If Allstate sent you a notice denying your coverage for a car accident, your next step is to notify them that you intend to file an appeal. In many cases, accident victims who receive a denial notice neglect to file an appeal and never receive compensation for an accident.
Fortunately, the personal injury attorneys at Laborde Earles can provide the advocacy and information you need to file a successful appeal. Let’s learn what you can do if Allstate denies your car accident claim.
How To Navigate the Appeal Process for a Denied Allstate Claim
According to car accident lawyers in Louisiana, the first step in appealing a denied Allstate claim is to determine why your valid claim was denied in the first place. The denial notice should outline the reason why the insurance adjuster chose to deny your claim.
Denial is often due to a lack of information about your accident or injuries. Due to time constraints, insurance companies don’t always have enough time to collect the information required to process an auto insurance claim.
Whether your claim was denied due to a lack of information or another reason, an experienced auto accident attorney can help you file an appeal. Once you’ve found a lawyer you trust, notify Allstate of your intent to appeal and give your attorney a copy of the denial letter.
The letter should describe the preferred method to notify Allstate that you intend to appeal their decision. Your attorney can use this information to ensure your appeal is filed correctly.
Information and Evidence To Include in an Appeal
Your lawyer will write a letter to Allstate explaining why they believe your claim shouldn’t have been denied. Along with the letter, they’ll attach evidence that shows you deserve fair compensation for your injuries and losses. They may include evidence such as:
- Eyewitness statements
- Police accident reports
- Photos of vehicle damage
- Photos of your injuries
- Copies of your medical records and bills
- Other relevant documents and records
If you have any of the evidence pieces mentioned above, make sure to hand them over to your lawyer. They’ll use your information to ensure the appeals process goes as smoothly as possible.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientAdditional Tips for Filing a Claim or Appeal with Allstate
The more information you can provide when filing a claim or appeal, the better your chance of receiving a quick response. To ensure your claim or appeal is effective, you should have as much of the following available as possible:
- Your Allstate insurance policy number
- Vehicle identification information (make, model, color, license plate, and registration)
- List of damages to your vehicle
- Names of all responding police officers
- Full names and complete contact information for all other people involved
- Insurance information for the other driver(s)
- Information on the other vehicles involved, including make, model, color, license plate, and what damages occurred
- Location of the accident (an intersection or the nearest street address)
Writing down a brief statement of the accident before calling to file your claim is helpful. This keeps the event fresh in your mind and ensures you don’t forget important information.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientUnderstanding the Reasons Insurance Companies Deny Claims
An insurance company may deny your claim for a variety of reasons. Louisiana has bad faith insurance claim laws that make it difficult for insurers like Allstate to deny a claim to avoid paying a settlement. As a result, the auto insurance provider must state a valid reason for the denial.
Some of the reasons Allstate may use to deny a claim include:
- Lapsed policies due to non-payment of monthly premiums
- Requesting personal injury damages not covered by the policy
- An unauthorized driver or illegal behavior, such as a DUI
- Failure to file a police report
- Delaying medical treatment
- Fraudulent or exaggerated claims
Regardless of the reasons an insurance company uses to deny a claim, it is your right to appeal that decision. An experienced attorney can help you exercise your right to initiate the appeals process and even take legal action if your appeal is ineffective.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientUnderstanding Your Policy Coverage and Policy Limits
You may be entitled to more than you think, depending on your policy coverage. According to Louisiana’s guide to auto insurance, the law requires that you carry a minimum of $15,000 bodily injury coverage for one person (up to $30,000 per accident) and $25,000 for property damage.
You may also have several additional forms of coverage, including:
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Underinsured motorist coverage
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Personal injury coverage
Full-coverage insurance includes everything and is sometimes required by lenders when there are outstanding vehicle loans on a car. If you’re confused about your insurance type, a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can answer any questions and help you file the correct type of claim.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientHow Long It Takes Allstate To Process and Settle a Claim
The time it takes Allstate to process and settle your claim depends on various factors. Some claimants may expect a response in a few days or several weeks, depending on the complexity of the accident, the evidence provided, and other factors.
According to RS 22 § 1892, Allstate Insurance must respond to your claim within 30 days. Understanding the laws and time limits that apply to your claim can be difficult. Luckily, a skilled attorney can give you a detailed estimate of how long it might take to resolve your claim.
What To Do After an Accident To Prevent a Denied Allstate Claim
You may be dazed, confused, or severely injured immediately after an accident. Knowing what to do before an accident occurs will help you make smart choices through the moments of adrenaline and confusion that often occur after a crash.
According to Allstate’s step-by-step guide on what to do after a crash, taking these actions after a motor vehicle collision can improve your chances of filing a successful claim:
- Check yourself and all passengers for injuries.
- Get out of the car and move to a safe location out of the flow of traffic.
- Call 911 to request assistance.
- Wait at the scene for help to arrive.
- Exchange information with others.
- Document the accident with pictures, videos, and notes.
Finding assistance with a claim isn’t always easy. It benefits the insurance company if you don’t file your appeal on time, so the insurer may appear helpful and concerned, but helping you is not in their best interest. A car accident or personal injury lawyer is the advisor you’ll need to file a winning claim or appeal.
Law firms have in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry, insurance claim laws and filing deadlines, and the tricks that insurance claims adjusters may employ to avoid payment on a legitimate claim. An experienced legal team can ensure you don’t fall prey to dishonest insurance tactics.
Allstate’s Auto Repair Claims Process
Allstate tries to make the auto repair claims process as simple as possible. They offer online claim submission and a customer service reporting line. Once your claim is filed, they assign it a claim number that can be used to track your claim through the system.
Assessing the damage to your vehicle is the first step of this process. Allstate offers guidance through this as you obtain repair estimates for your vehicle. Then they will evaluate your estimate and notify you when your claim receives approval or denial.
If approved, you may proceed with car repairs at a shop of your choosing or use one of the shops listed in the Allstate Good Hands Repair Network®. Allstate Insurance will pay your claim directly to the repair facility.
If you have trouble recovering compensation for your auto repair, medical bills, or other losses, a skilled lawyer can help you get the damages you’re owed. They’ll also guide you through filing an appeal if Allstate Insurance denies your initial car accident claim.
Get Effective Assistance From Our Law Firm
If you’ve suffered injuries and losses in an accident and Allstate denied your claim, you should file a request to appeal the decision immediately. You’ll also want to discuss your claim with a trusted attorney who has experience with the Allstate appeals process.
At Laborde Earles, our team understands car accidents, insurance company policies, and how to get the best results when filing an accident claim appeal. We know how important it is for you to receive proper medical treatment and follow-up care after a crash. Contact our team to schedule a free consultation and learn more about what to do if your car accident claim is denied by Allstate.
