Ryan Bradley | May 11, 2022 | Car Accident
If another driver causes your car accident in Missouri, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance coverage. You could also file a lawsuit seeking damages if the insurance company refuses to settle the claim.
Missouri requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. The minimum coverage for auto insurance is:
- $25,000 in coverage for bodily injury to one person
- $50,000 in coverage for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in coverage for damage to property per accident
- $25,000 ($50,000 per accident) uninsured motorist coverage
Numerous companies offer car insurance coverage in Missouri, including Allstate. Knowing how to file a car accident claim with Allstate can improve your chance of recovering fair compensation for damages.
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Steps for Filing a Car Accident Claim with Allstate for a Kansas City Accident
All insurance companies try to limit liability for car accident claims, including Allstate. Therefore, we suggest the following steps for filing a car accident claim with Allstate:
Report the Car Accident to the Police
Call 911 to report the car crash and request EMS assistance. While waiting for the police to arrive, document the accident scene by making a video and taking pictures. Also, ask witnesses for their contact information.
Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident. Allstate uses statements by drivers to shift the blame for the car accident to the victim. Under Missouri’s contributory fault laws, your compensation could be decreased if your conduct contributed to the cause of your accident.
Seek Medical Treatment for Car Accident Injuries
Do not state at the accident scene that you are not injured, or you think you are “okay.” Instead, seek prompt medical care after the crash. The shock of the crash can mask some injury symptoms.
You have the burden of proving that the car accident caused your injuries. Therefore, you want to document your injuries as soon as possible. Failing to seek prompt medical treatment can also result in allegations of failure to mitigate damages.
File an Insurance Claim with Allstate
As soon as possible, notify Allstate of your claim. Preferably, you should contact the insurance company within a day of the car crash. You can file insurance claims with Allstate online or by calling 1-800-ALLSTATE.
Seek Legal Advice Before Talking to an Insurance Claims Adjuster
Be cautious when discussing the claim with the insurance company. It is best to seek legal advice before answering questions about the car accident or providing a written or recorded statement.
You can file a claim with the basic information about the car crash without giving detailed information. The information you need to file an Allstate claim includes:
- Date of the car accident
- Location of the accident
- Names of each of the drivers involved in the crash
- Name of the insurance policyholder
- Insurance policy number
You should be able to find all the information you need to file an Allstate claim on the car accident report. Even if you do not have the other driver’s policy number, the company should be able to locate the policy with the driver’s and address, which are on the accident report.
Tips for Maximizing Recovery for an Allstate Insurance Claim in Kansas City
Dealing with an insurance company can be frustrating. You deserve fair compensation for your injuries and damages, but the insurance provider refuses to negotiate a fair settlement. Instead of paying you what you deserve, the company tries to undervalue your damages.
Tips that can help you protect your right to fair compensation for an Allstate insurance claim include:
- Never admit fault for the cause of a traffic accident
- Do not discuss the car accident with anyone other than the police officers investigating the crash and your attorney
- Report the car accident to Allstate promptly
- Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries
- Document your damages by keeping detailed records, receipts, bills, invoices, medical records, and statements
- Do not agree to a recorded or written statement without legal representation
- Do not sign documents for the insurance company until your attorney reviews the documents
- Never give your consent for the insurance company to access your medical records after a car accident
- Provide sufficient information to prove the extent of your injuries and your economic damages
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep all medical appointments
- Avoid using social media, especially posting medical updates or details of the car accident
Allstate may make an initial settlement offer before you have the chance to speak with an attorney or complete medical treatment. However, most initial settlement offers are not for the full value of your injury claim. Therefore, it is not wise to accept a settlement offer without legal advice.
Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, so you can talk with a lawyer about your car accident before you sign documents, provide statements, or accept a settlement offer.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today
For more information, please contact Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.
St. Louis Office
1430 Washington Ave Suite #226 St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 400-0000
Kansas City Office
1509 NE Parvin Rd, Suite A., Kansas City, MO 64116
(816) 408-3448
Or if you would prefer to reach out to us online, please visit our contact us page.