Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers | April 15, 2025 | Car Accidents
Car accidents are among the most common causes of personal injury claims, and Allstate is one of the largest US auto insurance companies. If you have been involved in a car accident that you believe was the fault of an Allstate-insured driver, you need to know how to file a third-party claim with Allstate.
First-Party Claims vs. Third-Party Claims
In a first-party claim, you file a claim against your own insurance policy. In a hit-and-run accident, for example, you might file a claim against your uninsured motorist policy. In a third-party claim, you would file your claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy.
Even though you are not a party to this policy, you can still qualify for benefits as a third party. Most personal injury car accident claims are third-party claims.
What To Do After an Accident With an Allstate-Insured Driver
Remain at the scene of the accident unless it is dangerous to remain or you need to be rushed to the hospital. Your first priorities are to move the cars off the road or warn oncoming drivers to avoid a second accident and to perform any necessary emergency first aid.
Take Photos
Use your mobile phone to photograph anything that might help you win your claim, such as:
- The other driver;
- All vehicles involved in the accident, focusing on any property damage;
- The wounds of anyone hurt in the accident;
- Your own wounds;
- The other driver’s car and license plate;
- The sky, if the weather might have been a factor in the accident;
- Skid marks;
- The position of the cars on the road immediately after the accident;
- The intersection where the accident occurred;
- The road, if road conditions might have caused the accident.
Photograph anything you think you might need. It is better to photograph too much than not enough.
Gather Critical Information
Gather the following information at the scene of the accident:
- The name, contact details, and insurance policy details of the at-fault driver(s).
- The names and contact details of any witnesses, including passengers in either vehicle.
Write down the story of the accident while your memory is still fresh.
Get Medical Attention
Some injuries don’t produce immediate symptoms. Accordingly, go to the hospital to get checked or set up an appointment with your doctor right away, even if you don’t believe you are injured.
Failure to seek prompt medical attention can make it more difficult to seek compensation later. The insurance company is sure to say that the accident is not what caused your injuries.
Report Your Claim to Allstate
If you have a first-party claim, report your claim as instructed in your policy. If you have a third-party claim, you can:
- Call Allstate’s claims number at 1-800-255-7828; or
- Go to Allstate’s claims page.
Prepare the following information in advance:
- The Allstate policyholder’s name and policy number (which you should have obtained at the scene of the accident);
- Your name and contact information;
- Vehicle information, including your VIN; and
- A clear description of the accident.
Do not admit fault, even if you believe the accident was your fault.
Send a Formal Demand Letter
Send a formal demand letter with a detailed report of your injuries, your medical expenses, vehicle damage, your lost wages, and your pain and suffering. Include copies of your medical bills, car repair estimates, wage statements, and the police report.
Negotiate Your Claim With the Allstate Adjuster
Negotiation is a skill that almost all insurance adjusters possess. After all, negotiation is a large part of what they do for a living. Even if you are a skilled negotiator yourself, you probably lack the knowledge of California personal injury law that you will need to maximize the value of your claim. Your best bet is to hire a lawyer to negotiate for you.
Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer Today
You probably don’t need a lawyer for a minor fender-bender. If you suffered an injury or extensive damage to your car, however, you probably do need a lawyer. An experienced car accident lawyer can negotiate your claim for you. They know the negotiating tricks an insurance adjuster might try, and they will not fall for them.
Most of all, you don’t need to worry about “billable hours.” Almost all reputable personal injury lawyers use the contingency fee system, which means you only pay attorney’s fees if you win.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers of Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers in San Diego, CA, for Help Today
For more information, contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We proudly serve San Diego County and its surrounding areas:
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
835 5th Avenue #302, San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 551-2090
Available 24/7
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – La Jolla Office
4660 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 585-9031
Available 24/7
