similar to other auto insurances. You file your claim. You will then receive a claim number to track your claim. The insurance company will send out a claims adjuster for damage evaluation. The adjuster will walk you through your estimate and repair choices to determine the level of damage. If eligible, you would also submit photos of your vehicular damage during this step.
After the damage evaluation, you will receive a repair estimate and additional information about your claim settlement, primarily based on the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.
The next step is getting your vehicle repaired. Consumers can get their car fixed with an independent mechanic or an auto repair shop in the Allstate Good Hands Repair Network. The final step is to receive the claim settlement, which Allstate will send the money to you or directly to the repair shop.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer to Help Me With My Allstate Claim?
Dealing with any auto insurance company is a pain. However, Allstate is particularly difficult. The insurer has been named the “Worst Insurance Company in America.” The company may have over 16 million customers, but they also have a healthy bottom line. That bottom line is offering lowball settlements to those hurt in a car accident versus going to court.
A car accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor can help you increase your settlement and fight for what you deserve. We have experience successfully handling Allstate claims and can help you get the compensation you need. We know the tricks that Allstate uses to avoid paying you the total amount you deserve.
How Long Does it Take Allstate to Pay a Bodily Injury Claim?
The payment for your bodily injury claim could take days, weeks, or years, or they may deny it. Various factors determine how long it takes for Allstate to pay a claim. Some factors include:
- The severity of your injury
- The need for ongoing and future care
- Liability
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- The type of claim that is filed
Property damage claims may be paid in days, whereas bodily injury cases with challenging liability and causation may take years or go to trial and appeal. If the insurance company denies your claim, you might have no choice but to sue Allstate and prove your case at trial.
It’s always best to consult a car accident lawyer who is experienced in handling claims with Allstate and can help you with the specific facts of your case.
How Allstate Determines Settlement Offers
Allstate uses Colossus’s computer system to adjust claims and calculate settlement offers. This claims database contains data on hundreds of thousands of past automobile accident claims and their outcomes. Insurance adjusters enter specific data regarding your case, and Colossus uses the data to create a value range for the claim.
Unfortunately, when there are injuries after a car crash, settling the medical bills isn’t as straightforward as Allstate paying your doctor and the hospital. Allstate determines your settlement by:
- Inputting your first date of treatment
- The type of medication and treatment you receive and how often
- The names of your medical providers, including specialists
- Collecting documentation noting that you’ve been affected by your car accident
- If there is an attorney involved in the referral
- The average cost of similar medical care in Charlotte
Allstate will also take into account your medical history, including any previous claims to determine the value of your claim. When you’re injured in an auto accident and need medical treatment, it’s important to work with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
An attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries.
Allstate and Low Impact Collision Settlements
No matter the result of the analysis done by Colossus, you should expect Allstate’s attorneys to try to attribute some of the blame to you, even if you weren’t at fault. The insurance company has a policy of offering a pittance for claims that are determined “Low-Impact Collisions.”
While you may be reimbursed for your medical bills, you’ll likely be offered a settlement far below what the case is worth. It’s important to remember that this is how insurance companies make their money—they want to pay out as little as possible while still maintaining their legal obligations. For example, conditions such as whiplash and mild concussions are difficult to prove, and Allstate will use this to their advantage to fight against a Plaintiff (you) by denying your claim.
What Will My Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our goal is simple: get you the compensation you need to recover from the accident. We will work with you to determine the extent of your injuries, their impact on your life, and the amount of compensation you deserve.
We will do this by reviewing the medical records from any treatment you have already received, interviewing eyewitnesses, and talking with police officers involved in investigating your case.
If Allstate has denied your claim for benefits or compensation, we may be able to help by filing an appeal on your behalf. We are also experienced in negotiating with Allstate attorneys to get them to offer more than they initially offered.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Charlotte, NC Today
Insurance companies are predatory and have teams of lawyers skilled at finding ways to pay you as little as possible. They will make every excuse under the sun for why you do not deserve more money, and they will go so far as to argue that your injuries are not even real.
You don’t have to deal with Allstate on your own. At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we will fight for your rights and get you the settlement you deserve. We take on cases throughout Charlotte, NC, including Huntersville, Mooresville, and Concord. Call or contact us today if you have been in an accident and need legal representation.
