Negotiating a Personal Injury Settlement with State Farm
If you’ve been in an auto accident, you will likely turn to auto insurance to attempt to receive compensation for any injuries or property damage you experienced. Dealing with State Farm can be particularly challenging since it is the largest auto insurer in the country—its primary goal as a business is to turn a profit, not protect its customers. Its adjusters will not have your best interest at heart when negotiating claims.
Without an attorney by your side, you may unknowingly accept a settlement offer that is far less than you deserve. At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, we have decades of experience dealing with insurance companies like State Farm. We’re here to help you recover full and fair compensation for your losses.
Understanding the Process of Filing a State Farm Car Accident Claim in Virginia
When you’re hurt in a crash, you may need to file a claim for compensation with State Farm if you or the at-fault driver have State Farm coverage. The first step is reporting the accident to State Farm and receiving medical treatment for your injuries. An insurance adjuster will then work with you to settle your claim and compensate you for your losses, but it’s common for adjusters to try to get claimants to accept lowball offers.
Like other major corporations, State Farm’s primary concern is with its bottom line. With the intent to maximize profits, large insurance companies such as State Farm do everything they can to deny claims and pay out as little as possible.
In 2007, after an 18-month nationwide investigation, CNN found that people injured in minor traffic accidents had a high chance of State Farm challenging their medical claims and only offering to reimburse a fraction of their expenses. The investigation also found that State Farm delayed claims by forcing them to go to court and dragging cases out for years under the guise of fighting fraud. Additionally, in September 2024, State Farm settled a class action lawsuit that accused it of underpaying vehicle damage claims.
How Long After an Accident Can You File a Claim with State Farm?
State Farm, like most insurance providers, requires its policyholders to report accidents “promptly” or “as soon as possible” after they occur. The governing insurance policy may specify a specific deadline. Delays could result in denial or reduced compensation, as insurers might argue they were not given proper notice to investigate the claim.
By contrast, you are not required to speak to an at-fault party’s insurer at all. To protect your legal rights and ensure you are not taken advantage of, let an experienced personal injury lawyer handle negotiations with insurers representing the other party in your case.
If you file a lawsuit against a State Farm policyholder, you must also comply with the two-year deadline set by the Virginia personal injury statute of limitations. Though there are exceptions that may extend this time frame, failure to file before the correct deadline will result in your case being dismissed in court.
Tips for Dealing with a State Farms Claims Adjuster
After an accident, it’s important to do your research and compile as much evidence as possible—the more evidence you collect, the easier it will be to build a strong claim. Gather evidence like police reports, pictures of property damage, medical bills, policy information, and car rental receipts. Additionally:
- Don’t agree to be recorded.
- Don’t release your full medical records.
- Avoid giving insurance adjusters unnecessary information about the crash.
- Don’t accept their first settlement offer without consulting an attorney—it’s likely a lowball.
- Schedule a free consultation with Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers to protect your rights and ensure you leave no money on the table.
How an Attorney Can Help With Your State Farm Claim
After an accident, our attorneys can handle the paperwork and file your claim for you so you can focus on recovery. They can also work with you to file a lawsuit if your insurer unfairly denies, delays, or undervalues your claim.
At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, we have decades of experience dealing with insurers and know their tactics well. Our attorneys have the resources and experience to take on large insurance companies, and we never represent insurance companies. As The Car Crash Experts of Virginia, Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers is familiar with common car crash injuries and settlement values. We can help you get the treatment you need and work to secure a settlement that will cover all past and future medical costs.
State Farm Car Accident Claim FAQs
1. What if State Farm Denies My Car Accident Claim?
If State Farm unfairly denies your car accident claim, you can appeal the decision to the insurer or consider filing a lawsuit. In either case, an attorney can conduct aggressive negotiations with State Farm to reach a fair settlement or, if a settlement is not possible, pursue a legal remedy in court.
2. Will I Get Less Money by Hiring an Attorney?
It is difficult to predict and impossible to guarantee the outcome of your case. However, studies have shown that you’re significantly more likely to achieve a favorable outcome in a personal injury case with a lawyer than without.
3. How Long Will It Take To Get My Settlement From State Farm?
The time it will take to settle your claim varies, mostly based on the severity of your injuries. Most minor injury cases settle within 6 months, though cases with clear fault, catastrophic injuries, or wrongful death may settle more quickly. If you file suit against State Farm and take the case to court, it may take even longer.
Choose Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers to Assist With Your Claim
If you’ve been involved in an accident and are looking to file a claim with State Farm, having an experienced attorney by your side will increase your chances of success. With a dedication to client satisfaction, Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers sets the standard for exceptional customer service and unwavering commitment to representing injury victims in Virginia. With over a century of combined experience, we have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, our attorneys offer individualized legal representation and know what’s important to Hampton Roads residents. Additionally, we offer free, no-obligation consultations, and you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case. To consult our attorneys about your State Farm claim, contact us online or call (757) 333-3333.
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