There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it takes State Farm to settle claims in Santa Ana, California.
Straightforward State Farm claims can sometimes be settled within a few weeks. More complex cases, especially those involving disputed fault or serious injuries, might take several months or longer to resolve. The process can stretch out over a year or more if a lawsuit becomes necessary.
The timeline depends on several factors, including the details of the accident, the availability of evidence, and the level of cooperation from State Farm during negotiations. If you’re waiting on a settlement and getting nowhere, your best bet is to contact a Santa Ana car accident attorney.
Factors That Affect the Timeline for a State Farm Settlement in Santa Ana, CA
Some common factors that can affect the time it takes from filing the claim to receiving a settlement include:
- Serious or catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical treatment
- Multiple parties sharing liability for the accident
- Disputes regarding causation
- Lack of evidence proving how the accident occurred
- Allegations of shared blame for the accident
- Disagreement on the severity of your injuries and the value of your damages
Settling your claim before you reach maximum medical improvement may mean receiving less than your claim is worth. You will not understand the full extent of your injuries and damages until you complete treatment. If your injuries cause a permanent impairment, your damages could include future lost wages, diminished quality of life, and ongoing medical expenses.
Has State Farm Acted in Bad Faith to Delay Your Settlement?
Sometimes, the insurance company’s actions delay settlement. They should investigate claims thoroughly and take the time required to determine liability.
However, some insurance companies intentionally delay claims or act in bad faith to avoid paying damages. If State Farm has not processed your claim promptly, you may want to speak with a Santa Ana car accident lawyer about a bad faith insurance claim.
Examples of bad faith insurance practices include, but are not limited to:
- Refusing to investigate a filed claim within a reasonable period
- Advising injured parties not to seek legal advice
- Misrepresenting the terms of the insurance policy or the law
- Failing to provide a reason for a delay or denial of the claim
- Pressuring a victim to accept a settlement that is under the value of their claim
- Refusing to make a fair or reasonable settlement offer
- Making settlement offers known to be much lower than the claim is worth
If an insurance company acts in bad faith, the victim may have an additional claim against the insurance company. Talk with a Santa Ana car accident attorney to learn about your options for seeking compensation for a bad faith insurance claim.
What Can I Do to Speed Up a Settlement with State Farm?
Some steps you can take to protect your rights and get State Farm to process your claim as quickly as possible include:
- Notifying State Farm of your claim as soon as possible after an accident
- Seeking immediate medical treatment for injuries and following your doctor’s treatment plan to avoid delays in your recovery
- Promptly providing any requested information
- Keeping detailed records of your out-of-pocket expenses and other monetary losses
- Following up with the insurance company to check the status of your claim
While being cooperative and providing information can expedite a settlement, you must be cautious. State Farm is not necessarily concerned with your best interest or with paying a fair settlement. It is more interested in protecting its best interests. Therefore, the company may try to obtain information and evidence it can use to deny and undervalue your claim.
Contact a Santa Ana Car Accident Lawyer at Robles Babaee Personal Injury Lawyers for Help With a Delayed State Farm Claim Settlement
A Santa Ana car accident lawyer can help you keep a claim with State Farm on track for settlement. If you suspect that State Farm is unreasonably delaying your settlement or otherwise intentionally acting in bad faith, contact Robles Babaee Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers
1851 E 1st St Suite 810, Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 263-3700