Secrets of a State Farm Accident Claim in Texas

State Far Accident Claims

Dealing with the aftermath of a Texas car accident can feel stressful and overwhelming. Adding the State Farm accident claim process into the mix can make matters even more complicated. 

Unfortunately, however, car accidents involving insurance claims have become all too common. Thus, it is important to know what to expect so you can better protect your rights and maximize your recovery. 

Need assistance navigating the car accident insurance claims process? Give the attorneys at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP a call today to see how our team can help you recover. 

Checklist: 3 Key Steps to Take After Your Texas Car Accident

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 6,756,000 police-reported motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2019. Of these, nearly 2 million resulted in injuries, and more than 33,000 were fatal.  

Even the most cautious drivers on Texas roads are not impervious to involvement in an accident. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 1 reportable crash occurred on Texas roadways every 56 seconds. 

If you are not sure what to do after a car accident in Texas, make sure to follow these 3 steps. 

1. Gather Any Available Evidence at the Scene

After pulling over to check for any injuries to yourself or any passengers, one important thing to do after an accident is to start collecting any available evidence and information. 

Often, some of the best evidence to support your claim will be right there at the scene of the accident. For example, crucial information and materials you might be able to collect include:

• Photos of the scene and any property damage; 
• Identification and insurance information of other parties to the accident; and 
• Statements and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the accident. 

Of course, you can always try to collect this type of information later. But it may be unavailable or less reliable later on. 

2. Don’t Feel Like You Have to Accept State Farm’s First Offer

Another important thing to remember is that the insurance company—State Farm or any other insurance company—is not on your side. In fact, it is State Farm’s goal to pay out as little as possible in an effort to maximize their own profits. 

Therefore, when it comes to dealing with the insurance claims process, never feel like you have to accept the first offer State Farm provides. 

3. Contact an Attorney to Help You Navigate State Farm’s Claim Process

Instead, contact an experienced attorney who can help you fight to maximize your recovery. 

You can always attempt to negotiate your claim on your own by calling State Farm’s claims phone number at 800-SF-CLAIM. However, if you have not dealt with their tactics before and do not know what to expect, the odds can be stacked against you. 

Contacting an experienced insurance claims attorney can help balance the scales and give you the best chance at a fair claims process.    

Negotiating With the Insurer

When a car accident lawyer negotiates with State Farm on your behalf, the process is complex. It involves multiple steps to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Here’s some information on what typically happens during negotiations.

The Initial Case Assessment

The first step your attorney will take is to thoroughly assess the State Farm accident claim in Texas. They’ll gather all relevant information, including the police report, medical records, witness statements, and any available photos or accident scene videos. They’ll also review your policy and the at-fault driver’s policy to understand the coverage limits and any potential issues that could arise.

Establishing Liability

Your car accident lawyer must demonstrate that the other driver was at fault to negotiate effectively. They do this by analyzing the evidence, reconstructing the accident scene, and consulting with experts. Establishing clear liability strengthens your attorney’s position in negotiations in a State Farm accident case in Texas, as it makes it more difficult for the insurer to dispute the claim.

Calculating Damages

Your car accident attorney will also calculate your damages. This includes economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Accurate damage calculation is crucial, as it forms the basis for the settlement demand.

The Demand Letter

Once the lawyer understands the case, they’ll draft a demand letter to State Farm. This letter outlines the case’s facts, establishes liability, details the injuries and damages, and specifies the compensation you seek. The demand letter is a critical document that sets the tone for negotiations.

Negotiation Process

After receiving the demand letter, State Farm will review the claim. They’ll review the accident report, speak with witnesses, and possibly have their medical experts examine your injuries. The State Farm adjuster will respond with a counteroffer, likely lower than you requested.

Negotiation involves back-and-forth communications between your car accident lawyer and the State Farm adjuster. Your attorney will counter the adjuster’s offer with evidence and arguments that justify a higher settlement. They’ll emphasize the severity of your injury, the long-term impact on your life, and any discrepancies in State Farm’s assessment.

Mediation and Arbitration

Your attorney may suggest mediation or arbitration if State Farm refuses to offer a fair settlement. Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps facilitate a settlement, while arbitration involves a neutral arbitrator who listens to both sides and makes a decision. These alternatives can be quicker and less costly than going to trial.

Settlement Agreement

Once the two sides agree on compensation, your car accident lawyer will draft a settlement agreement outlining the terms. Both parties then review and sign the document. You’ll receive the agreed-upon compensation, and in return, you waive your right to pursue further accident-related legal action. Once this happens, that ends your State Farm accident claim in Texas.

Final Steps

Your car accident attorney will then ensure that State Farm disburses the funds. They’ll also address any liens or outstanding medical bills, subtracting them from the settlement. Your attorney will then subtract the fee you and your lawyer previously agreed upon. This fee is usually a percentage of the settlement. You’ll then receive a check for the remainder.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Help with State Farm’s Claim Process? 

While you do not necessarily have to retain a State Farm accident claim attorney, having one in your corner can be a huge benefit as you navigate State Farm’s Claim process. 

Calling State Farm’s phone number on your own can only get you so far, but an accident attorney can help you gather evidence to support your claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and advocate for your rights at every step along the way. 

At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we are serious about obtaining justice for our client’s injuries. We offer free consultations and will never take a fee unless we are able to recover compensation for you. 

Contact Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP today to discuss your case and start the fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Joshua Lee

Joshua Lee believes in aggressive, tough advocacy and a client-centered approach to every case. Joshua draws from a wide body of experiences and a robust understanding of the law. Joshua graduated from the New York University School of Law in New York City, which is considered among the best law schools in the world.