Increase your Allstate personal injury settlement offer Injured? Lawyer up before you sign a check.

It is unwise to speak to an insurance claims adjuster or to sign any forms without first consulting a lawyer. You may be wondering how to file a personal injury claim without a lawyer, but your chance of arriving at a fair settlement amount is much higher when your claim is backed by an experienced team of aggressive personal injury lawyers. If you’re determined to settle your insurance claim without a lawyer, remember:

• Insurance company reps have a job to do: to save their employer as much money as they can.
• Expressing concern for you and your time is part of the strategy to make you feel taken care of.
• Never admit ANY degree of fault over the phone or in any conversation with an insurance adjuster or representative.
• Be polite but firm in all communications. Do your homework and avoid being rushed or taken advantage of.

Helpful tips for handling your personal injury claim on your own:

• A printed settlement check is just an offer, not a definite statement of value It’s what the insurance company would like you to settle for.
• Once you sign a settlement check, you can never pursue further compensation for your claim.
• Insurance company representatives are highly trained professionals. Everything they say is calculated and wastes your time.

When you take on an insurer you're never just dealing with one individual, you’re up against a chain of command. Insurance companies negotiate settlement offers all day every day. They have legions of professionals—including lawyers—dedicated to limiting your settlement amount.

When filing a claim with Allstate, you can expect a liability examiner to interview everyone involved in the auto accident. They will collect as much information as possible from:

• the police report
• passenger and witness statements
• photos and measurements from the scene
• researching repair estimates
• anything you say

You may be asked by an insurance adjuster to sign a medical authorization form. Do not sign any medical waivers without first consulting a lawyer. The forms normally allow the insurer complete access to your detailed medical history. They will then go looking for any previous medical issue, no matter how old or irrelevant, which could be used to dispute your claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can determine which medical records must be provided to the insurance company and when it’s appropriate to share them.

1. Be prepared

You’ll need to explain the reason for your injury claim and make specific points showing the value of your claim, including pain and suffering. Demonstrating your knowledge of the process shows the adjuster you mean business.

2. Document every penny

You can show proof of the value of your settlement by saving all of your medical bills, written repair estimates, prescription drug receipts, your car’s mileage when driving to and from the doctor, and any other related expenses. These are all expenses for which you should be reimbursed.

3. Be patient

Decide the minimum amount you’re willing to settle for and understand the adjuster will make a lowball offer. Be respectful when speaking to insurance company representatives and ask to speak to a supervisor if you feel you’re getting nowhere.

4. Know the statute of limitations

Your ability to take legal action when facing an unfair settlement offer is your only bargaining chip. If the claims process is delayed too long, your right to file a lawsuit will expire. Then you’re stuck with whatever they offer you.

5. Calculate the real value of your injury claim

Talking about the details of your claim with an attorney will help you understand the actual value of your claim. The temptation to settle quickly may be strong, but years from now you’ll regret signing away your right to further compensation. Personal injury claim costs to consider:

• Property damage
• Car rental
• Deductible
• Hospital deductible
• Non-prescription medical expenses (bandages, braces, etc.)
• Chiropractic care
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Future medical expenses
• Subrogation

Insurance companies don’t rake in tens of millions of dollars in profit each year by paying claims without a fight. They do it by digging in their heels and offering accident victims as little as possible. The attorney you choose is likely to be the most important factor in determining the amount of your settlement. We've handled Allstate, GEICO and State Farm insurance claims with success, amongst others. Many “sign and settle” law firms cooperate with insurers to speed up the process and move on to the next case. Warshafsky lawyers, on the other hand, prepare every case to win at trial, and insurance companies know this.

Free Case Appraisal