Chicago Progressive Insurance Car Accident Settlement Lawyer

The car accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC have years of experience litigating major insurance companies, including the Progressive Insurance Corporation.

Our legal team stands beside our injured clients to ensure they are adequately compensated for their damages. We have successfully resolved hundreds of auto injury claims and are ready to handle your case.

Contact our personal injury law firm today at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We accept all personal injury and wrongful death claims involving auto accidents through contingency fee agreements.

We will postpone payment of our legal services until after your case is resolved through a negotiated settlement or jury trial award. If we cannot secure financial compensation on your behalf, you owe us nothing.

Background on Progressive Insurance

Founded in Mayfield, Ohio 1937, Progressive has remained in the top ten big insurance companies after GEICO, State Farm, and Allstate insurance companies. They provide numerous products in different categories, including insurance, product liability, maritime disputes, corporate governance, employment, and labor insurance.

Worth billions of dollars, the company generates over $20 billion every year in premiums and pays out millions to victims injured by Progressive policyholders.

The company remains a market leader in the United States insurance industry in automobile insurance specializing in passenger vehicles, trucks, boats, motorcycles, and other recreational vehicles.

Progressive also provides auto insurance coverage solutions for commercial vehicles, including company trucks, vans, and cars.

Progressive Insurance Auto Accident Settlement Statistics

The average auto accident settlement with Progressive is $17,000.00. However, the amount that you may receive for your personal injury claim will depend on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the number of medical expenses you have incurred, whether you were able to return to work, and the impact of the accident on your life.

Auto accident victims who hire an attorney receive settlements three times what they would have received if they had not hired a personal injury lawyer.

Progressive is one of the most challenging car insurance companies to work with after an accident. They are known for their aggressive tactics in minimizing the amount of money they have to pay out on claims.

Progressive Auto Insurance Coverage

Progressive car insurance policies offer various types of coverage to their policyholders, including:

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you're in an accident with someone who doesn't have auto insurance.

Your uninsured motorist coverage will pay for your damages, including medical expenses, car repairs, and lost wages if they're at fault.

Most states require drivers to have this coverage, but the amount varies. You can purchase more coverage if you want, which is typically a good idea if you live in an area with many uninsured drivers.

If you've been in a car wreck with an uninsured motorist, you may file an uninsured motorist claim with Progressive.

Collision Coverage

This type of coverage pays for damages to your vehicle if you are involved in an accident. It can also cover you if your car is damaged by something other than another vehicle, such as a tree or a piece of debris.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage pays for damages to your vehicle caused by something unrelated to a car crash, including damage from a fire, theft, or vandalism.

Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection covers your medical bills if you are injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

Progressive Is Known for Under-Valuing Bodily Injury Claims

Like most insurance companies, the Progressive Corporation is a for-profit corporation that must maintain a specific profitability level to keep its shareholders happy. To do that, they provide incentives to Progressive claims adjusters to settle personal injury cases for victims of auto accidents for significantly less than the fair value of the case.

Resolving a claim for less than what it is worth can generate profits for the company at the victims' expense. Unfortunately, all insurance companies, including Progressive, have extensive experience negotiating settlements every day.

Their experience is significantly different from an average victim who rarely, if ever, goes through the claims process to obtain fair compensation for their damages.

Since the insurance company follows proven strategies and tactics to determine the claim's value, including using the infamous Colossus computer algorithm, they follow a specific protocol in deciding what every bodily injury case is worth, including yours.

To successfully resolve your auto injury case for fair value, you will need to be diligent in proving the other driver’s responsibility for the crash.

A Car Accident and Receiving a Progressive Settlement Check

A car crash can be a very frightening experience. You may be injured, your car may be damaged, and you may incur expensive repairs.

If the other driver was at fault in the accident, their insurance company would likely be responsible for your damages.

A settlement check from Progressive for a car crash is typically mailed out about four to six weeks after the claim is fully settled.

The exact time frame depends on the accident's state and the insurance company's internal processing times.

If you have any questions about your settlement status, you can contact your Progressive Insurance agent or customer service representative.

Taking the First Step to Resolve an Auto Insurance Claim

An auto accident claim is filed with an insurance company for compensation after a car crash.

Most injured car accident victims are overwhelmed by filing and resolving personal injury claims and instead turn to experienced personal injury lawyers to handle their cases.

A car accident lawyer authorized to practice in the state where the accident occurred will gather evidence and facts involving the case that might include:

• The filed police report that was written at the scene of the accident
• Past and present medical records that identify new injuries caused in the crash
• Bills involved in the collision included medical bills and lost wages due to time away from work
• Testimony from medical and legal expert witnesses who can prove the extent of the victim's injuries and who is at fault for causing the accident
• Photographic evidence from the accident scene and property damage
• Eyewitness accounts from those who witnessed when the accident happened
• Evidence acquired from all vehicles involved in the crash, including the other driver's car
• Valuation tools such as the per diem, also known as the daily rate and the multiplier method, are used to determine the value of the victim's non-tangible damages, including pain, suffering, mental anguish, and emotional stress

Filing a car accident claim can be complex and time-consuming, so it is vital to understand the different steps involved. Additionally, it's essential to keep medical bills receipts organized to support your auto insurance lawsuit

What Progressive May Need to Process Your Car Crash Claim and Determine Liability

To process your claim and determine liability, Progressive will need the following information about your car crash:

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Details about the other drivers involved, including their name, contact information, and insurance information
• A police report, if available
• Photos of the damage to both vehicles
• Your version of events leading up to the accident
• Any witnesses to the accident and their contact information

Your Insurance Company Compensation in a Car Crash

When you are involved in a car crash, you can do a few things to help boost your compensation.

First, get the contact information of any witnesses at the scene to help support your version of events if there is a dispute later on.

Second, take pictures of any damage to both vehicles involved and any injuries you may have to strengthen your case.

Finally, get the other driver's contact information involved in the accident.

The Progressive Insurance Adjusters

The adjuster or insurer will probably ask that you provide an oral or written statement to tell your side of the story. Our attorneys advise you never to speak to anyone, including Progressive or their insurance adjuster, without first consulting with your attorney.

Many insurance carriers will use the information you provide as a weapon against you to diminish your case's value or deny your claim outright. Let your attorneys handle the defendant, the defendant's attorneys, the insurance company, and others who need the information to settle your personal injury case.

Don't Accept the Settlement Offer

An insurance carrier will use one of the essential tactics to offer a quick personal injury settlement to resolve and close your personal injury case.

However, our Chicago attorneys advise you not to accept the initial settlement offer but instead seek out legal representation to help you determine your case's real value.

In the days following the accident, you are likely unaware of the extent of your damages, including how severe your injuries are and what will be required to restore your health.

Ensure that you receive proper medical care to determine your case's actual value before discussing a settlement amount. Your attorney can help you get proper medical attention without the need to pay out-of-pocket for your care.

Types of Damages You Can Recover From Progressive After a Car Accident

The three main types of damages that you can recover from Progressive are:

• Economic damages have a specific monetary value attached to them, including things like medical bills, property damage, and lost income
• Non-economic damages do not have a specific monetary value and include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for their actions and to deter future recurrence.

How to Avoid Progressive Insurance Adjusters' Tactics

Here are three common practices to be aware of:

• The first tactic used by some insurance adjusters is called "lowballing when the adjuster offers you a settlement that is much lower than what your claim is actually worth.
  If you are not familiar with the value of your claim with Progressive, you could accept a low settlement offer and lose out on the money you are entitled to.
• Another common tactic is called ‘bait and switch,’ where the adjuster tries to get you to settle for less than what you deserve by promising a certain amount of money but then changing the offer once you have agreed.
• The last tactic that some insurance adjusters use is called "stonewalling. The adjuster can refuse to negotiate in good faith or provide information you need to make a fair settlement, which can be frustrating and delay settling your claim with Progressive.

Progressive uses an adjuster to determine how much you should receive after an accident like other insurance companies. The company's website even offers a tool to help you estimate how much you might get.

However, when settling your claim, you might find that the company's offer falls far short of what you expected.

Examples of Jury Verdict Settlement Amounts Against Progressive Insurance

• In 2017, a Georgia jury awarded $3 million to a couple who was hit by an uninsured driver while insured with Progressive
• In 2020, a Progressive-insured driver hit and killed a pedestrian. A jury awarded the victim's family $1.6 million
• In October 2016, a New York jury awarded $780,000 to a woman hurt by a driver insured by Progressive
• In September 2017, a Florida jury awarded $30 million to a family whose daughter was killed by a driver insured by Progressive
• In November 2019, a jury in Missouri awarded $2 million to a man who was paralyzed after being hit by a driver insured by Progressive
• In 2019, a Wisconsin jury awarded $5 million to the family of a woman killed by a Progressive-insured driver
• In 2016, a jury in Arizona awarded $2 million to a driver insured by Progressive who was hit by an uninsured driver
• In 2018, a jury in Pennsylvania awarded $78 million to a man hurt by a driver covered by Progressive while walking across the street. The victim was rendered a quadriplegic as a result of the accident
• In 2021, a jury in Michigan awarded $3 million to a woman injured by a driver covered by Progressive while riding her bike. The victim suffered a traumatic brain injury in the accident
• Progressive paid $4 million to policyholders who had car accidents caused by one of the company's insured drivers. The settlement resolves a class-action lawsuit that accused Progressive of using unfair tactics to lowball the payouts on car accident claims

How to Avoid Delays in Your Progressive Car Accident Settlement

Here are some tips to help you avoid delays in your Progressive car collision settlement:

• Get everything in writing: Ensure you get all agreements in writing, including any oral agreements, to avoid misunderstandings and miscommunication later
• Be patient: It can be tempting to want to hurry through the settlement process, but it's essential to be patient. Rushing things can often lead to mistakes which can delay your settlement
• Keep good records: Good record-keeping is essential in any car accident case. Keep track of all medical bills, repair estimates, and other necessary documentation to help calculate your settlement correctly
• Cooperate with your insurance carrier: It's essential to cooperate with your insurance company throughout the claim process, including providing all necessary information and documentation through your Chicago lawyer
• Hire an experienced attorney: An experienced car accident attorney can help to ensure that your settlement is not delayed. They can handle all of the paperwork and negotiations, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries

What to Do If a Progressive Car Accident Settlement Is Delayed

Here are a few tips to help you cope with the delay:

• Stay in contact with your attorneys. They can give you updates on the status of your claim and let you know what to expect.
• If you're unable to work because you sustained a permanent injury, consider applying for disability benefits to help you cover living expenses incurred until you're able to return to work.
• Don't sign any release forms from Progressive or any other insurance company until you've spoken with an attorney. These forms may waive your right to sue Progressive and seek further compensation.
• Speak with a car accident attorney about your case. They can help you understand the claims process and ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you're entitled.

Dealing With a Hit-and-Run Accident in Progressive Accident Settlements

Progressive as your auto insurer offers a few different options for hit-and-run crash settlements. If the at-fault driver is found and they have insurance, Progressive will work with you to facilitate the settlement.

However, if the other driver is found but does not have insurance, Progressive will settle your settlement. Similarly, If the other driver is not found, Progressive may pay your claim.

Progressive Insurance Auto Accident Claims FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions related to auto injury claims with Progressive in Chicago, IL. We appreciate that you may have additional questions regarding your situation.

We invite you to contact our law firm at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation with an experienced Chicago car accident attorney.

Experienced Illinois Auto Accident Attorneys Handling Progressive Insurance Claims

The motor vehicle accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC understand the hardship victims endure when dealing with Progressive Insurance.

We guarantee that our attorneys will work on your behalf to protect your legal interests from the time you retain our legal services and ensure your family receives the financial compensation they deserve.

Our attorneys accept every personal injury claim and wrongful death lawsuit through a contingency fee arrangement that postpones the payment of our legal services until after we have successfully resolved your case through a jury trial award or negotiated out-of-court settlement.

Our "No-Win/No-Fee" Guarantee means that you will owe us nothing if we cannot obtain compensation on your behalf. Time is of the essence in that you must file all the necessary paperwork in the proper Illinois courthouse before the state statute of limitations expires.

Contact our personal injury law firm today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) or through the contact form to schedule a free consultation. All discussions with our law firm remain confidential through an attorney-client relationship.

Resources:

• Filing an Insurance Claim Against the At-Fault Driver’s Insurer