Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on American roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that approximately 5.9 million car accidents occurred in 2022 alone, affecting millions of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
When involved in a car accident, filing an auto insurance claim is necessary to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. If your auto insurance is with State Farm, the claims process is designed to be as efficient as possible. However, it can still feel overwhelming.
This article discusses how to file an auto insurance claim through State Farm. It offers insight into how having legal support from our Chicago car insurance claim lawyers can help maximize the outcome of your claim.
Gathering Necessary Information for Your State Farm Insurance Claim
When filing an auto accident claim with State Farm, thorough documentation is essential for the initial report and insurance claims process.
Accident Details
The details of the accident are important in any case. As soon as the accident occurs, take note of the critical information, including the date, time, location, and a description of what happened. If the accident occurred at night or in bad weather, document these details as well.
This information will help establish the context of the car accident and aid State Farm in its assessment.
Parties Involved
In any car accident, you must gather information from all parties involved, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses. For the drivers, exchange names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and most importantly, insurance information.
Police Report
A report from the police is one of the most crucial pieces of evidence in any insurance claim, especially with State Farm. After an accident, call the police to the scene to create a formal record. Once the report is filed, request a copy, as it will contain valuable information about the car accident, including statements from the drivers, witnesses, and officers.
Vehicle Information
For your State Farm insurance claim, collect details, such as the make, model, year, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for all vehicles involved. If you’re dealing with significant property damage, these details will play a role in State Farm’s evaluation of the auto claim.
Insurance Policy
Always have your own insurance policy information and the details of your insurance company on hand. When filing the claim, you will need to provide your State Farm insurance policy details, including your policy number and coverage specifics. Having this information readily available can speed up the process.
Medical Records
If you sustained injuries in the accident, gather all medical records and bills related to your treatment. Even if you have only minor injuries, it’s important to document everything. These records will support the medical portion of your State Farm insurance claim and may influence your car accident settlement amount.
Reporting the Claim to State Farm
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, you should report the car accident claim to State Farm.
Contacting State Farm
There are multiple ways to report your claim with State Farm. You can file a claim online through their website, call their claims department directly, or use the State Farm mobile app for convenience. No matter how you report the claim, ensure you do so as soon as possible after the accident.
Insurance Company Claim Number
Once you report the accident, State Farm will assign you a claim number. With this number, you can track the status of your claim and communicate with your claims adjuster. Keep it handy throughout the entire process.
Designated Claims Adjuster
After you’ve filed your claim, State Farm will assign a claims adjuster to your case. This insurance agent is responsible for investigating your car accident, assessing the damages, and negotiating the settlement. You will likely interact with this person frequently, so provide them with all the necessary information to process your claim efficiently.
Providing Information to State Farm
After reporting your claim, you must provide detailed information and documentation to support your case.
Detailed Account of the Accident
When speaking with the claims adjuster, provide a detailed account of the car accident. Be as clear and accurate as possible in your description, as the information you provide will be used to determine fault and evaluate your car insurance claim.
Supporting Documentation
Submit all relevant documents to State Farm, including the police report, photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and any other evidence you collected. Having comprehensive documentation can significantly strengthen your case.
Medical Information
State Farm insurance company will likely request medical information about injuries sustained in the accident. Be prepared to provide medical records, bills, and, if necessary, authorizations for them to obtain further information from your healthcare providers.
Property Damage Assessment
State Farm will need to assess the damage to your vehicle as part of the claims process. This can involve taking your car to a repair shop that works with State Farm or an independent assessment.
Once the vehicle is evaluated, you’ll receive a repair estimate or, in the case of a total loss declaration, a payout based on your vehicle’s market value.
Negotiating with State Farm
Once State Farm completes its investigation, it typically makes a settlement offer.
Settlement Offers
State Farm will offer a settlement based on their evaluation of your car accident claim. However, the initial offer may not always cover the full extent of your damages. It’s important to review any offers they make carefully.
Negotiation Strategies
If you believe the offer is too low, don’t hesitate to contact State Farm through your claims adjuster and negotiate a better deal. Provide additional documentation if necessary and explain why you believe a higher settlement is justified.
This scenario is where having a personal injury attorney can be highly beneficial. An attorney can advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Seeking Legal Advice
While State Farm aims to settle claims fairly, insurance companies often prioritize minimizing payouts.
Consulting a Chicago auto accident lawyer from our team can help you better understand your rights and improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can also handle communication with State Farm, reducing your stress.
What to Do if Your Claim is Delayed or Denied
Unfortunately, not all claims with State Farm go smoothly. If your claim is delayed or denied, there are steps you can take.
Follow Up
Stay in regular contact with your claims team. If you notice delays in the process, follow up with your designated adjuster and document all communication. Keeping a record of your interactions can help if further action is needed.
Escalate the Matter
If it takes a long time for State Farm to pay your claim, you can escalate the matter within the company. Contact a supervisor or manager to express your concerns and request they review your case.
File a Complaint
If escalating the claim doesn’t yield results, you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner. State insurance regulators ensure that every insurance company, including State Farm, follows fair practices.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
If your State Farm car insurance claim is denied or delayed without just cause, it’s time to consult a personal injury attorney. They can assess the situation and take legal action if necessary, ensuring your rights are protected and you’re treated fairly.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
Navigating a car accident claim with State Farm can be complex, especially if you’re dealing with injuries or extensive property damage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can make a significant difference if you’re struggling to get a fair settlement or facing difficulties with the claims process.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies, including State Farm. Our Chicago personal injury attorney team can help guide you through the process, protect your rights, and ensure you receive maximum compensation. Contact us for a free consultation today, and let us help you with your State Farm insurance claim.
Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form.
References: [1] NHTSA