Average State Farm Car Accident Payouts in California By Injury Type
Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Short answer: Californians injured in car accidents where either party has State Farm can expect an approximate settlement of $15,000 – $50,000. In more severe cases, settlements can be approximately $150,000 – $1,000,000+.
Average State Farm Car Accident Settlements in California By Injury Type
| Injury From Accident | Average Settlement Payout |
| Whiplash | Approximately: $10,000 – $100,000 |
| Herniated Disc | Approximately: $15,000 – $120,000 |
| Concussion | Approximately: $20,000 – $125,000 |
| Broken Bones | Approximately: $20,000 – $200,000+ |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Approximately: $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Dislocations | Approximately: $15,000 – $100,000 |
| Torn Ligaments | Approximately: $40,000 – $150,000 |
| Nerve Damage | Approximately: $15,000 – $110,000 |
| Spinal Cord Injuries | Approximately: $15,000 – $150,000+ |
| Burns | Approximately: $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Soft Tissue Injuries | Approximately: $5,000 – $50,000 |
| Internal Bleeding | Approximately: $25,000 – $250,000+ |
State Farm Car Accident Settlement Examples
- Jury awards nearly $8.1 million to Rosamond couple after State Farm rejects $100K settlement offer
- State Farm hit with $6.5 million verdict over unpaid injury claim
- The Grossman Law Firm, LLC wins $2 million verdict in New Jersey car accident injury claim vs. State Farm
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Initial State Farm Settlement Offers Found on Reddit
Example #1
My mom got badly rear ended on the freeway which then caused her to rear end the truck in front of her. Her car is completely totaled.
State Farm accepted full liability and is offering my mom an injury settlement. I have never dealt with this before so I wanted to hear other people’s thoughts if they’ve gone through this before/similar.
They are offering $2,500 for pain and discomfort and up to $15,000 for medical bills that they will pay out within 6 months of the accidents. Also,$300 for Lost wages for that day of accident.
Background:
- She took an ambulance to the hospital 4 mins away
- Saw ER doctor
- Got all the scans for head, chest, stoma and wrist to check for injury
- She has no broken bones or fractures. Just stiff muscles that she got prescribe muscle relaxers for
- I am not sure if she will experience any other issues in the weeks after the accident (I am hoping not of course)
Source: Reddit
Example #2
I was in a car accident last April of 2020. I was turning with a green arrow light. This pest control van ran a red light and hit me. My car got totaled and I got two herniated discs from the accident.
I can still walk and stuff but my lower back still hurts from time to time. We did chiropractic treatment for a few months, then some pain management. I did cortisone injections in my neck and low back. Then we did an RFA(Radio frequency ablation) in my low back.
Lawyer says we are at the finish line and that he stalled on them. That the insurance started low but finally agreed to settle at $97,500. He sent me the break down of everything and for me to sign it. I didn’t sign it yet because I wanted to come on here and ask if I should take this offer or not? Here is the break down.
- Settlement – $97,500
- Attorney Fee (33 1/3%) – $32,500
- Medical Bills
- Chiropractic treatment – $1,000
- Pain Management plus RFA surgery – $16,000
- Total Medical bill – $17,000
- Investigation – $375
- Postage, copies and courier – $170.80
- Net settlement to me – $47,454.20
Source: Reddit
Factors That Help Maximize Settlement Amounts
Severity of Injuries
More severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and have long-lasting effects generally lead to higher settlements.
Medical Expenses
The total medical costs incurred due to the accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care, can contribute to a larger settlement.
Lost Wages
Compensation for lost income or earning capacity resulting from the accident and related injuries is a key factor.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, can significantly impact the settlement.
Property Damage
Compensation for repair or replacement of the damaged vehicle and personal belongings can contribute to the overall settlement amount.
Liability and Negligence
Clearly establishing the other party’s liability and negligence can strengthen your case and potentially lead to a higher settlement.
Documentation and Evidence
Thorough documentation of the accident, medical records, photographs, witness statements, and other evidence can strengthen your position during negotiations.
Legal Representation
Having an experienced attorney can make a difference in negotiating a favorable settlement. They understand the legal nuances, can assess the true value of your case, and negotiate effectively on your behalf.
Insurance Coverage
Understanding the insurance policies involved, including the limits of liability coverage, can help in determining the maximum amount that can be claimed.
Factors That Could Result in Lower Settlement Payouts
Pre-existing Injuries
If the injured party had pre-existing health conditions or injuries that were not directly caused by the accident, it could impact the settlement amount.
Delayed Medical Treatment
Failing to seek prompt medical attention or delaying treatment after the accident may be used by insurance companies to argue that the injuries were not severe or directly related to the accident.
If both parties share fault in the accident, it may result in a reduction of the settlement amount. Some states operate under a comparative negligence system where the compensation is reduced based on the degree of fault assigned to each party.
Limited Insurance Coverage
The at-fault party’s insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all the damages, leading to a lower settlement amount.
Inadequate Documentation
Insufficient or inconsistent documentation of the accident, injuries, and related expenses may weaken the case and result in a lower settlement offer.
Policy Limits
The at-fault party’s insurance policy may have limits that cap the amount payable for specific types of damages, limiting the potential settlement.
Lack of Legal Representation
Attempting to handle the claim without legal representation may lead to accepting a lower settlement than what might be achievable with the assistance of an experienced attorney.
Disputes Regarding Liability
If there are disputes or uncertainties regarding liability or negligence, it can complicate the settlement process and potentially result in a lower payout.
State Farm Accident Claims Process
If you were injured in a car accident and have State Farm insurance, the claims process would typically involve the following steps:
1. Seek Medical Care
Your health is the top priority. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.
2. Report the Accident
File a claim online, with the State Farm app, or by calling 800-SF-Claim (800-732-5246) anytime.
3. Claim Review
State Farm will review your claim and let you know what’s happening and what happens next.
4. Complete Injury Forms
If you’re filing a claim for an auto accident injury, you may need to complete and submit a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and/or Medical Payments Coverage (MPC) form(s). Your State Farm claim associate can help with this.
5. Payment
State Farm will pay based on your policy and California law.
Remember, this is a general description of the process and it may vary depending on the specifics of your situation. Instances like disputed liability can drag out this process amongst other instances. For further information, it’s best to contact your State Farm agent or a car accident attorney.
Why Insurance Adjusters Try to Minimize Car Accident Settlements
Insurance adjusters seek to minimize settlement payouts as part of cost control measures to maintain the financial stability of insurance companies. Their goal is to manage expenses within policy limits and assess the legitimacy of claims to prevent fraud. Adjusters scrutinize claims to reduce the company’s liability, adhere to legal requirements, and ensure consistency in handling cases.
While these practices contribute to the overall financial health of insurance providers, it’s crucial for claimants to be aware of their rights, document their cases thoroughly, and, if necessary, seek legal advice to navigate the claims process effectively and secure fair compensation.
How Car Accident Attorneys Can Help Maximize Your Settlement
A car accident attorney can maximize your settlement by leveraging their legal expertise and experience dealing with State Farm to assess the full extent of your damages. They’ll navigate any legal complexities, gather compelling evidence, and negotiate with State Farm on your behalf. Attorneys understand how State Farm insurance adjusters work.
They will investigate all relevant factors of your potential case, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Their experience helps counter insurance adjusters’ attempts to minimize payouts, and they may take your case to court if necessary, compelling State Farm insurers to offer a fair and comprehensive settlement that accurately reflects the impact of the accident on your life.
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