State Farm Insurance Claim After a Car Accident? Know Your Legal Rights
What State Farm Does After a Car Accident Claim
Common State Farm Claim Tactics to Watch Out For
- The Recorded Statement Trap — Shortly after the accident, State Farm adjusters often call to request a recorded statement. Anything you say can be used against you to minimize your claim. It is important to know that you are NOT legally required to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer, and doing so can jeopardize your case.
- Quick Settlement Offer Before Medical Treatment Ends — State Farm may offer a fast settlement before you have fully recovered or understand the extent of your injuries. Accepting this offer typically ends your right to pursue further compensation, even if your medical bills or pain and suffering increase later.
- Lowballing Property Damage to Signal Low Injury Value — The insurer often disputes the cost of vehicle repairs, providing estimates that are lower than actual repair costs. This tactic is used to argue that the accident was minor and therefore could not have caused serious injuries, undermining your injury claim.
- Independent Medical Exam (IME) Manipulation — State Farm may require you to attend an IME with a doctor they select. These doctors frequently downplay the severity of your injuries to benefit the insurer, which can negatively impact your claim’s value.
- Claiming Comparative Fault — Under California’s pure comparative fault rules, State Farm may attempt to assign some blame to you for the accident. This strategy reduces the amount they owe by the percentage of fault they attribute to you, even if you were mostly not at fault.
California Law Protects You from Bad Faith Insurance Practices
When to Hire a Car Accident Attorney Against State Farm
- When State Farm denies your claim outright.
- When their settlement offer does not cover your medical bills or other damages.
- When they dispute the severity or legitimacy of your injuries.
- When they request a recorded statement from you.
- When they use property damage estimates to minimize your injury claim.
- When your injuries require ongoing treatment, surgery, or result in permanent disability.
- When your accident occurred in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, Ventura County, Burbank, Glendale, Encino, or Sherman Oaks.
What a Lawyer Can Do That You Can't
- Accurately assess the true value of your claim based on California verdicts and settlements.
- Communicate directly with State Farm on your behalf, preventing you from saying anything that could harm your claim.
- Challenge biased Independent Medical Exam (IME) findings and dispute low property damage estimates.
- Access expert resources such as accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economic loss analysts to strengthen your case.
- Work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless you win your case.