How To File A Car Accident Claim With Allstate In Oregon

Posted on May 6, 2020 in Car Accident

Allstate is a popular and well-known insurance carrier and provides various types of coverage for consumers. Most people probably think of the numerous Allstate commercials that depict frightening scenarios that can occur and how the company will help. The phrase, “You’re in good hands” may be synonymous with the company, but is this that really the case? If you or a loved one have been involved in a collision, you need to know how to file a car accident claim with Allstate in Oregon.

Filing your initial claim

Perhaps the easiest part of any car accident process is filing the initial claim after the incident occurs. When working with Allstate, you can file a claim online, using the Allstate mobile app, or calling the claims line 24/7. The initial claim is not the time to go into detail. In fact, you may not even know the full extent of your injuries or property damage at this point. What is important is that you file a claim relatively quickly after an accident occurs, preferably within the same day.

Gather as much information as possible

While you are at the scene of the crash, try to gather as much information as possible. Use a smartphone to take pictures of everything, including damage to all vehicles, possible causes of the crash, and any injuries involved. The claims adjuster will not see the vehicle or discuss injuries until days after the crash, so preserving the evidence is vital. The more information and documentation you have, the better prepared you will be to negotiate for a higher settlement.

Be prepared for a tough negotiation

Allstate is going to send a claims adjuster to investigate the incident. They will examine your vehicle to make their own determination as to how much property damage you incur. The claims adjuster will also talk to you about the incident. As friendly as the claims adjuster may seem, please understand that these individuals are not your friend. They work for Allstate, and their goal is to get you to accept as low of a settlement offer as possible. Stick to one story about the accident, no matter how many times the claims adjuster calls you. If you deviate from your story, Allstate will use this as a reason to offer a lower settlement amount.

Do not take a low settlement offer

Allstate is going to make you a settlement offer fairly quickly after the accident occurs. For those who have just been through an accident, an early settlement may be an enticing offer. However, please understand that initial settlement offers are usually well below what you should be receiving in a settlement. Initial settlement offers often low-ball the total property damage and they usually do not take into account how much your total medical bills will be. Never accept an initial settlement, and never settle a claim until you know the full extent of your injuries.

Speak to an attorney

You may need to secure an Oregon car accident attorney to help with your Allstate insurance claim. An attorney will help you properly calculate your total losses and will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance carrier. This will prevent you from saying anything that could jeopardize your claim. Insurance carriers like Allstate do not want to deal with attorneys. They would rather deal with individuals who do not understand the claims process. However, a skilled attorney will understand the value of your case and will maximize the compensation you receive.