If Allstate sent you a notice denying your coverage for a car accident, your next step is to notify them that you intend to appeal. Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons. Sending a claim denial does two things for them.
First, it allows them to conform to Louisiana law, per RS 22 § 1892, which states they must respond within 30 days. Second, it puts pressure on policyholders to file an appeal. In many cases, people neglect to file an appeal and never receive compensation for an accident.
Allstate Denied Your Claim – Your Next Steps
Determine why your claim was denied. The denial notice should outline the reason Allstate denied your initial claim. The statement should also describe the preferred method to notify Allstate that you intend to appeal their decision. Before you put the notice down, notify Allstate of your intent.
In many instances, the denial is 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 a claim.
Finding assistance with a claim isn’t always easy. It benefits the insurance company if you don’t file your appeal on time. They may appear helpful and concerned, but helping you is not in their best interest. A car accident or personal injury lawyer helping with an appeal can be beneficial.
Law firms know the insurance industry, the laws and filing deadlines, and the tricks that insurance claims adjusters may deploy to avoid payment on a legitimate claim.
For a free legal consultation, call (337) 777-7777
Understanding Your Policy Coverage and Policy Limits
Depending on your policy coverage, you may be entitled to much more than you think. In Louisiana, 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.
Additional coverage you may have:
- 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.
Understanding the Reasons Insurance Companies Deny Claims
Insurance companies may deny your claim for various reasons. The law regarding bad faith practices in Louisiana makes it difficult for them to deny every claim just to deny them. The insurance company 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 damages not covered on 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.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Important Tips for Filing a Claim with Allstate
The more information you can provide when filing a claim, the better your chance of receiving a quick response. When you file your claim, you should have as much of the following available as possible:
- Your 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
- Police report (you may have to wait to receive this)
- 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
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- Location of the accident (an intersection or the nearest street address)
- Pictures or videos you captured on your cell phone
It is helpful to write down a brief statement of the accident before calling to file your claim. This keeps the event fresh in your mind and ensures that you don’t forget important pieces of information.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
What to Do After an Accident
Immediately after an accident, you may be dazed, confused, or severely injured. Knowing what to do before an accident will help you function through this period of adrenaline and confusion. Allstate recommends the following actions after an accident:
- 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.
Allstate offers an online form to help you keep track of pertinent information.
Allstate’s Auto Repair Claims Process
Allstate tries to make the claims process simple. They offer online claim submission or a customer service reporting line. Once your claim is filed, they assign it a claim number that is useful in tracking your claim through the system.
Assessing the damage is the first step. 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 will pay your claim directly to the repair facility.
If your accident resulted in severe injuries, it might benefit you to seek the advice of a car accident lawyer to ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve.
How a Car Accident Law Firm Can Help
If you have physical injuries and Allstate denied your claim, you should file a request to appeal the decision immediately. It is also helpful to discuss your accident with a law firm specializing in car accidents and personal injury.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our team understands car accidents, insurance 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. Contact our team to receive your free case evaluation and assistance filing your appeal with Allstate.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
