The Allstate Corporation is one of the most prolific insurance options for consumers. It reported $51 billion in revenue in 2021, with about 16 million customers and more than 175 million policies. The other driver will likely have an Allstate policy if you’re in a car accident.
Although a WalletHub survey found that the company does a decent job of paying out claims, what does it take to get the money you need and deserve after an accident with an Allstate policyholder? Explore what affects payouts and how to file a third-party claim for your best chance at compensation.
Allstate is one of the largest insurance companies in the market. Their size and success may imply that you’d truly be in “good hands” as their motto suggests, but you may struggle to get an acceptable settlement from them.
Over the last few years, Allstate has been accused of using bad faith tactics to deny third-party claims. Some parties have filed lawsuits against the company accusing them of:
Getting an accurate settlement offer that covers your true expenses and losses from Allstate can be challenging because the company uses software to calculate personal injury values.
Colossus was created in the 1990s and is used by several insurance companies. The software evaluates cases using terms selected and inputted by claims adjusters. These terms come from the claims filed and the victims’ medical records. They’re assigned points, and the points will determine the offer made to the victim.
The software can also analyze the attorneys involved in claimants’ cases. It will identify attorneys who do not typically file a suit and will settle for the best offer they receive without fighting it. Adjusters will work to game the system, selecting the combination of injury codes to keep payouts low, and offer lowball settlements to lawyers who won’t fight them.
Finding an attorney who has dealt with Colossus and Allstate can benefit you. They will understand how to combat these underhanded practices while ensuring you have a solid case to recover compensation.
Besides dealing with Colossus, you will also need to find a way to succeed in your lawsuit. Allstate’s claims process can be complex. The agent working on your claim will examine every detail to find a reason to deny your claim or offer a lower amount than you need.
They may attempt to misdirect you or persuade you to ditch your efforts. They might tell you their client wasn’t at fault, the crash didn’t cause your injuries, your injuries don’t warrant compensation, they can only offer you so much for your damages, or that litigation won’t help your case.
Because Illinois is an “at-fault” insurance state, you can file a third-party claim directly against the driver’s insurance company if they’ve caused a crash. You can also file a lawsuit against them. You should work with an attorney who can explain the at-fault driver’s liability policy with Allstate to succeed in a third-party claim.
Your attorney will be able to assess your injuries and damages and work with an Allstate representative to calculate your total losses accurately. They should understand what terms Colossus will include for an accurate settlement offer for your case. Your lawyer can also ensure you have the proper forms. Your attorney should be prepared to take your claim to court if Allstate gives you a lowball settlement. Your lawyer will also be able to help you with a denied claim.
You should have evidence to prove the driver insured by Allstate caused the crash. You can use police reports, photographs from the scene, or eyewitness statements. To show the extent of your injuries, you can use statements from medical providers, your medical records, or prescriptions. Any auto repair bills will be useful for proving any property damage.
After a car accident, you could be facing a long road to recovery, especially if you can’t work because of your injuries. You need the help of an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer. The team at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. are ready to hear your case and help you.
Allstate Insurance will be able to use its resources to try and force you to take a low settlement, or stall your case until you relent or give up. We understand how traumatic car accidents are and want to protect you and your loved ones. Call Staver for help.
Reach us at (312) 736-0734 or use our online form to schedule your consultation.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
