How to file a car accident claim against State Farm

Filing a claim against State Farm

If you were in an accident and the other driver is covered by State Farm insurance, filing a claim can be complicated, time-consuming, and frustrating. It's crucial to be cautious when speaking with the insurance adjuster, as anything you say could potentially harm your case. Adjusters are skilled at asking questions designed to reduce the value of your claim. Attorney Andrew Graves understands how to work with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the maximum compensation for your case. Contact Attorney Andrew Graves for a free consultation, or fill out our online form and we'll reach out to you. Continue reading to learn more about the State Farm claims process.

What should you do after a Florida car accident?

After an accident, it’s important to stay calm. While it's natural to feel anxious, try to keep your composure. You may have sustained injuries, and your vehicle may be damaged. Here's what you should do following any accident:

STAY AT THE SCENE: Never leave the accident site until you're told to do so by the police. Leaving the scene prematurely could result in criminal penalties.

CALL THE POLICE: Regardless of whether it's a minor bump or a major collision, always call the police. Follow their instructions when they arrive, and be sure to ask for an accident report. Record the name and badge number of the responding officers. Even in small accidents, an insurance company may try to deny your claim without a police report.

GATHER THE OTHER PARTY'S INFORMATION: While the police report will likely contain the other party’s details, it’s still essential to collect the following information directly:

1. Name
2. Address
3. Driver’s license number
4. Phone number
5. Insurance company
6. Insurance policy number
7. Vehicle owner’s information (if different from the driver)
   
   

WITNESSES: Check if there were any witnesses to the accident. Other drivers or bystanders may have seen the incident and can provide helpful details. Be sure to take down their names and phone numbers.

PHOTOS/VIDEOS: Capture as many clear photos and videos of the scene as possible. Document all areas of the vehicles, even if the damage isn’t obvious. Take pictures of the road conditions, nearby stop signs, traffic lights, and any visible injuries you sustained. If you or the other driver have a dash cam, make a note of the footage or save it.
Tip: There might be security cameras nearby that recorded the incident. If you think this might be the case, inform your attorney as soon as possible so they can retrieve the footage before it's lost.

SEE A DOCTOR: If you feel any pain or discomfort, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don't notice injuries at the scene, in Florida, you have 14 days to visit a healthcare provider to qualify for PIP benefits. Some injuries may not show up right away, so it’s critical to get checked out by a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room.
Tip: If you’re concerned about the cost or are unsure about your co-pay, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can help clarify the details for you.
Make sure to document any injuries, even if they seem minor at first. Promptly visiting a healthcare provider ​
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CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY:  You should notify your insurance company within 24 hours of an accident. Your insurance policy may have a limited amount of time for you to inform them of the accident. Unsure how to contact them, we can help you through this too. 

FILING A CLAIM AGAINST STATE FARM: State Farm and most insurance companies actually advise doing all the above and will request all your documentation. They want to have all the information so that they know if there are any holes in your case. 

You can file a claim against State Farm online, via their mobile app, or by calling their claims number: 800-732-5246. It is recommended to consult an attorney before starting the claims process.

They’ll start out by asking you general questions such as: where did the accident occur, when did it occur, and what happened. They’ll request any documentation of the accident such as the police report, any photos or videos, and the insurance exchange information. Soon after you’ll be contacted by the State Farm auto damage adjuster who will send out a field adjuster to inspect the damage or request that you go to one of their mechanics or dealerships.

INSURANCE ADJUSTERS

It’s important to only tell the adjuster the necessary information. The adjuster’s goal is to pay as little as possible and they’re trained to ask questions to reduce your claims value. When speaking with an adjuster remember:

1. Do not admit fault.
2. Do not provide a recorded statement.
3. Do not sign any legal documents.
4. Do not accept their first offer.

SHOULD I SPEAK WITH AN ATTORNEY?

While it’s not required, it’s highly recommended that you speak with an attorney about your Florida car accident claim. A car crash attorney can guide you through the stressful, complex insurance process. Many times, car crash victims have difficulty using their insurance or don’t know what doctors are needed for their injuries. 

According to the IRC, accident victims who retained an attorney received settlements more than 3 times higher than those without an attorney. Don't hesitate, the consultation is free.

If you were injured in a car crash, truck crash, slip and fall, motorcycle accident, or workers compensation accident, it's important to have an attorney who can navigate the complex insurance landscape. Call Attorney Andrew Graves for a free consultation or fill out our online consultation form for a call back.