Sean O’Rourke | November 26, 2024
State Farm is among the most popular automobile insurance companies in the country. If you get in an accident, it is possible that the other driver may use State Farm as their insurance provider. Should this be the case, you will have to deal with the State Farm claims department. Unfortunately, the company might not take your claim seriously when you want payment for your damages.
What Is the Timeline for State Farm Claims in Houston, TX?
The time it takes to settle a car accident claim varies depending on the factors in the case. It could take a few weeks to a few months to settle a claim with State Farm. Then again, it could take more than a year to get a resolution, especially if you file a lawsuit.
Many factors could impact the settlement process for State Farm Claims in Houston, including:
The Severity of Your Injuries
Your recovery period is one of the primary factors in a car accident case. You do not want to settle the claim before you complete medical treatment. If you sustained a permanent impairment, your claim may be worth substantially more money.
However, you only have so much time to file a lawsuit. The Texas statute of limitations for most car accident lawsuits is two years. If you hire an attorney to handle your claim, they can monitor the deadline.
Whether Fault Is Disputed
You must prove the other driver caused your accident to recover damages. If the insurance company disputes liability for the claim, you will need to gather evidence proving fault and may need to file a lawsuit.
The company may allege that you are partially to blame for the accident. If the jury finds you are more than 50% to blame, you will be barred from receiving damages under the state’s proportionate responsibility law. If you are less than 50% at fault, the judge will reduce your damages according to your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often shift blame to the accident victims to avoid paying the total value of all damages. An experienced car accident lawyer is prepared for this tactic.
Disputes Regarding Damages
Accident victims can recover economic and non-economic damages for a car accident claim. However, State Farm may dispute whether you incurred the damages you claim and/or the value of those damages.
For example, the company may allege that you are exaggerating your injuries or that you have failed to mitigate damages in order to lower the settlement amount. Failure to mitigate damages means you did not take reasonable steps to avoid further injury and loss.
The Company Is Acting in Bad Faith
An insurance company has a duty to act in good faith to resolve an insurance claim. While companies are expected to take steps to limit their liability, some cross the line. Signs an insurance company is acting in bad faith include:
- Failing to acknowledge or investigate your claim
- Offering a settlement that is much lower than the value of your damages
- Causing unnecessary delays in the settlement process
- Requiring overly burdensome and unnecessary documentation from you
- Advising you not to consult with an accident attorney
- Refusing to make a timely decision regarding your claim
- Misrepresenting the law or the terms of the insurance policy
- Pressuring you to accept a settlement offer that is not fair
If an insurance company acts in bad faith, you may have an additional claim against the company.
Can I Speed Up How Long It Will Take to Settle a State Farm Claim in Texas?
Many of the factors that impact the timeline for settlement are not within your control. However, things you can do to move your State Farm claim along efficiently include:
- File an insurance claim as soon as possible after the car crash.
- Provide all required documentation and information.
- Do not exaggerate your injuries or damages.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
- Keep detailed records of all expenses and financial losses.
Remember, the insurance adjuster does not work for you; they are looking for ways to minimize the value of your claim. Therefore, be careful when talking with them. Never provide a written or recorded statement without legal advice.
Contact the Personal Injury Attorneys In Houston, TX at Simon & O’Rourke Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Assistance Today
For more information, please get in touch with the Houston personal injury attorneys at Simon & O’Rourke Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
Simon & O’Rourke Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
440 Louisiana St Suite 2300-A, Houston, TX 77002
(281) 667-4081