Learn more about State Farm's insurance claim process and whether you might be able to get compensation for your pain and suffering.
Question:
How does State Farm calculate pain and suffering in a car accident case?
Answer:
State Farm is one of the largest insurance companies in the country, servicing over 87 million policies and accounts across the United States in 2021. Opening up a claim with State Farm is pretty easy. Getting the most out of your claim is more complicated, especially when your claim involves pain and suffering.
What is Pain and Suffering?
Pain and suffering is a legal term used to describe the physical and mental pain someone endures because of someone else's negligent or wrongful act. Pain and suffering includes everything from the agony of a broken bone to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a car accident.
Does State Farm Pay Pain and Suffering Claims?
State Farm pays out pain and suffering damages based on the facts of your case and the laws in your state.
How Does State Farm Calculate Pain and Suffering in a Car Accident Case?
State Farm doesn't reveal the precise method its adjusters use to calculate pain and suffering damages, nor does it share the average amount it typically pays out.
The most common method adjusters use to estimate pain and suffering damages is the multiplier method. An adjuster using the multiplier method adds up a claimant's accident-related medical bills and multiplies that total by a number between one and five (the "multiplier").
The adjuster chooses a multiplier based on the seriousness of your injuries, the obviousness of the other driver's fault, the length of your recovery, and other factors.
Learn more about the process of calculating insurance settlements.
How Much is a State Farm Pain and Suffering Claim Worth?
The value of your pain and suffering claim depends on many factors, including:
- the seriousness of your injuries
- how much medical treatment you need (now and in the future)
- whether a full recovery is possible, and
- how much your discomfort is interfering with your ability to lead a normal life.
Pain and suffering is just one part of your damages claim. You'll also want compensation for out-of-pocket expenses, like medical bills, property damage, and lost income.
Learn more about damages in car accident cases.
How Do I Start a State Farm Claim?
You can file a State Farm claim online or call 800-SF-Claim (800-732-5246). You'll need to report the date, time, and location of the accident. You'll also need the State Farm policyholder's name and the State Farm policy number. Be ready to provide a description of what happened, the vehicles involved in the accident, and the damage caused by the accident.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer?
Before you start your claim, you should think about talking to a lawyer. A lawyer can help you get the best result possible from State Farm.
Learn more about hiring a car accident lawyer. You can also connect with a lawyer directly from this page for free.
Have you been in a car accident?
Take our free car accident quiz to find out if you're likely to get a settlement.
