Lawyers have unique perspectives when it comes to handling State Farm injury claims—many lawyers deal with State Farm on a regular basis. Experienced personal injury lawyers know that State Farm is one of the preeminent insurers in the country, meaning it has significant resources on its side. Auto insurance is one of State Farm's most substantial revenue streams, as the State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company reported a $3.5 billion net-worth increase in 2023. Rest assured that State Farm is not satisfied with such massive growth and will continue to fight injury claims (like yours) in pursuit of ever-higher profits.
Why a Lawyer's Perspective May Be Valuable to Your State Farm Injury Claim
We all have different perspectives, and our level of familiarity with any given circumstance or topic can affect that perspective. A lawyer's perspective on State Farm injury claims is rooted in experience, and therefore, you may trust that they:- Have perspectives that are trustworthy because they're based on real-world experience (rather than guesswork, speculation, or theoretical knowledge)
- Are confident in the advice and perspectives they give you because confidence generally comes from experience
- Have insights specific to State Farm, as different insurance companies have different procedures and tendencies
The Challenging Realities of Seeking Money from State Farm (from a Lawyer's Perspective)
Your lawyer's insights and knowledge will cover all aspects of State Farm injury claims, including the difficult aspects. Some of the most notable hurdles you'll outsource to your State Farm injury claim lawyer include: - Meeting State Farm's resources: How comfortable will you be going up against an insurance company with more than $100 billion in annual revenues? Hiring a law firm means having that law firm's resources on your side, which should help produce a strong claim (and level the field with State Farm).
- Responding to a claim denial: State Farm can deny your claim. It may issue a denial because other claimants have accepted such a denial without fighting. Your personal injury attorney will fight, providing the information or evidence necessary to dispute the denial of the claim.
- Keeping forward momentum during the claims process: You deserve to move on from your accident as soon as possible. Attorneys ensure that State Farm (and other insurers) do not extend the claims process a moment longer than is justified.
- Identifying and responding convincingly to lowball settlement offers: While most auto accident cases eventually reach a mutual settlement, insurers like State Farm often try to get away with lowball offers. If the claimant is unsure of the value of their losses, lacks experience, or succumbs to an insurer's pressure, the insurance company may save substantial money through its lowball settlement. Your personal injury attorney will prevent this outcome in your case.
- Dealing with State Farm's attorneys: If your State Farm injury claim becomes a lawsuit, your lawyer may have to deal with the insurance company's legal counsel. You can bet that State Farm has expensive lawyers on its side, so you will be wise to have your own attorney.
State Farm Relies Heavily on Auto Insurance for Its Profits (and Will Fight to Protect Those Profits)
State Farm wrote more private passenger auto insurance premiums in 2023 than any other insurance company, with nearly $58 billion in total premiums accounted for. While State Farm is also a leader in other insurance types, its auto insurance sector is a critical component of the company. When an insurance company relies so significantly on auto insurance policies to make money, it means: - The company sinks significant resources into its auto insurance operations: If State Farm has anything in spades, it's money. The insurance company has adjusters, attorneys, and the financial means to delay claims (hoping to pressure the claimant to accept a lowball settlement offer).
- Any significant upturn or downturn in its auto insurance branch can have substantial financial ramifications for the entire company: Because auto insurance is a large portion of State Farm's portfolio, the financial fate of its auto insurance sector can influence the company's broader financial performance. If the auto insurance sector is going to perform well, it needs to minimize losses—which means paying as little money as possible to claimants like you.
- The company (in this case, State Farm) may have skilled, experienced professionals handling its auto insurance claims: State Farm is aware of how critical the performance of its auto claims branch is. Therefore, you can expect that the company has experienced, skilled, handpicked adjusters handling claims like yours. Those adjusters' collective mandate is, almost certainly, to save State Farm as much money as possible (which can mean underpaying you).
How a State Farm Injury Claim Lawyer Will Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
Your lawyer's directive is to secure the compensation you deserve from State Farm. Every lawyer creates a personalized case strategy for their client (the claimant), but most State Farm injury claims require the attorney to:Communicate with State Farm (on the Client's Behalf)
Personal injury attorneys deal with insurance companies on their clients' behalf because:- Clients are often focused on recovery and would prefer not to deal with State Farm representatives
- State Farm and other insurance companies are often looking for ways to convince the claimant to accept a lowball settlement (a lawyer will prevent this)
- Your attorney will want to move the insurance process forward as quickly as possible, and this may require frequent communication with State Farm
An Understanding of the State Farm Policy
If State Farm owes you compensation for an injury, there is a policy that outlines the insurer's financial obligations. Your attorney will:- Obtain a copy of the policy in question
- Scour the policy for relevant details
- Identify the conditions that entitle you to compensation
- Identify coverage limits
Document and Calculate the Client's Covered Losses
Your lawyer will detail the harm you have suffered because of your injury. You may also face harm resulting from the auto accident, such as vehicle repair costs. Your lawyer may document your covered losses by: - Reaching out to your medical providers for medical images, medical bills, doctors' notes, and other relevant documentation
- Securing copies of bills from the person who repaired your vehicle
- Retaining mental health professionals to evaluate and diagnose your PTSD (and provide records for your case)
Negotiate a Settlement with State Farm
The most successful personal injury attorneys are at their most valuable when negotiating a settlement. By the time your lawyer begins to negotiate with State Farm's representatives, they will have:- Secured all available documentation of your losses
- Calculated settlement demands that reflect current and future losses
- Prepared for any counter arguments State Farm's representatives might pose
Representing You in Any Lawsuit or Trial That Results from the State Farm Claim
If you cannot receive a fair settlement from State Farm, your attorney may present the option of filing a lawsuit against those responsible for your accident. If you move forward with a lawsuit, your attorney can lead the process by:- Drafting and filing the lawsuit: Because states have deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits, your attorney will draft and file your lawsuit as soon as it's clear suing is the right option for you. They will also ensure that liable parties receive notice of the lawsuit.
- Completing pre-trial stages: The primary pre-trial stage is called discovery, which may include depositions and the exchange of case materials between the plaintiff and the defense. Your lawyer will oversee this process and prepare you for any participation you will have in it.
- Continuing settlement negotiations: As the legal process advances, your lawyer may continue to negotiate a settlement with State Farm's attorneys. Once the insurance company (and the party they represent) recognizes that you are serious about pursuing all the compensation you deserve, they may up their settlement offer to avoid trial.
- Completing a trial, if necessary: If State Farm continues to refuse your attorney's demands, trial may be the next step for you and your lawyer. Your attorney will question witnesses, present experts, and make the most compelling case they can to the jury and judge.
When Should I Hire a Lawyer to Take On My State Farm Injury Claim?
Rest assured, from the moment State Farm receives your claim, it is working on getting the best end of the financial deal (or avoiding a deal entirely by depriving you of compensation). You cannot afford to delay in hiring a lawyer because:- Your lawyer needs to establish your injuries as they currently are, as this will allow them, with medical experts, to evaluate your recovery and project your future medical needs
- Your attorney needs to obtain all available evidence of fault for the accident; evidence may not always stay preserved for long.
- State Farm may be actively trying to undermine your case, and your attorney will immediately step in to protect you
Questions State Farm Injury Claim Lawyers Often Hear from Clients
You should complete free consultations with any law firms that meet your on-paper criteria. Consultations afford you the chance to: - See firsthand how a law firm interacts with prospective clients (which may indicate how you'll be treated as a client)
- Ask general questions about your case as well as questions specific to the firm
- Get a feel for the firm's culture
- Narrow down your list of law firms that you may choose to handle your State Farm injury claim
Why Should I Hire for My State Farm Injury Claim?
You will hire a lawyer because you believe they are most qualified to obtain fair compensation from State Farm. By hiring an attorney, you can protect yourself from stress and other potential hazards that can cost you compensation.How Much Will I Have to Pay My Lawyer?
State Farm injury claim lawyers' contingency fee agreements mean:- You don't have to pay any out-of-pocket cost to hire a lawyer
- Your lawyer only gets a fee if they win
- You can retain a State Farm injury claim lawyer today, even if you're under financial pressure