Being involved in an accident is a stressful event, especially when it comes to the claims process.
When you file a claim for damages with State Farm Insurance, you want to ensure you are doing everything possible to maximize your potential compensation.
To help you better understand State Farm accident claims and how an Alabama car accident lawyer can help, here are some helpful tips to maximize your claim.
For immediate assistance, please send us a message or call (205) 407-6009 for a free consultation.
Reporting Your Alabama State Farm Accident Claim
When you contact State Farm reporting a claim, make sure to have all necessary information available, including:
- The at-fault driver’s name and insurance policy number;
- A copy of the police report or at least the report number given at the scene;
- Names and contact information for any passengers in the vehicles;
- Contact information for any witnesses present; and
- Details of the accident
Be cautious when speaking with the other driver’s insurance company that you don’t say anything that could be construed as admitting fault.
Once you report the claim, State Farm’s claims processing department should give you a claim number and the adjuster’s name.
Expect that the claims adjuster will call you and ask for a recorded statement about your accident.
You should never give a recorded statement to anyone without an experienced Alabama accident lawyer representing you and protecting your rights.
How the State Farm Claim Process Works
State Farm accident claims work similarly to those of other insurance companies.
The adjuster will be looking for ways to assign more liability to you or to reduce the amount of potential payout.
They may claim your injuries weren’t as severe as you suggest or that your treatment extended beyond the usual timeframe for a similar injury.
When you have a skilled Alabama car accident attorney representing you, we will make sure you have all the necessary evidence to support the maximum compensation possible.
Some of the best ways to maximize your accident claim’s value include:
- Preserve as much evidence as possible;
- Get medical treatment right away after the accident;
- Keep an accident and pain journal;
- Don’t attempt to negotiate with the State Farm adjuster on your own;
- Stay off social media and don’t post about the accident or your injuries; and
- File a lawsuit within the statute of limitations.
Immediately following the accident, it’s crucial to get scene photos if possible.
These photos can show vehicle placement, damage, skid marks, and other essential details such as weather, potential hazards, etc.
If you aren’t transported from the scene by ambulance, seek medical treatment right away.
You may have injuries that are not visible to the naked eye.
The longer you wait to seek treatment, the easier it is for the State Farm adjuster to say your injuries aren’t that severe or there was another incident that caused your pain.
Your attorney will review all the evidence and prepare a demand for the insurance adjuster.
In some cases, it may be necessary to hire industry experts who can prepare a report and testify about the facts of the accident or your injuries.
If the insurance company is unwilling to offer you a fair settlement, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Contact an Alabama State Farm Accident Lawyer
Don’t let a State Farm insurance adjuster take advantage of your inexperience with auto claims.
One of the best ways to maximize your claim is to hire an experienced Alabama auto accident lawyer.
At the Fob James Law Firm, we have over four decades of experience helping accident victims just like you.
Contact our office online or call (205) 407-6009 today to learn more about how we can assist with State Farm accident claims.
Let us put our skills and knowledge to work for you and help you fight for a top-dollar settlement.
Fob James
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large regional firm for several years where he obtained awards for both individual and corporate clients, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society.