How Long Does It Take State Farm to Settle Claims in Alabama?
If you have a car accident claim with State Farm, receiving a settlement check could take weeks or months. State Farm auto claims can sometimes last longer than a year, especially if you file a lawsuit. The timeline for a State Farm auto claim depends on many factors. Hiring an experienced Alabama car accident lawyer helps ensure that the process moves as quickly as possible, given the factors in your case.
What Factors Impact the Processing Time for State Farm to Settle Claims in Alabama?
Many factors affect how long it takes State Farm to settle claims in Alabama. Factors that could impact the timeline for your car accident claim include the following:
Your Recovery Period
It is difficult to know how much money to demand for damages until you reach maximum medical improvement. The severity of your injuries and your medical treatments determine when you recover fully from your injuries or if your condition is unlikely to improve, given additional medical treatment.
Generally, catastrophic injuries and permanent impairments increase the time it takes to settle a State Farm claim. If you recover within a few months, settling your claim and receiving a settlement check could take much less time.
Beware of insurance adjusters who make settlement offers before your doctor releases you from treatment. If you accept the offer and sign a settlement agreement, you give up your right to sue, even if you discover your damages are worth much more than your settlement.
Disputes Regarding Liability
State Farm may deny your claim, stating that their insured driver did not cause the accident. If so, you may need to file a lawsuit against the driver, which could take more than a year to resolve.
The company may also allege that you contributed to the cause of the accident. If so, the company will argue that you are not entitled to any compensation for damages under Alabama’s strict contributory negligence law. In that case, you would need to hire a lawyer and file a lawsuit to fight the case in court.
Insurance Company Delays
State Farm is one of the largest automobile insurance providers in the United States. As such, they process millions of claims. Depending on the volume of claims, the claims process may move more slowly at times. Therefore, you may have to wait longer for a settlement check from State Farm.
Value of Damages
Economic damages represent the financial losses associated with the car accident. You must prove the amount of your monetary losses. Therefore, keeping detailed records with proof of each amount can help speed up the claims process.
However, if you claim a high amount for non-economic damages, it could slow down the claims process. Non-economic damages represent the pain and suffering you experience because of the accident and your injuries. These damages are intangible. There is not an invoice or bill you can produce to prove the value of pain and suffering.
State Farm will thoroughly investigate large claims for non-economic damages. It could take time for your attorney to prove you are entitled to a higher value for pain and suffering than State Farm is willing to pay.
Permanent Impairments and Disabilities
Some car accident injuries may result in life-altering impairments and disabilities. These conditions could require ongoing medical and/or personal care. You may be unable to work, resulting in future earnings loss.
Proving future damages often requires hiring medical specialists, financial professionals, and other experts. These experts assess your condition to estimate the financial losses you are expected to incur because of your impairment. They also assist your attorney in establishing a higher level of pain and suffering.
Insurance Company Bad Faith
Some insurance companies engage in bad faith practices. Bad faith involves unfair or dishonest behavior. The intent is to avoid paying valid claims. Your settlement could be delayed if State Farm engages in bad faith practices. It may also result in a separate claim against State Farm for damages.
Beware of the Statute of Limitations for Filing Car Accident Claims in Alabama
Alabama Code §6-2-38 sets a two-year statute of limitations for most car accident lawsuits. You must file a lawsuit before time expires or lose the right to take your claim to court. There are exceptions to the rule, so talk with a lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident.
If you have questions about settling a State Farm claim or other car accident case, contact Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. We help injured victims and their families fight for the compensation they deserve.
Contact the Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers To Get Legal Assistance Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We serve Shelby County, Madison County, Montgomery County in Alabama, and its surrounding areas.
We have convenient locations in Birmingham, Huntsville & Montgomery. Visit one of our offices today:
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Birmingham Office
880 Montclair Road, Ste 300,
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 206-5088
33.5184545933156, -86.74649559261748
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Huntsville Office
116 Jefferson St. Suite 209
Hunstville, AL, 35801
(256) 666-4660
34.732190144316256, -86.58616071428929
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Montgomery Office
7 Clayton St, Suite 200,
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 513-2110
32.37422873797743, -86.30896808095179