Involved in an accident?
Why are some insurance companies telling you
"You don't need a lawyer?"

Asking the same question are the states of New York, West Virginia, and Connecticut. And, they are taking action against one insurance company, Allstate, for letters being sent to people injured by Allstate policyholders. Various consumers groups are also coordinating their own efforts to stop Allstate from sending the letters.

What is Allstate doing?

Allstate is under fire for sending misleading and deceptive letters to unsuspecting victims involved in accidents with Allstate policyholders. Allstate calls the letter their "Customer Service Pledge" letter.

In the letter you will find:

• a statement by Allstate that they will treat you as a "customer" who is entitled to quality customer service, just for being involved in an accident with an Allstate policyholder
  
• a copy of their "Customer Service Pledge" in which they promise to explain the claim process, answer your questions, and keep you informed about the status of the claim
  
• a pledge for a quick and fair investigation
  
• a pledge to make an "appropriate offer" of compensation to you for any injuries you may have suffered
  
• a "Do I Need an Attorney" form which provides basic information about the role of attorneys in the claims process, specifically telling you that claims handled without lawyers are generally settled more quickly than those where attorneys are involved.

What they don't tell you: according to Allstate's own claim manual, people represented by an attorney settle their claims for two or three times more than people who do not have lawyers!

Beware: Other insurance companies such as CNA, Liberty Mutual, and Progressive Insurance are following Allstate's example in discouraging attorney representation.

If you are involved in a car wreck and need someone on your side, the attorneys at Brown & Szaller have decades of experience working with insurance companies. We can protect your interests.