Brooke graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law after receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brooke worked for five years in private practice with a law firm specializing in insurance defense litigation before becoming the trial litigator for Allstate Insurance Company in the metro Richmond area.
Most Virginians know that exchanging contact and insurance information is a key step after a car accident. However, navigating the insurance claims process is a foreign experience for most drivers. Understanding the steps involved in an accident claim is crucial to ensure you can access the compensation you’re entitled to without delay.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to file a car accident claim with State Farm—the largest auto insurer in the U.S. We’ll discuss key steps to take before reporting a crash, what filing a claim involves, and ways Virginia drivers can protect their rights and potential compensation in the process.
Preparing for the State Farm Claim Process
A car accident claim involves a lot of paperwork. Before filing anything, it’s crucial to gather as much documentation and information as you can about the accident. This includes:
- Contact information for parties involved—this includes you, the other driver(s), and any passengers or witnesses;
- Vehicle information—details about any cars involved, including make, model, year, and VIN;
- Insurance information—your insurance policy number or the name and insurance policy number of the at-fault driver;
- Police report—contact the local police department to request a copy of the accident report, which can be valuable evidence in your claim;
- Medical records—medical documentation of any injuries you suffered in the accident, as well as official records of treatment, medications, and doctors bills; and
- Images of the accident scene—cell phone photos or videos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries.
Although you may need additional documentation later in the process, it’s best to prepare as much as possible ahead of time. Collecting and organizing this information beforehand can help reduce some of the stress of the claims process.
How to File a Car Accident Claim with State Farm
Once you have all potentially relevant information, you can begin the State Farm claim process. Let’s walk through how to file your accident claim and the steps that follow.
Contact State Farm
State Farm offers several different ways for drivers to report an accident. Your options include:
- Calling the State Farm claims hotline at 1-800-STATE-FARM,
- Downloading and using the State Farm mobile app, or
- Filing your claim online through the State Farm website.
Provide the policy number for the relevant State Farm policyholder. If you carry State Farm insurance, this is you. If you’re filing a third-party liability claim, this will be the at-fault driver.
Submit Necessary Information
Share all the information about the accident you’ve gathered, including the police report, photos of the scene, witness contact information, and medical records. When describing the accident’s basic details, be honest and factual.
Get an Estimate
State Farm may request an inspection of your vehicle to assess the damage. You can do this at a local repair shop approved by State Farm or another location. Once your car has been evaluated, you’ll receive an estimate of the cost of repairs. If the cost of repairs exceeds a certain threshold under Virginia law, you may receive an estimated payout for the “total loss” of your vehicle.
Communicate with the Insurance Adjuster
Once your claim is open, State Farm will assign a claims adjuster to your case. It’s their job to investigate the accident, assess the damage, and determine your settlement. Try to answer their questions as simply and factually as possible. Be especially careful to avoid saying anything they can interpret as an admission of fault.
Review Settlement Offers
Once your case has been evaluated, State Farm will likely contact you with a settlement offer. Review the offer carefully to assess whether it covers your expenses and losses. In many cases, an insurer’s initial offer won’t address the full extent of your damages. However, you’re not obligated to accept a settlement that won’t meet your needs.
If State Farm’s compensation offer is insufficient, you can negotiate with the claims adjuster for a fairer settlement. This is where an experienced car accident attorney can really come in handy. Knowledgeable legal professionals have the skills and training to identify the documentation you need to justify a higher payout. They can also communicate with the claims adjuster and advocate strategically on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.
Although the steps to file are relatively straightforward, State Farm accident claims can be time-consuming and complex for victims. Unfortunately, many insurance companies use the complexity of the process to their advantage. Even a small mistake on your part can be used to devalue your claim or deny it altogether.
Here are some important tips that can help you avoid these pitfalls and secure your compensation:
- Don’t delay filing. State Farm doesn’t have a deadline for making a claim after an accident, but it’s in your best interest not to wait too long. Generally, it’s best to file your claim within 24-28 hours of the incident while your memory remains fresh.
- Save all receipts. Keep copies of any expenses related to the accident, including bills for medical treatment, rental car, or any damaged property. These are crucial for proving the full extent of your damages.
- Keep your State Farm claims number handy. After you file your initial report, State Farm will assign your claim a number. You can use this number to check in on the status of your claim as it is processed.
- Avoid speculation. Stick to the truth as much as possible when filing your claim or speaking to an adjuster. Don’t offer any opinions about the cause of the accident, and if you don’t know an answer to a question, say “I don’t know” instead of guessing.
However, what’s the most effective way to protect yourself and your claim? Consult with a lawyer. From evidence gathering to settlement negotiation, the knowledge and support of a legal professional can be crucial to avoiding mistakes that can hurt your compensation. Having a skilled attorney guide you through each step of the claims process is the best way to reduce the stress of the process and improve your chances of receiving a fair outcome.
Skilled Advocates Committed to You
At River Run Law, we know how critical a fair insurance settlement is for accident victims and their families. We also know how daunting it can feel to get the compensation you deserve. That’s why we are passionate about our advocacy for Virginians grappling with insurance claims.
With over two decades of combined legal experience, our attorneys understand how insurers operate and know the strategies to counteract their tactics. We are prepared to handle the paperwork, communicate with the adjusters, and fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact River Run Law today to schedule a free consultation with a compassionate and dedicated Richmond car accident attorney. Together, we’ll work toward securing the justice and compensation you’re entitled to.
