What are the Necessary Steps to File an Insurance Claim for a Car Accident?

You might think that you should file your insurance claim with Allstate immediately after the auto accident, which is not always the case. While it is helpful to file your claim in a timely manner, it is important that you first take the time that is necessary to gather key evidence and information about the car accident. When you reach out to the insurance company, the agent you speak with, or the virtual claims process, will ask you a variety of different questions about the motor vehicle collision. Prior to filing your claim, collecting the following evidence will help you provide answers that will support your claim:

• The location where the car crash occurred, or the closest intersection or mile marker if an exact address is unavailable
• The exact time that the motor vehicle collision happened
• The conditions of the road, and also the weather, at the time the accident occurred
• The police report number
• The name and identifying information of any police officers who responded to the scene of the accident
• The contact information of all drivers involved in the accident
• The VIN and insurance information for all vehicles, including heavy vehicles involved in the accident
• Photographs and video evidence of the crash scene and vehicle damage, before the vehicles are moved from the scene, if safe to do so
• A written description of the events leading up to the car accident from your perspective

When you approach the car insurance claims process, it is helpful to have as much information available as possible to support your claim. You will only be able to collect compensation for damages that you can prove with evidence, so it is important to present a well-supported claim to the insurance company. Working with a San Antonio car accident lawyer will provide you with help through every step of the car crash, truck collision, or 18-wheeler crash process of filing your Allstate Insurance claims, which includes a crash investigation.

Strategies to File an Allstate Insurance Claim

Drivers who are Allstate Insurance policyholders are required to promptly report their accident as soon as possible afterward. Reporting an accident is different from filing an insurance claim, and the two should not be confused. In fact, prompt reporting of your accident can result in a smoother claims process overall. As drivers wait longer after the accident to file, it becomes more difficult for all parties involved, Allstate Insurance included, to investigate the accident. To begin the filing of your Allstate Insurance claim, take one of the three following steps:

1. Call Allstate Insurance at 1-800-ALLSTATE (1-800-255-7828). You are able to call this number at any time, 24/7, to connect with Allstate Insurance through a representative to begin the claims filing process. This number can also be used to report your car accident, or to file a claim, even if you are not a policyholder of Allstate Insurance but the at-fault driver was. It is also helpful to begin by looking over the Allstate claims FAQ page to prepare for your conversation with their representative.
2. Go online to file your claim. Allstate Insurance policyholders are able to file accident claims through the My Account page on Allstate’s website. You’ll need to create an account or log in if you already have one, then follow the prompts to complete the steps necessary to file a claim.
3. Go onto your smartphone and download the Allstate app. The mobile app provided by Allstate Insurance allows you to file a claim easily through your smartphone, as you are able to upload documents and photos directly from your phone. The app also comes with 24/7 tools, including roadside assistance, as well as access to the digital version of your insurance ID cards.

Once you have filed a claim with Allstate, you will be provided with a claim number so that you will be able to track your progress. After you’ve filed and received a claim number, Allstate will then begin to investigate the car collision, and you may be contacted by their representatives for additional information. It can take many weeks for your claim investigation and damage assessment processes to be completed, which will vary depending on the unique facts and circumstances of your accident. If Allstate finds that your claim provides sufficient grounds for approval, they will present you with a settlement offer. If Allstate denies your claim, you have the right under Texas law to take them to court to pursue compensation for the costs and damages associated with your car accident.

Connect with an Attorney for Help with Your Allstate Claim

While you might think that the insurance company works for injured persons, that is not the case. Insurance companies work for profit and will do whatever they can to reduce or deny payments to injured persons, as those are the main cost to insurance providers. Consider the following FAQs to learn more about how your car accident compensation is measured and claimed.

Connect with a Car Accident Lawyer for Help with Your Allstate Claim

The sooner you reach out to an attorney after your accident, the sooner we will take over the insurance claims process for you if we are able to take your case. Your initial case consultation is free, and if we take your case, we only get paid if we win. Reach out to Cesar Ornelas Injury Law now to learn more about how we can help. Visit our site to schedule your free consultation, or give us a call at (855) 594-3878.