If you have been in a car accident in Charlotte, North Carolina, and are filing a claim with State Farm, one of the first questions you may have is: How long does State Farm take to settle a claim?
Every claim is different, but common factors can affect how quickly you may receive compensation. Understanding these variables can help you navigate the process more effectively.
What Can Delay a State Farm Claim Settlement?
State Farm’s claims process may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months in many cases. Accidents involving minor injuries, clear liability, and thorough evidence may settle within weeks. However, more complicated claims could delay settlement for months or even years.
Factors that may delay settlement include:
Severe Injuries and Medical Treatment
Serious injuries take longer to evaluate. If your injuries require ongoing treatment, State Farm may wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before making a settlement offer. This makes it more likely that the full cost of your medical expenses will be accounted for, but it can delay your claim.
Fault Disputes
State Farm may take longer to investigate claims where liability is contested. These disputes could involve reviewing accident reports, speaking with witnesses, examining physical evidence, and possibly hiring accident reconstruction experts.
North Carolina follows a contributory fault rule, which means that if you are found to be even 1 percent at fault for your accident, you may be barred from recovering damages. This can lead State Farm to scrutinize claims in North Carolina more closely.
Availability of Evidence
Incomplete or missing documentation, such as medical records, photos of the accident scene, or repair estimates, can cause delays. The faster you or your lawyer provide the necessary documents, the quicker your claim may move forward.
Negotiation and Litigation
You or your lawyer may need to negotiate or file a lawsuit if State Farm makes an initial settlement offer that is unreasonably low. The negotiation process could add weeks or months to the settlement timeline. In some cases, litigation is the only path to fair compensation.
Working with a Charlotte car accident lawyer might help avoid unnecessary delays.
What Is the State Farm Claims Phone Number for Reporting a Claim?
You can call the State Farm claims phone number at 1-800-732-5246 to speak with a representative or file a claim.
Filing a claim with State Farm can also be done:
- Online: Visit statefarm.com/claims and log in to your account or file as a guest.
- Via the mobile app: Use the State Farm mobile app to upload photos, submit documents, and track your claim status.
- Through your agent: Contact your local State Farm agent for help initiating the process.
State Farm offers multiple ways to file a claim, making it easy to start the process. It is recommended to file your claim as soon as possible.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Settlement Process?
Here are some ways you can try to ensure your State Farm claims process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible:
- File your claim promptly: Report your accident and initiate the claim process as soon as possible.
- Provide complete documentation: Submit police reports, medical records, photos, and repair bills promptly.
- Respond quickly: Answer calls and emails from State Farm promptly.
- Be straightforward: Inaccurate or conflicting information can raise red flags and delay the claim.
- Hire an attorney: A Charlotte personal injury lawyer can push for a fair and timely resolution of your claim, especially if damages or liability are contested.
Not all insurance companies act in good faith. If State Farm delays your claim, offers an unreasonably low settlement, or outright denies your damages, a lawyer may be able to help you move the process forward. They can investigate your accident, identify potentially liable parties, gather evidence, and negotiate with State Farm on your behalf.
Contact a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Every case is different. Do not hesitate to contact a Charlotte car accident lawyer at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers if you feel your claim is being unfairly delayed or undervalued. We can help you fight for what you are owed. Schedule a free consultation today.
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today. We have five convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
252-397-7400
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
919-459-7855
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
919-759-6963
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
910-910-1860
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
252-397-0134
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
704-781-7980
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
336-395-5349
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
919-925-6039
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
910-387-0861
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
910-889-3926
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-396-6310
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529