Dealing with a State Farm car insurance claim after an accident can be stressful, especially when you are trying to recover from injuries or figure out how to get your vehicle repaired. The claims process is not always straightforward, and small mistakes can lead to frustrating delays or reduced compensation. In this State Farm Car Insurance Guide, we will walk you through what to expect and how to protect your rights at every stage.
From reporting the crash and submitting the right paperwork to communicating with adjusters and resolving disputes, this guide breaks down the State Farm claims process step by step. You will also learn how insurance laws apply to your case and why working with an experienced car accident attorney can significantly improve your chances of a fair outcome.
Understanding the State Farm Car Insurance Claim Process
State Farm car insurance claims follow a specific step-by-step process. Understanding what to expect on this timeline can help you prepare for unexpected roadblocks or issues that may require professional guidance.
- Report the accident – Notify State Farm immediately after the incident to begin a claim. They will ask for specific details, such as the date, time, and location of your accident.
- Assignment of a claims adjuster – An insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case to assess the claim and next steps.
- Investigation and documentation – During the investigation, the adjuster will document vital information, such as police reports, photos, medical records, and repair estimates. This step helps determine liability and the value of your claim.
- Settlement negotiations – Once the adjuster has thoroughly investigated your claim, they will present a settlement offer. You can choose to accept, reject, or negotiate if the offer is too low. We recommend speaking with an attorney and allowing them to handle any negotiations or pushback on a lowball offer.
- Claim resolution or denial – If State Farm approves your claim, they will issue the agreed-upon payment to cover damages from the incident. However, if they deny it, State Farm must provide a valid reason, and you can appeal or dispute the decision.
Being Aware of Common Adjuster Tactics to Reduce Payouts
Like any insurance provider, your assigned adjuster is more concerned with the company’s best interests than yours. Often, these entities will use tactics to undermine your claim and reduce your payout. The most common strategies to look out for include the following:
- Delaying the claims process – It is not uncommon for insurance adjusters to take their time with a case. They may continue to request documentation or simply take long periods between steps in the process. To combat this, have all your medical records and case documents prepared in advance, and stay in close contact with your assigned adjuster to move the process along.
- Disputing liability – Insurers may attempt to place an unfair percentage of fault on you to reduce the final payout. Hiring an attorney can protect you from this tactic, as they can collect solid evidence to support your claim and minimize fault.
- Downplaying injuries – Adjusters can use several means to mitigate your injuries and damages. They may claim a lack of medical documentation or use statements you have made against you. As with liability disputes, a lawyer can make sure your injuries are clearly shown through documentation, and they can negotiate on your behalf to avoid insurers misconstruing your words.
Is There a Deadline To File a State Farm Claim?
You can file a claim as soon as possible after an accident. Most policies require prompt notice, and delays can create problems, even if the legal statute of limitations has not expired. Keep in mind that the deadline for filing an insurance claim is different from the statute of limitations (SOL).
The SOL is a state’s legal deadline for filing a formal lawsuit. Depending on your jurisdiction, this may be a much stricter deadline, and missing it can prohibit you from seeking compensation. In any case, an experienced attorney can help collect essential evidence and ensure your claim is filed on time.
Types of Car Accident Coverage That State Farm Provides
State Farm provides coverage for a variety of incidents, including the following:
- Motor vehicle accidents – Collisions, hit-and-runs, or single-car accidents.
- Property damage – Damage to your car or someone else’s property.
- Bodily injury – Injuries to you, passengers, or other parties.
- Workplace-related accidents – Some policies may extend coverage if an accident occurs at work.
Any and all claims can be filed online, via the mobile app, or by phone. If you are unsure of where to start, our seasoned attorneys can answer your questions and begin the process on your behalf.
Documentation Needed for a Motor Accident Claim
A motor accident claim could involve cars, trucks, ATVs, or motorcycles. Each of these follows a similar process, typically requiring information for the following:
- Date and time of incident
- Policy number
- Vehicles involved
- Police report
- Description of the incident
- Description of damages
- Photos and video evidence
- Location of incident
What Can Impact a State Farm Car Insurance Settlement?
Although the claims process is essentially the same for all car accident claims, some factors can affect the final outcome. For one, the severity of injuries and the strength of the evidence supporting them can affect settlement amounts. As a rule of thumb, the greater the injuries, the more expensive the medical bills, resulting in a larger damages award.
Comparative fault also affects your payout. Liability laws vary by state and play a significant role in personal injury cases. For example, Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, allowing victims to recover damages only if they are 50% or less at fault. This means that if an injured party is found to be 51% or more responsible, they are barred from receiving any compensation.
Your settlement cannot exceed the limits of your State Farm policy. If damages or medical expenses surpass your coverage, you may need to cover the difference out of pocket or pursue additional claims, such as through the at-fault driver’s insurance. Similarly, disputes can arise over whether a specific accident or injury is covered. To resolve these issues, you may need to provide additional documentation or estimates, something an attorney could assist with.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Claim
Several mistakes are common among individuals seeking to file a claim with State Farm. These errors should be avoided, as they can result in a much lower payout than you deserve.
Avoid giving a recorded statement without preparation or a legal representative. This is one of the first places that adjusters will look to minimize your settlement amount. You may feel you provided an honest account of the incident; however, adjusters are skilled at taking your words and using them against you. For example, going on record as saying, “I don’t think the other driver was speeding,” could allow the adjuster to argue you contributed to the accident or downplay the severity of your injuries.
Never accept the first settlement offer put on the table. These initial proposals will often fail to take into account the full extent of your damages. Instead, allow your attorney to review each offer made and determine whether it is a justifiable amount.
From the beginning, one of your main focuses should be documenting injuries and expenses. Any records of medical appointments and vehicle repairs should be collected for your attorney. They can ensure this evidence is properly presented to insurance adjusters in a timely manner.
When Should I Seek Legal Guidance for a State Farm Claim?
Speaking with an attorney after an accident is almost always a good idea, especially when there are added complexities, such as:
- Disputed liability
- Low settlement offers
- Serious or long-term injuries
Even if you have already contacted adjusters and experienced a failed negotiation, Shamieh Law can still help. Our experienced attorneys can help file a personal injury or car accident lawsuit. We can use several strategies to fight back against rejected claims and lowball settlements.
For instance, under Texas law, the Stowers’ doctrine allows claimants to demand a reasonable settlement within policy limits. If an insurer unreasonably rejects a claim and a jury awards more than the policy limit, the insurer can be held liable for the full judgment, which encourages insurers to act in good faith.
Get the legal help you need and deserve today. Call Shamieh Law at 469-813-7332 to schedule a free consultation and get started on building a compelling case.
