How to File A Car Accident Claim with Safeco (Liberty Mutual)

When it comes to car accidents, Washington follows a fault-based insurance system. This means that the at-fault driver must pay for the damages of the other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians injured in the crash.

You have three options to seek compensation if you are a car accident victim: a personal injury lawsuit, a claim under your own insurance policy, and a third-party insurance claim. For more information, always contact a qualified and local car accident lawyer before you speak to the insurance company. If the at-fault driver in your crash is a Safeco policyholder, you can take the following steps to file your claim.

Filing a Car Accident Claim with Safeco (Liberty Mutual)

Safeco Insurance and Liberty Mutual are interconnected companies. Safeco is a member of the Liberty Mutual Group, but these companies operate as separate entities. As a result, they follow similar but separate procedures for handling insurance claims.

To file a car accident claim with Safeco, you will need to take the following steps.

• File your claim online on the Safeco website. You will need to know the at-fault driver’s policy number to initiate the claim.
• Safeco will assign an adjuster to your case who will investigate the accident. He or she may contact you for additional information and schedule a vehicle inspection.
• After investigating your accident, the adjuster will issue a decision in your case. If your claim is successful, he or she will provide a settlement offer. You can choose to accept, negotiate, or deny the offer.

Your Options After a Liberty Mutual Claim Denial

A Safeco adjuster may deny an insurance claim based on a lack of evidence, unclear liability, and many other reasons that cast doubt on the credibility and viability of the claim. If the adjuster denies your claim, you have two options for reversing the decision.

• You can file an appeal with Safeco.
• You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in civil court.

The appeals process is similar to the insurance claim. Adjusters will examine the facts of your case and determine whether or not you deserve compensation. The lawsuit process, on the other hand, involves presenting your evidence in front of a judge who will determine your eligibility and the settlement amount you should receive. However, many lawsuits settle out of the courtroom during pre-trial negotiations, so you may not need to enter a trial.

How to Protect Yourself During the Insurance Process

When filing a Safeco claim, it is important to remember that the insurance company has separate goals from your own. It is not in the company’s best interests to provide a maximum payout, and the adjuster may use certain pieces of information to justify a lower settlement. In some cases, the company may deny your claim outright.

He or she will act as an advocate during each stage of your claim, providing the following benefits.

• Negotiating with insurance adjusters on your behalf
• Guiding you through each stage of the process so you know how to prepare
• Independently evaluating your damages and creating an estimated settlement amount
• Evaluating any offers you receive to avoid insufficient compensation
• Explaining your options after a denial and advising you on whether an appeal or lawsuit is appropriate for your claim

Hiring a Seattle personal injury attorney is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your best interests during the insurance process. If you have not done so already, contact your lawyer immediately after seeking medical attention to discuss your legal options and initiate your claim.

Additional Information:

• 10 Things to Know When You’re Dealing with Insurance Companies After an Accident