Matthew Mincone | March 5, 2025 | Car Accident
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury and wrongful death claims. Insurance companies pay most car accident claims.
Allstate is one of the largest auto insurance companies in the United States. If you are in a car accident, it is likely that you or another involved driver may have coverage with Allstate. We can answer your questions on how to file a car accident claim with Allstate.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident Involving an Allstate-Insured Driver
Below are step-by-step instructions for handling Allstate insurance claims arising from car accidents. Treat them as general guidelines, not ironclad rules.
Step 1: Call 911 and Remain at the Scene of the Accident
Leaving the scene of an accident is against the law in Florida for all but the most minor of accidents (no injuries and under $500 in damages). If you were one of the drivers, exchange contact numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with the other driver. By calling the police, you will also be able to access a copy of any accident reports that they make.
Step 2: Photograph Evidence
Photograph anything that might be relevant including:
- The position of the cars on the road immediately following the accident;
- Skid marks;
- Injuries and property damage;
- Road conditions;
- The sky, if inclement weather was a factor in the accident;
- The other driver’s license plate and driver’s license (if you can get it).
- Contact details of any witnesses.
Photograph anything else that might serve as evidence.
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention
Medical records are some of the most credible possible evidence. They are also how you prove that your injuries are serious enough to justify a settlement for your insurance claim or filing a lawsuit for full personal injury damages.
Step 4: Hire a Lawyer and File a Claim with Allstate
Before filing a claim, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer. Your insurance policy likely requires you to notify them of an accident soon after it happens. Give them only minimal details until after you contact a lawyer. There are multiple ways for you to file a claim with Allstate.
To make a claim over the phone, you can call the Allstate claims number (1-800-ALLSTATE). It is important to take notes during the call including who you are speaking to as you will not have a written record of what is said.
To submit a claim online, you can go to the Allstate website or use the Allstate mobile app. It’s crucial to file your claim quickly due to Allstate’s strict deadlines, which often require claims to be filed within days or weeks of the accident. If you miss the deadline, Allstate will likely deny the benefits you’re entitled to.
Step 5: Send a Demand Letter to Allstate
If you are injured, it is likely that your own insurance will compensate you for your injuries under Florida’s No-Fault Law. However, if you have maxed out your coverage, and the other driver is at fault, then you will want to make a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. If you have a lawyer, have them write a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company, including Allstate if applicable.
The demand letter should include the following items:
- A brief statement identifying yourself, the accident, and the letter’s purpose.
- A description of the accident.
- An explanation of why the other party is at fault
- A description of your injuries and medical treatment.
- An Itemized list of your medical expenses, lost income, estimated lost future earnings, pain and suffering, property damage, and other damages.
- A demand for a specific dollar amount of money.
- Deadline for a response.
- A polite and professional closing statement.
Include documentation such as medical records, photos of the accident, etc.
Step 6: Begin Settlement Negotiations
Remember that insurance adjusters are professional negotiators. So are personal injury lawyers. Your best bet is to ask Allstate to communicate only with your lawyer and let your lawyer negotiate with them.
Step 7: Consider Filing a Lawsuit If Negotiations Stall
Under Florida law, you only have two years to file a lawsuit for most personal injury accidents. If negotiations are stalling, and the deadline is approaching, it is in your best interest to file a lawsuit against Allstate to preserve your case.
In addition, each lawsuit has a discovery phase where all parties are required to share information regarding their claims. Discovery allows you to collect more evidence that you may not already have.
Trials can be lengthy and expensive. While the lawsuit against Allstate is pending, you can always agree to a settlement or a mediation to make the process quicker.
You Need a Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Allstate Claim
Allstate is a profit-seeking enterprise, and it does not profit by paying out claims. It is in your interest to negotiate a generous claim, while it is in their interest to minimize your claim or deny it altogether.
Contact the Tampa Car Accident Lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers is a Tampa, FL personal injury law firm that will help you negotiate with Allstate and ensure you get the recovery you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation regarding your Allstate insurance claim.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County and its surrounding areas:
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers
1925 E 6th Ave Ste 10
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 800-0810
About The Author
Attorney Matthew Mincone is the founder of Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers. He earned his law degree while attending night programs in New York and is licensed to practice in Florida and New York. With over 15 years of legal experience, Matthew focuses on personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents involving cars, commercial trucks, and motorcycles. His commitment to personally handling each case ensures clients receive dedicated representation. Click here to view some of the remarkable case results that Matthew has successfully achieved.
Location: Tampa, FL
