Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with injuries, property damage, and potential insurance claims. If you or the at-fault driver is insured with Allstate, knowing how to file a car accident claim properly can significantly affect the compensation you may recover.
A car accident lawyer can assist you throughout the process. Until then, read on for information you can refer to when it comes to filing a car accident claim with Allstate.
Step 1: Ensure Everyone’s Safety and Call 911
The first step after any accident is to make sure everyone is safe. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured. Move your car to a safe location if possible and wait for first responders to arrive.
A responding police officer may prepare a police report noting their preliminary observations from the scene, which can be valuable for your Allstate insurance claim, especially when there are injuries or property damage.
Step 2: Collect Evidence at the Accident Scene
Gather as much information and documentation as possible before leaving the accident scene, but only if you can do so safely.
Be sure to collect:
- Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, and road conditions
- Contact and insurance information of all drivers involved
- Statements and contact info from witnesses
- A copy of or reference to the police report
This evidence will support your claim with Allstate. Documenting the scene thoroughly can prevent disputes about fault or damage later on.
Step 3: Notify Allstate of Your Car Accident in Charlotte
Whether you are an Allstate policyholder or need to file a third-party claim against an Allstate-insured driver, it is important to notify Allstate promptly after an accident.
You can report the accident through:
- Visiting Allstate.com and filing online
- Submitting a claim through Allstate’s mobile app, which allows you to file claims, upload photos, and track claim progress 24/7
- Calling Allstate’s 24/7 claims line at 1-800-ALLSTATE (1-800-255-7828)
You will need to provide basic information about your accident.
This may include:
- Date and time of your accident
- Location
- Description of what happened
- Names of others involved
- Any police report number
Reporting the claim as soon as possible increases the likelihood that the process moves forward without unnecessary delays.
Step 4: Cooperate With Your Claims Adjuster, But Speak With a Lawyer
An Allstate claims adjuster will be assigned to evaluate the damages and determine fault once your claim is submitted.
The adjuster may:
- Contact you for a written or recorded statement
- Inspect your vehicle
- Review medical records if you are claiming injury
- Review income documentation if you are claiming lost wages or diminished earnings
- Interview eyewitnesses
Be cautious when providing recorded statements or discussing your injuries. It is generally recommended to speak with a car accident lawyer before doing so because anything you say may be used against you to deny or minimize a payout on your claim. A personal injury lawyer can help you communicate effectively with the adjuster, present persuasive evidence, and protect your rights.
Step 5: Evaluate Any Settlement Offers Carefully
Allstate may offer a settlement to cover your losses once their investigation is complete.
This may include compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Do not accept a settlement without first evaluating whether it fully covers your losses, both in the present and future. This is especially important if you have suffered injuries. You typically waive your right to pursue additional compensation once you accept a settlement, so speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Injured in a Crash? A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Filing a car accident claim with Allstate involves several steps, from reporting your accident to potentially negotiating a fair settlement. You may be able to handle the process alone, but working with an experienced car accident attorney can help improve your chances of recovering a higher settlement.
If you have been injured in an accident, do not hesitate to seek guidance to protect your interests. Schedule a free consultation today.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer from Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today. We have five convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
252-397-7400
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
919-459-7855
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
919-759-6963
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
910-910-1860
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
252-397-0134
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
704-781-7980
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
336-395-5349
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
919-925-6039
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
910-387-0861
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
910-889-3926
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-396-6310
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529