If you have been in a car accident in Louisiana, you are likely wondering how long it will take to get your claim paid. Waiting on that settlement check can sometimes feel like an eternity, especially when medical bills and other expenses are waiting to be paid. State Farm can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to settle your claim in Louisiana.
There are many factors that can affect how long it might take to settle your claim. In some cases, State Farm might fight your claim to avoid paying it. If you are involved in a claim with State Farm, keep reading below to learn all the details about how long it might take.
What Factors Affect How Long My State Farm Claim Will Take?
Several factors can affect how long it will take to settle your claim. First, you should understand the claims process at a high level. When you submit a claim to State Farm, an adjuster will usually be assigned to your claim. The adjuster will investigate your claim and all the evidence you submitted, and they will determine their assigned value for your claim.
Some claims are paid as they are submitted because all the evidence aligns with the claim’s value. However, State Farm could deny your claim or make you an offer that is lower than your original demand. These types of issues can add time to the claims process and cause you to wait longer for a settlement check. Some factors that can affect how long it takes to process your claim are:
- The complexity of the case and the injuries involved
- The value of the claim
- Whether there are multiple defendants involved or questions of shared liability
Most insurance companies, including State Farm, prefer to wait until the victim has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling a claim. Failure to do so could result in the victim incurring additional medical expenses, which can affect the claim’s value.
How Can I Get My State Farm Claim Settled Quickly?
Most victims want to get their claims settled as quickly as possible. The sooner your claim is settled, the sooner you get paid. However, make sure that you do not undervalue your claim just to get a check sooner. Here are some ways to settle your claim quickly without leaving money on the table.
First, be timely with your communication and responses. Once your claim has been submitted, it is common for the insurance company to request additional information or evidence. The longer it takes you to respond, the longer it will take to process your claim.
Next, be honest about the facts of your case. If you misrepresent the facts of your case, the adjuster is likely to find out during their investigation. This can lead to a delay in processing your claim or cause your claim to be denied altogether.
Finally, get the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you put together all the evidence required to support your claim. Additionally, they can help you file a lawsuit in the event that State Farm does not offer you a fair settlement.
What Can I Do If State Farm Acts in Bad Faith?
In some cases, State Farm might act in bad faith and refuse to pay your claim. When this happens, they can be held accountable. Some examples of acting in bad faith include:
- Intentionally delaying the processing of your claim
- Misrepresenting the amount of coverage available
- Advising you not to seek legal advice or the help of a lawyer
- Failing to make a fair and reasonable settlement offer
If you suspect that State Farm is acting in bad faith, you should seek the help of an experienced car accident lawyer right away. Your lawyer can help you hold them accountable for the value of your original damages plus additional penalties, including punitive damages in some cases.
Contact a Baton Rouge, LA Personal Injury Lawyer from Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Baton Rouge, LA today. We have three convenient locations in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette.
We proudly serve East Baton Rouge Parish, Lafayette Parish, Orleans Parish, and its surrounding areas:
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Baton Rouge Office
404 Europe Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70124
(225) 263-4787
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – New Orleans Office
318 Harrison Avenue Suite 107
New Orleans, Louisiana, 70802
(504) 294-3804
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Lafayette Office
1318 Camellia Boulevard Suite 206
Lafayette, Louisiana, 70508
(337) 473-2991