How To File A State Farm Texas Insurance Claim
Insurance Claim Basics
Regardless of which insurance company you use, there are a few basic things to know about insurance coverage and how it relates to car accidents. Understanding these basics will help you claim all the damages related to your accident.
Ultimately, whether you can recover damages depends on whether you contributed to the accident. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. That means someone who contributed to their accident and injuries through their own negligence can still recover compensation as long as they were not more than 50% at fault. Their recoverable damages award will then be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.
It’s also important to understand that you can recover damages for your injuries and financial losses in one of three ways:
- You can file an insurance claim with your own insurance;
- You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company; or
- You can file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.
Texas auto insurance policies automatically include $2,500 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP coverage pays for medical bills for you and your passengers, no matter who caused the accident. Medical payments coverage insurance is also available in Texas. Like PIP, it pays medical bills for you and your passengers, no matter who caused the accident. It will also pay if you were injured in someone else’s car or while walking or biking.
A common question asked is “what if the driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover accident injuries they cause to others”? There are multiple courses of action if this takes place. You could sue them for the remainder, or you could turn to your underinsured motorist coverage if you have it.
Underinsured motorist coverage can cover medical bills when the other driver lacks insurance. In either case, a personal injury attorney can help you determine what option is best for you.
Preparing to File a State Farm Claim
When it comes time to file a claim with State Farm Texas, being well-prepared can make all the difference. The first item to check off your list is gathering all necessary documentation, including your policy number, the date of the incident, and any relevant receipts or invoices. Having this information readily available will help tremendously in expediting the claim process.
Next up, reach out to your local agent or use the State Farm claims phone number to contact the department directly and report the incident. They will guide you through the claims process and provide instructions on the next steps. It’s crucial to follow their guidance to ensure your claim is handled promptly and accurately.
Additionally, take photos and videos of any damage or losses you have incurred. Visual evidence can be invaluable in supporting your claim and ensuring it is processed quickly. Keep a detailed record of all communications with State Farm Texas, including dates, times, and the names of the representatives you speak with. This documentation can help resolve any issues that may arise during the claims process.
Filing Your State Farm Claim
If someone else crashed into you, the standard procedure is to file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance provider. This is called a third-party claim.
On the other hand, you could decide to use your insurance rather than deal with the other person’s insurance company. If you have collision insurance, you can use it for car damage caused by someone else.
Whether you are a third party or a policyholder, the easiest way to file a State Farm insurance claim is online. You can also file by phone by calling the State Farm claims phone number.
When filing a claim, be sure to have as much of this information available as possible:
- Date, time, and location of the incident,
- Vehicles involved,
- Description of the incident,
- Description of damages, and
- Police accident report details.
In Texas, a police accident report must be prepared if anyone was injured or died in the accident or if there appears to be $1,000 or more worth of damage to someone’s property. If the police didn’t respond to the accident, you’ll also need to file a report with the local authorities. It’s important to remember that your insurance policy likely requires you to report any accident you’re in by a specific deadline. To find out what your State Farm Texas reporting requirements are, check your policy information or call your provider.
Don’t Handle the Insurance Claim Process on Your Own
If you have more questions about how to file an insurance claim with State Farm Texas, the attorneys at Hartley Law Firm are here to answer them. Handling an insurance claim on your own can be a daunting task, and without an experienced personal injury lawyer, you might miss out on additional compensation you’re entitled to.
Hartley Law has multiple offices conveniently located in Carrollton and Irving, Texas, where you can connect with an experienced Carrollton or Irving car accident lawyer to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Led by award-winning attorney Austin Hartley, our team is dedicated to helping every client get the compensation they need to move forward after an accident. Contact Hartley Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
