O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers | January 16, 2025 | Personal Injury
Getting injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or another incident in Buffalo, New York, can feel overwhelming. On top of dealing with pain and anxiety, you may need to file an insurance claim. If State Farm is involved, you might be wondering how long it will take them to settle.
While the answer depends on several factors, having a basic understanding of the process can help you feel more prepared and less stressed.
Typical Timelines for a State Farm Settlement
The time it takes State Farm to settle a claim in Buffalo can vary widely. Understanding what goes into the process can offer some peace of mind. For some claims, things wrap up in a few weeks; others may take months or even longer.
Simple claims often involve minor injuries and straightforward facts. In these cases, where it’s clear who caused the accident and the damages are not in question, you might see a settlement within a few weeks to a couple of months.
However, if your injuries are more serious or there’s disagreement about how much your case is worth, expect the process to stretch out. More complex cases, like those with severe injuries or disputes over who caused the accident, can last many months or even a year or more.
Factors That Affect Settlement Times
A few key factors can influence how quickly your claim moves along. Knowing these can help you understand why the process may take longer than you’d like and guide you toward steps that might speed things up.
For example, the severity of your injuries matters. If you have serious injuries that require ongoing medical care, it’s often best to wait until you finish treatment. That way, the full cost of your medical care and future needs can be included in your claim. If you rush the process, you might end up with less than you deserve.
Disagreements about who caused the accident can also slow things down. If State Farm questions your side of the story or believes you share some blame, they may want to investigate further, which could involve reviewing police reports, talking to witnesses, or examining evidence like photos and surveillance footage.
Another factor is how quickly you provide documents and information. If you delay sending medical records, repair estimates, or other paperwork, the insurance adjuster might not have what they need to evaluate your claim.
Tips for Moving the Process Along
While you can’t control everything, you can take a few steps to help streamline the process. First, report the accident and file your claim with State Farm as soon as you can. Prompt action allows the adjuster to start reviewing your case right away.
Next, keep all your records organized and accessible. This includes medical bills, proof of lost wages, and any other expenses related to the accident. When State Farm requests information, send it promptly to avoid delays.
If the claims adjuster asks you questions, be careful about how you respond. Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. Ideally, your lawyer will handle all the communications so your claim can move forward.
Contact The Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyers At O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, please contact the Buffalo personal injury lawyers at O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer. We have a convenient office location in Buffalo, NY.
We proudly serve all throughout Erie County and the state of New York.
O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
4549 Main St, Suite 201
Buffalo, New York, 14226
(716) 222-2222
