Car accidents run the gamut from minor rear-end collisions that cause nagging back and neck pain to major high-speed accidents that cause extensive physical damage. No matter what type of accident you’re involved in, at some point you’ll have to deal with an insurance company.
State Farm is one of the most well-known insurance companies, but like any other insurance company, it can take a long time and a lot of documentation to settle an insurance claim. When you’ve been through the traumatic experience of a car accident, this can be frustrating.
Working with injury and accident lawyers experienced in State Farm settlements from car accidents will enable you to more quickly move past your accident. An attorney can help you navigate your accident claim and get more successful results.
Steps to Take After an Austin Car Accident
When you get into an accident, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and a bit disoriented. But there are a few steps you should take to ensure that all important evidence is documented for your insurance claim.
- Be safe. The most important thing is to make sure you and your passengers are safe. Pull over to get out of traffic and check for injuries. Call 911 or get immediate medical attention if serious injuries occurred.
- Gather information. Don’t leave the scene of the accident without getting the other drivers’ personal and insurance information, including their names, phone numbers, and license plates numbers. If there are any witnesses at the scene, also get their contact information. All of this information can be vital for your State Farm accident claim and determining who is at fault.
- File a police report. Calling the police from the scene of the accident allows them to document evidence and get any statements from the people involved, as well as witnesses. If you can’t call them from the scene, make sure to do it as soon as possible after your accident, even if it’s minor. You should file a police report any time there’s an injury or fatality, a hit and run, or drunk driving.
- Document the evidence. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, any other vehicles involved, and the surrounding area. This evidence can go a long way to proving the extent of injuries and making a case for your claim.
- File an insurance claim. Always file a claim with your insurance company, even if you didn’t get any of the other information. Your insurance company will listen to your version of the accident and contact the other driver’s insurance company to work on settling your claim.
Determining Who Was at Fault in Austin
It can be tricky to figure out who was at fault in a collision, especially when more than two cars are involved. Determining who was at fault often requires a detailed investigation of the driver, whether they were working at the time of the accident (in which case an employer may be liable), whether their vehicle was defective, whether they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the conditions at the scene of the accident.
Texas is a “fault” state, which means insurance companies first determine who is at fault in a collision before paying out any claims. The state requires that you be 50 percent or less at fault in order to recover damages. That means you can be found partially at fault for the collision and still get compensation.
Because of this, car insurance providers like State Farm often try to claim you’re more at fault than you are so they won’t have to pay out as much. Working with an attorney who is experienced in State Farm settlements from car accidents helps make sure this doesn’t happen. Your lawyer will fully investigate the accident to determine who is at fault and ensure that the percentage of liability correlates to what actually happened so you can get as much compensation as possible.
Filing State Farm Accident Claims
It’s a good idea to file an accident claim as soon as possible after the incident. If your insurance company is State Farm, you can submit your claim and any pictures online, through the company’s app, or by calling your insurance agent.
The specific terms of your insurance policy note how long you have to report a car accident. In some instances, if you don’t report within the stated time period, you can lose your right to recover damages.
In Texas, insurance companies have 15 days to accept or deny your claim once they get all the needed information. If an insurance company accepts your claim, they must pay you within five business days. If they reject your claim, they are required to tell you the reason why.
It can take much longer than 15 days to gather all the information needed to determine fault in your accident, and insurance companies often attempt to draw out the process as long as possible or try to get you to settle for a smaller amount. Injury and accident lawyers can help expedite the process to make sure insurance companies like State Farm get the documentation they need as quickly as possible and aren’t purposely delaying their decision.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Austin
In Texas, you’re permitted to both file an insurance claim and bring suit against an at-fault driver. You can bring a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver if your injuries were caused by their negligence, including driving while distracted or under the influence.
Under the state’s statute of limitations, you must file a personal injury claim within two years from the date of the accident. In certain circumstances, you may have a longer or shorter period of time in which to file. A Texas injury and accident attorney can help you figure out whether you can file a personal injury claim and the time frame in which you have to file it.
Damages in State Farm Accident Claims
State Farm insurance policies typically reimburse medical bills and property damage, but your policy may have more coverage. The actual amount of damages you can get depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the amount of damage done to your vehicle, and how much you’re at fault.
The amount and type of damages you receive also depends on the insurance policies of all involved parties and the evidence you have to support your claim. Qualified injury and accident lawyers will work diligently to get all the documentation needed to prove the full extent of damage and injuries.
Protecting Yourself from Insurance Providers
Insurance companies want to avoid paying out damages and will try their hardest to do so. In order to protect yourself from insurance providers like State Farm, it’s a good idea to get everything in writing so you can hold them to their word. Just be sure not to sign or agree to anything that you don’t feel comfortable with, and never feel pressured to settle for an offer.
You should also never feel pressured to go to an auto body shop or doctor that an insurance company recommends. You always have the option to choose where you go for medical attention or car repairs. Keep all receipts as evidence of what you paid out of pocket in order to have the best chance at reimbursement.
The best way to protect yourself is to work with a lawyer who can negotiate for you so that you don’t have to directly deal with claims adjusters. Your attorney will know what it takes to get fair State Farm settlements from car accidents, and will work diligently to make sure your interests are represented so you can recover as much compensation as possible for the accident. If you end up going to trial, your attorney can also help you litigate the case in court.
How Our Austin Auto Accident Lawyers Can Help
When you’re dealing with accident claims from an insurance provider like State Farm, negotiating a fair settlement depends on the strength of your case. The injury and accident lawyers at FVF Law will make sure you have everything you need to prove your case and maximize your financial recovery. For a free, no-commitment case consultation, contact our lawyers in Austin, Texas, today.