State Farm Accident Settlements: What You Need to Know
We are a Georgia-based personal injury law firm focused on helping people hurt in motor vehicle accidents. We handle State Farm accident claims and other insurance company disputes. We gather evidence, review police reports and medical records, and build strong injury claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We manage communication with State Farm adjusters and push back against low settlement offers.
State Farm accident settlements can be complicated, especially when dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages after a car accident. State Farm is one of the largest insurance companies in Georgia, and its goal is to limit payout amounts on personal injury claims. Understanding how State Farm handles accident claims, what factors affect a settlement amount, and the tactics adjusters use can help you protect your rights.
In this blog, you will learn how State Farm handles accident claims, the factors that affect your settlement amount, and the tactics adjusters use, as well as why working with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
How State Farm Handles Car Accident Claims
State Farm processes car accident claims in a way that protects its interests as an insurance company. Understanding how this process works can help you prepare and respond effectively after a motor vehicle accident.
The Role of State Farm Adjusters
State Farm adjusters review accident claims and decide how much the company should pay. Their job is to limit the insurance carrier’s payout. Adjusters will collect information from the accident scene, police reports, and witness statements. They may also speak with the insured driver to get their version of events.
The Claim Process
Filing a claim with State Farm begins with notifying the company about the accident. You or your car accident lawyer should provide medical records, medical bills, and proof of lost wages. The adjuster will evaluate your personal injury claim and consider property damage. In Georgia, insurers must handle accident claims in good faith under O.C.G.A. § 33-6-34.
Bodily Injury vs. Property Damage Claims
State Farm handles bodily injury claims and property damage claims separately. Bodily injury claims cover medical expenses, past and future medical care, and pain and suffering damages. Property damage claims pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle. Both types of claims may be affected by policy limits in the at fault driver’s insurance policy.
State Farm and Georgia Law
In Georgia, if State Farm fails to respond to a demand for payment within a reasonable time, it could be acting in bad faith under O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6. A car accident attorney can help you prepare a strong demand package and ensure the insurer meets legal requirements.
Demand Letters and State Farm’s Response Time
A demand letter is a formal request for payment sent to State Farm to resolve a car accident claim. It outlines your damages and gives the insurer a deadline to respond.
Purpose of a Demand Letter
The demand letter explains the details of the accident, the injuries you suffered, and the amount you seek as a fair settlement. It includes supporting evidence such as medical records, medical bills, proof of lost wages, and police reports. The goal is to present a clear claim that shows the value of your personal injury case.
Georgia Law on Response Time
In Georgia, state law allows you to give State Farm 60 days to pay your claim after receiving a valid demand letter. If State Farm fails to pay within that time and the refusal is in bad faith, the company can be held responsible for extra damages and attorney fees.
Building a Strong Demand Package
A strong demand letter will document all medical expenses, both past medical expenses and future medical expenses. It should include pain and suffering damages, lost wages, and any impact on your ability to work. Detailed evidence helps prevent State Farm adjusters from undervaluing your settlement offer.
How State Farm Responds
State Farm may accept the demand and offer a settlement amount, dispute the claim, or request more information. Sometimes State Farm disputes liability or argues that the injuries are not related to the accident. If the insurer does not make a fair settlement offer within the legal time frame, your car accident lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit to protect your rights.
Factors That Affect Your State Farm Settlement Amount
Several factors influence how much State Farm will pay to settle your car accident claim. Knowing these factors can help you work with your car accident lawyer to pursue a fair settlement.
Severity of Injuries
The extent of your injuries plays a major role in the settlement amount. Serious injuries that require long-term medical care or result in permanent disability often lead to higher settlement payouts. State Farm adjusters will review your medical records, diagnostic tests, and treatment history to assess the claim.
Medical Expenses
State Farm considers both past medical expenses and future medical expenses when evaluating a personal injury claim. Accurate documentation of medical bills, treatment costs, and rehabilitation expenses is critical. Ongoing medical care can significantly raise the value of your settlement offer.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If you miss work due to the accident, State Farm will review proof of lost wages. If the injuries reduce your ability to work in the future, your lawyer can include loss of earning capacity in the claim. This category can increase the settlement amount, especially in cases of serious injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages cover physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident. State Farm’s settlement offer will often undervalue this category, making it important to have strong supporting evidence.
Policy Limits
The settlement payout cannot exceed the policy limits of the at fault driver’s State Farm insurance policy. If damages are higher than the limits, you may need to seek recovery from other insurance companies or through a personal injury lawsuit.
Liability Disputes
If State Farm argues that its insured driver was not fully at fault, it can reduce the settlement amount. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, which reduces recovery based on your percentage of fault.
Common Tactics Used by State Farm Adjusters
State Farm adjusters use specific strategies to reduce settlement payouts on car accident claims. Knowing these tactics can help you prepare and protect your rights.
Low Initial Settlement Offer
State Farm’s first settlement offer is often much lower than the value of your personal injury claim. This is done to close the claim quickly and reduce costs for the insurance company. Accepting too soon can leave you with unpaid medical expenses and lost wages.
Requesting Broad Medical Authorizations
Adjusters may ask you to sign medical authorization forms that give them access to your entire medical history. This allows them to search for pre-existing conditions and argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident. Limiting access to only relevant records can help prevent this.
Disputing Liability
State Farm may argue that its insured driver was not fully at fault for the accident. By shifting some of the blame to you, the insurer can lower the settlement amount under Georgia’s comparative negligence law.
Questioning the Severity of Injuries
Adjusters often claim that injuries are minor or do not require extensive medical treatment. They may point to gaps in medical care or suggest that your recovery should have been faster. Detailed medical records and consistent treatment can counter these arguments.
Delaying the Claim Process
Some claims are slowed by repeated requests for documents or unnecessary investigations. Delays can pressure claimants into accepting a lower settlement to get money faster. A car accident lawyer can track deadlines and hold State Farm accountable for timely responses under Georgia law.
Negotiating with State Farm for a Fair Settlement
Negotiating with State Farm requires preparation, strong evidence, and persistence to secure a fair settlement amount for your car accident claim.
Value of Legal Representation
An experienced car accident lawyer can manage communication with State Farm adjusters, review the insurer’s settlement offer, and push for a payout that reflects your actual losses. Lawyers understand how State Farm handles accident claims and can counter low settlement offers effectively.
Documenting Damages
Thorough documentation is key to strengthening your position. Provide complete medical records, medical bills, and proof of lost wages. Include photographs of the accident scene, property damage, and injuries. Police reports and witness statements also add credibility to your personal injury claim.
Responding to Low Offers
State Farm’s first settlement offer is often lower than the claim’s true value. You can respond by presenting additional evidence, emphasizing pain and suffering damages, and showing the impact of the injuries on your work and daily life. A clear and detailed counteroffer can improve your chances of a higher settlement payout.
Timing Settlement Discussions
Settlement negotiations are more effective after you reach Maximum Medical Improvement. This ensures the claim includes all past medical expenses, ongoing medical treatment, and future medical expenses. Settling too early can result in a lower payout that does not cover all costs.
Considering a Lawsuit
If State Farm refuses to make a fair settlement offer, your lawyer may recommend filing a car accident lawsuit. Litigation can pressure the insurer to settle, especially if the evidence strongly supports your case. Georgia law also allows recovery of extra damages if the insurer acts in bad faith.
Get Help with Your State Farm Accident Settlement Today!
If you have been injured in a car accident and are dealing with State Farm, do not face the insurance company alone. Our team at Atlanta Accident Lawyers has the experience to handle State Farm accident claims, challenge low settlement offers, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us at 864-444-2062 for a free case consultation today!
