Dealing with an insurance company after a car accident in Seattle, Washington, can be frustrating. The insurance company’s interests and your interests are often in conflict. You want to receive compensation for all losses and damages. However, the insurance company wants to avoid paying a large claim.
Knowing what to do after a Seattle car crash and how to file Allstate auto claims can help you protect your rights. Keep reading to learn about your rights as a policyholder and a Washington driver under Allstate’s policies.
Steps To Take Immediately After a Car Accident in Seattle, WA
Ensuring safety, seeking medical attention, and contacting law enforcement officials are typical steps to take after a Seattle car accident. Washington law requires drivers to report car accidents that involve injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more.
Calling 911 after a car accident is the quickest way to report a crash and request help. If an officer states they will file a Police Traffic Collision Report, you do not need to file a Motor Vehicle Collision Report (MVCR). However, if a police officer or the 911 operator instructs you to do so, you must file an MVCR with the Washington State Police.
The easiest way to file an MVCR is online, but you can also download a copy and mail it to the Collision Records Section of the Washington State Police. Crash reports must be filed within four days of the accident.
How To File a Car Accident Claim With Allstate in Washington
Accident victims can file claims with Allstate online. Policyholders are required to notify Allstate as soon as possible if they are involved in an automobile accident. A policyholder may also use the Allstate app to report an accident. If you are not an Allstate customer and want to file a car accident claim against the at-fault driver, you can call 800-255-7828.
Information you need to gather to file an Allstate auto accident claim includes:
- Date and location of the accident
- Accident location
- Names and contact information for everyone involved in the accident
- The make, model, and year of the vehicles involved
- Name of the officer that responded and the accident report number
The information you need to file an Allstate claim can be found on the accident report. If you do not have all the information, you can begin a claim with the details you have and provide more information later.
What Will Allstate Do After a Car Accident Claim Is Filed?
When you file a car accident Allstate claim in Seattle, the company assigns an insurance adjuster for the investigation process. The adjuster will:
- Investigate the cause of the crash to determine fault
- Inspect the damage to the vehicle and/or the repair estimates
- Determine if the vehicle is a total loss or can be repaired
- Calculate the value of your accident claim based on your damages and other factors
An insurance adjuster protects the insurance company’s best interests. In other words, the adjuster’s job is to resolve claims for the least amount possible. Suppose the adjuster uncovers any evidence they believe could prove the accident victim was at fault or contributed to the cause of the accident.
In that case, they will advise the company to deny liability.
Common Reasons for Allstate Claim Denials and Delays
Numerous factors may delay a car accident settlement or result in a denial of the claim. Circumstances that could hinder your claim include, but are not limited to:
- The claimant fails to provide sufficient documentation to establish their damages, including proof of lost wages and medical records
- The company disputes liability for the accident, claiming that you caused the crash or contributed to the crash (i.e., contributory fault)
- The insurance policy does not cover the type of injury or damage sustained
- The policy was not in effect at the time of the car accident because of non-payment or other breach of contract
- You fail to seek prompt medical treatment and/or fail to follow the doctor’s instructions, leading to allegations of failure to mitigate damages
- The company alleges that you committed fraud by misrepresenting the cause of the crash or your injuries
- Failure to report the car accident to the police and obtain a police report
- Bad faith insurance tactics by the company to deliberately delay claims and/or pressure you to accept a low settlement offer
You can avoid some of these problems by reporting the accident promptly and seeking immediate medical care. Document your injuries and keep detailed records of damages.
Contact The Seattle Car Accident Lawyers at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer For More Help
Seeking prompt legal counsel from an experienced Seattle car accident lawyer is also wise. An attorney explains your legal options and helps you take steps to protect your right to a fair and just Allstate car accident settlement.
For more information, contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation. We have convenient locations in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Seattle
701 5th Ave Suite 4300A, Seattle, WA 98104
(253) 948-0250
Monday to Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Tacoma
909 A St Ste 700, Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 264-0225
Monday to Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM