How to File a State Farm Claim After an Accident in Florida

As a Hollywood personal injury lawyer knows from representing clients, being in a car accident can result in serious injuries requiring medical care, car repairs, lost wages due to an inability to work, and a mountain of paperwork to contend with. If the insurance company of the at-fault driver is State Farm, you may be wondering how to file a claim after an accident in Florida.

This blog, from a Hollywood car accident lawyer, explains how to file a State Farm claim. It provides step-by-step instructions and vital details to help you navigate your car accident claim effectively. It also explains when to consult knowledgeable personal injury lawyers with experience representing clients who have been in South Florida car accidents.

Filing a claim with State Farm is typically a straightforward process you can complete online, over the phone, or through your local State Farm agent. To facilitate a smooth claims process, it’s important to gather all necessary information and documentation related to the accident before submitting your claim.

Continue reading to learn more, then contact us at (800) 332-6436(800) 332-6436 to schedule your free consultation if you have been in a Hollywood car accident and need assistance.

At Cohen & Cohen Law, we are here to be the experience you need and the representation you can trust with your car accident claim.

Step 1: Gather Information

Before filing your claim with State Farm, collect as much information as possible about the accident, including:

Accident Details: the date, time, and location of the accident

Police Report: Section 316.065 of the Florida statutes requires the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash resulting in injury or death to a person, or at least $500 estimated vehicle or property damage, to immediately contact local law enforcement. Police reports also serve as evidence in personal injury cases involving auto accidents.

At-Fault Driver Information: This information includes the driver’s name, address, phone number, and State Farm insurance policy information.

Witness Information: If any witnesses saw the accident, gather their names and contact information. Witness statements can be valuable evidence in personal injury claims like car accident cases.

Vehicle Information: Year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of all vehicles involved.

Damage Photos: Take detailed pictures of the damage to your vehicle from various angles. If possible, also capture photos of the accident scene, including skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.

Medical Records: If you sustained any injuries in the accident, seek medical attention and keep copies of all medical bills, doctor’s reports, treatment records, and all medical expenses related to the accident.

Step 2: Report the Car Accident to State Farm

There are three primary ways to initiate a claim against the at-fault driver’s State Farm insurance:

• Online: State Farm allows you to file a claim online through their website. You can initiate a third-party claim, which means you’re filing a claim against someone else’s policy. Be prepared to upload photos and other documentation during this process.
• Mobile App: The State Farm mobile app offers a convenient way to report an accident. Download the app to your smartphone and select the option to file a third-party claim.
• Phone: You can also report the accident by calling State Farm’s claims hotline at 1-800-SF-CLAIM (1-800-732-5246). A customer service representative can walk you through the third-party claim process and answer any questions you may have.

Step 3: Provide Detailed Information During the Claim Process

When reporting the accident, be prepared to provide State Farm with detailed information about the auto accident, which may include:

• A description of how the auto accident occurred, including why you believe the other driver was at fault
• The extent of the damage to your vehicle
• Any car accident injuries you sustained, even if minor injuries
• The names and contact information of any witnesses (if applicable).

State Farm may assign a claims adjuster to handle your case.  When it comes to insurance claims, major insurance carriers like State Farm employ adjusters to limit the amount of money the insurance company pays. The adjuster for the insurance company will investigate the accident, evaluate the damages, and negotiate a settlement offer.  Cooperate fully with the adjuster and respond promptly to any requests for information or documentation.

Florida Law Pertaining to Insurance Coverage/Liability Coverage

As a Hollywood personal injury lawyer knows, Florida is a no-fault state for car insurance. Drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault in the accident. However, if your injuries meet certain criteria, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional compensation.

Furthermore, Florida law requires all drivers to carry Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance, which covers damages to another person’s property in an accident where you are at fault. The minimum coverage required by law is $10,000.

Negotiating a Settlement with State Farm

Once State Farm has investigated your claim and assessed the damages, they will likely present you with a settlement offer representing the total amount they are willing to pay to compensate you for your losses.

Here are some tips for negotiating adequate compensation from State Farm:

• Review the Settlement Offer Carefully: Don’t feel pressured to accept the first offer State Farm presents.  Carefully review the settlement details to ensure it covers all your damages,  including:
  • Medical bills and expenses for past and future medical care
  • Lost income
  • Vehicle repair or replacement costs
  • Emotional pain and physical suffering
  • Rental car expenses
• Don’t Be Afraid to Counteroffer:  If you believe the initial settlement offer is too low, you have the right to counteroffer with a higher amount that reflects the full extent of your damages.
• Consider Seeking Legal Advice from a Competent Car Accident Lawyer: For complex accident cases or serious car accident injuries, consulting a qualified Hollywood car accident lawyer experienced in dealing with insurance companies facilitates the success of your claim.  A personal injury attorney can advise you on the value of your claim, negotiate on your behalf, and pursue fair compensation.

When to Seek the Help of an Experienced Legal Team After an Auto Accident Involving a State Farm Claim

While filing a claim with State Farm may seem straightforward, it can become complicated if you encounter resistance or pushback from the insurance company. If you are not receiving a fair settlement offer or feel overwhelmed by the claims process, it may be time to consult a knowledgeable Hollywood car accident lawyer.

Skilled personal injury lawyers can help review your auto accident case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and fight for fair compensation for your injuries and damages. At Cohen & Cohen Law, our auto accident attorneys have extensive experience representing injury victims in South Florida. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and seek compensation for your physical injuries and emotional distress.

Trust the Knowledgeable Car Accident Lawyers at Cohen & Cohen Law to Protect Your Rights & Seek Compensation on Your Behalf

Common car accident injuries include broken bones, soft tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries, a traumatic brain injury, and potentially permanent disabilities, depending on the circumstances. Such devastating accidents — whether caused by reckless driving, driver negligence, failure to obey traffic laws, drunk driving, aggressive driving or another reason — can inflict serious injuries and upend your life.

If you have been in a car crash in and around Hollywood, FL, you need a personal injury law firm that will listen to the details of your case and develop an effective legal strategy that may involve hiring accident reconstruction experts to support your case. Our personal injury attorneys are ready to do whatever it takes because our mission is to help the injured heal physically, financially, and emotionally from devastating accidents through exceptional legal representation and compassionate care. Founded in 1970, we’re proud of our over 50 years of experience serving South Florida car accident victims.

Don’t hesitate to reach out today to schedule your free consultation at (800) 332-6436(800) 332-6436 or complete our online form. Cohen & Cohen Law in South Florida is ready to guide you through the process and provide you with the support and representation you need.

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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Cohen and Cohen Law
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Hollywood, FL 33021
(800) 332-6436(800) 332-6436
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