How Long Does It Take State Farm to Settle Claims in Dallas? What You Should Know
If you were injured in Dallas and filed a claim with State Farm, one of your first questions would probably be: How long will this take? Unfortunately, the answer varies. Texas law sets specific deadlines for insurance companies, but real-world cases often take longer due to injuries, negotiations, or disputes about liability. Knowing the rules and common delays can help you manage expectations and protect your rights.
Texas Insurance Claim Deadlines
Texas law requires insurance companies to act within certain timeframes:
- 15 business days: Insurers must acknowledge a claim, begin investigating, and request necessary documentation.
- 15 business days after receiving documents: Once the insurer has what they need, they must accept or reject the claim.
- Up to 45 days: If more time is required, the insurer can extend the deadline, but they must provide a written explanation.
- Five business days after acceptance: If a claim is approved, the insurer must issue payment promptly.
These requirements are found in the Texas Insurance Code § 542.056. They are designed to keep insurers like State Farm from stalling indefinitely. Still, the timelines for actual settlement can extend far beyond these statutory deadlines when damages are unclear or negotiations drag on.
Common Phases of a State Farm Claim in Dallas
Most personal injury claims follow a general pattern.
Here is what you can expect:
- Claim filing and investigation: After you file, State Farm assigns an adjuster who reviews accident reports, photographs, repair estimates, and medical records. This usually takes a few weeks.
- Medical treatment and recovery: Serious injuries may take months to stabilize. State Farm often waits until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) before offering a settlement, so they know the full cost of your care.
- Negotiation: Once evidence is in place, State Farm may make an initial offer. Back-and-forth negotiation can take weeks or months, depending on how reasonable the offer is.
- Settlement and payment: After agreeing on a number, you sign a release. Texas law requires insurers to pay promptly once an agreement is reached.
The timeline for each step depends on the complexity of the case, but delays are common if liability is disputed or medical care is ongoing.
Why Some Claims Take Longer
Several factors can extend the process beyond what Texas law outlines:
- Serious or ongoing medical treatment that delays full evaluation of damages.
- Disputed liability, where State Farm argues you were partially at fault.
- Incomplete or missing records, especially from medical providers.
- Multiple parties involved in the accident, making it harder to assign fault.
- Insurer tactics, where delays are used to pressure claimants into accepting less.
These factors explain why some claims in Dallas may resolve in a few months while others can take a year or more.
Steps You Can Take to Avoid Delays
While you cannot control everything, you can take action to keep your claim moving:
- Seek medical treatment immediately and follow all doctor recommendations.
- Keep organized records of bills, diagnostic tests, and lost wages.
- Provide requested documents promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.
- Avoid making speculative statements about your injuries or fault.
- Consider consulting an attorney to deal directly with State Farm.
By taking these steps, you can reduce opportunities for delay and protect your ability to recover compensation.
The Two-Year Statute of Limitations
Beyond insurance deadlines, Texas law also sets a broader limit on how long you have to pursue a personal injury claim. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit.
If settlement negotiations drag on and the statute of limitations passes, you could lose the right to recover entirely. This makes tracking the calendar important and not relying on State Farm to act quickly.
Managing Expectations
In Dallas, some State Farm claims can be resolved quickly if damages are minor and liability is clear. Many, however, take several months, especially when injuries are serious or fault is disputed. Texas law requires timely acknowledgment and payment, but real-world settlements often hinge on medical treatment, negotiation, and persistence.
Contact the Dallas Personal Injury Lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been in an accident, Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our Dallas personal injury attorneys have recovered millions for accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, TX, please contact the experienced Dallas personal injury lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve in Dallas County and its surrounding areas:
Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers
1825 Market Center Blvd # 350, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 556-8321
Hours Open: 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Dallas.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.7950252,-96.8241861