After an accident in Texas, you can expect State Farm to investigate the crash, review evidence, determine fault, and evaluate your damages before making a decision on accepting your claim and, if accepted, providing a settlement offer.
While State Farm handles thousands of accident claims every year, it’s important to remember that it is still an insurance company. Like other insurers, its goal is to resolve claims while also keeping limitations in mind, and it’s up to you and anyone representing you to ensure that your damages are accurately presented with evidence.
If you have any questions about the claim process with State Farm or any other insurance company, a Dallas car accident lawyer can help you better understand what to expect. Below, we’ll go into more detail about what to expect when working with State Farm after an accident in Texas.
How the State Farm Claims Process Works in Texas
The claims process typically begins when the accident is reported to State Farm; you can start a claim online or by phone. After the claim is opened, you’ll receive a claim number and be assigned a claims adjuster. This is the person who will look into the details of the accident on behalf of State Farm.
The adjuster will begin investigating the accident by reviewing available evidence and determining who was at fault. Because Texas follows a fault-based insurance system, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is generally responsible for paying damages.
Depending on the circumstances, you may file a claim with the other driver’s State Farm policy or, in some cases, with your own insurer if your coverage applies. Throughout the investigation, State Farm may request documents, photos, repair estimates, medical records, and other information before making a decision on your claim.
Policy limits for each driver will also be taken into consideration.
What Does State Farm’s Investigation Process Look Like?
State Farm’s investigation often includes reviewing the police report, speaking with drivers and witnesses, inspecting vehicle damage, examining photographs or video footage, and reviewing your medical records if you’re seeking compensation for injuries.
The adjuster conducting the investigation will also determine liability by examining the facts surrounding the collision.
At this stage of the process, it’s important that you provide as much context and evidence as possible, especially if you were not at fault.
How Long Does State Farm Have to Settle a Claim in Texas?
While every accident claim is different, Texas law sets important deadlines that insurance companies must generally follow.
Texas Insurance Code Deadlines
Under Texas law, State Farm must generally acknowledge receipt of your claim within 15 days. Once the company has received all the requested information, the company typically has 15 business days to accept or reject the claim.
If the claim is approved, payment generally must be issued within five business days after acceptance.
What Happens if State Farm Delays?
If State Farm fails to meet the deadlines required under Texas law without a valid reason, the company may be required to pay additional interest penalties on the amount owed.
If your claim has stalled or State Farm continues requesting unnecessary information, an experienced Texas car accident lawyer can help ensure the insurance company follows the law and pursues your claim without unnecessary delay.
What Compensation Can You Recover From State Farm After a Texas Accident?
The compensation available after a Texas car accident depends on the severity of your injuries, the damage you’ve suffered, and the available insurance coverage.
Economic Damages: Damages That Come With an Upfront Cost
Economic damages compensate you for financial losses related to the accident, including:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
These damages are intended to reimburse you for measurable financial losses caused by the crash.
Non-Economic Damages: Damages That Need to Be Calculated
You may also be entitled to recover compensation for losses that are more difficult to calculate, but can mean a real impact on your life after an accident, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
The value of these damages depends on the specific facts of your case and the impact the accident has had on your daily life.
Should You Accept State Farm’s First Settlement Offer?
In many cases, it’s wise to avoid accepting the first settlement offer without carefully reviewing it or speaking with an experienced law firm.
Early settlement offers often arrive before the full extent of your injuries, future medical needs, or lost income is known.
Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you typically cannot return later to seek additional compensation, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than expected. Having a lawyer review any offer can help you determine whether it fairly reflects the value of your claim.
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When Should You Hire a Texas Car Accident Lawyer to Deal With State Farm?
While some minor property damage claims can be resolved without legal representation, many injury claims benefit from having a lawyer involved.
You should strongly consider hiring a lawyer if:
- You suffered injuries.
- State Farm disputes who caused the accident.
- The insurance company makes a settlement offer that seems too low.
- Your claim has been delayed for an extended period.
- State Farm denies your claim.
- Multiple parties or insurance policies are involved.
An experienced lawyer who understands how State Farm works, along with Texas law, can be an extremely helpful resource to have on your side.
Contact a Texas Car Accident Law Firm for Help With Your State Farm Claim
If you’re dealing with State Farm after a Texas car accident, you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone. An experienced lawyer can protect your rights, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Contact our firm today for a free consultation. Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys has decades of combined experience dealing with insurance companies, car accident claims, and personal injury claims in general.
Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing upfront, and we don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for you. Give us a call or fill out a contact form today!
