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Legally Reviewed by:

Jonathan Rosenfeld
J.D

March 2, 2023

Over $400 Million worth of case results

Awarded The Best Lawyer in 2024 by U.S. News

Nationally Recognized in Legal Community

Are you looking for legal representation to negotiate an acceptable settlement with Farmers Insurance after being injured in an auto accident caused by a driver insured by Farmers Insurance?

The Chicago car accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC recommend that you do not sign anything or give any statements before talking with an experienced law firm.

Let us negotiate on your behalf without you paying any upfront costs. We have years of experience resolving motor vehicle injury cases to ensure our clients receive full financial compensation for their injuries.

Contact our law firm today at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free case evaluation. Let our legal team provide you with numerous legal options to proceed during our no-obligation claim evaluation.

All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

How to Fast-track Your Farmers’ Settlement

Below is a list of things you can do to avoid delays in your Farmers Settlement:

  • File your insurance claim as soon as possible
  • Make sure all required documentation is complete and submitted promptly
  • Stay in communication with your insurer throughout the process
  • Be prepared to provide additional documentation or information if requested by your insurer
  • Understand the terms of your policy and what is required of you in the event of a disaster
  • Keep detailed records of all correspondence with your insurer.
  • Seek the help of an experienced Chicago attorney if you have any questions or concerns about your claim or the settlement process

Farmers Insurance Options

For more than nine decades, Farmers Insurance Group has held its share of the insurance marketplace. It remains the third-largest insurer in the United States for motorists, homeowners, renters, commercial businesses, and others (behind State Farm and Allstate).

Farmers owns and operate 21 companies, including Farmers Insurance Exchange, and serves more than 10 million households with over 19 million individual policies across the United States.

Years ago, Farmers’ Insurance purchased AIG and Florida-based Bristol West to increase its number of policyholders. In the 1990s, Zurich Financial Services acquired Farmers and tens of thousands of employees and agents.

The company provides insurance coverage solutions, including:

  • Vehicle: The insurer offers competitive options for collision, medical bills, damages, and underinsured/uninsured parties related to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.
  • Home-ownership and Rental: Farmers protect family members where they live through a homeowner’s and renters’ insurance policies.
  • Life: For the family of a lost loved one by providing compensation to pay bills and other expenses while bridging the gap to help them through their difficult time.
  • Financial: The insurance company provides small and medium-sized businesses with insurance solutions to handle worker’s compensation claims and property damage complaints. Also, they offer numerous annuity services and mutual fund opportunities.

The rapid growth of Farmers has exposed the insurer to litigation on many fronts. In recent years, the company has faced a significant rise in the number of lawsuits filed against them when victims were unwilling to accept their lowball offers to settle their personal injury cases out of court. Consequently, some clients perceive it as being among the poorest performers.

Farmers Insurance Car Accident Claims Process

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a driver insured by Farmers, you are likely dealing with the claim process to recover compensation for your injuries.

After you submit an initial claim with Farmers, the carrier will assign a case number to your claim. A car accident claims adjuster will contact you to begin an investigation of the evidence and facts in your car accident and begin the process of settling a claim based on the policy’s terms.

You might have been mildly or severely injured, or you may have property damage to your vehicle from the accident.

Adjusters Front the Interest of the Insurer and Not the Client

The claims adjuster might make a quick settlement offer in the hopes that you avoid lengthy negotiations to resolve your case. Even though the adjuster, Farmers’ agents, or the insurer acts friendly and offers empathetic compassion, they do not have your best interest in mind.

Remember, the Farmers’ adjusters work for the insurer. The insurer’s responsibility is to protect its profits to ensure its shareholders are adequately compensated for their investment at the expense of its own customers.

Insurers offer clients a lowball settlement amount hoping that you will quickly resolve the case before you understand the extent of your damages. Therefore, having a lawyer can be extremely helpful.

An experienced Chicago car accident lawyer will know how to negotiate with the insurer to get you the best possible compensation. They can also help you navigate the often complex legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.

Your lawyer will prove four elements to the insurer to win your case:

  • The other driver was at fault for the accident
  • You suffered injuries in the accident
  • You have incurred financial damages as a result of the accident

Information Farmers May Need to Process Your Insurance Settlement

When you file a claim, your insurer will need to review your personal injury claim details to determine how much they will payout. The process is called a settlement.

Depending on the complexity of your case, it can take some time for the insurer to come to a final decision.

There are a few things that may impact the timeline of your insurance settlement, including:

  • The severity of the injury: In personal injury cases where there are significant injuries, it may take longer for the insurer to review all of the information and settle your claim.
  • The number of claims: If you have multiple Farmers’ claims filed, it may take longer for the insurer to settle all of them.
  • The type of claim: Some types of claims are more complex than others and can take longer to settle as the insurer will need to send out an adjuster to survey the damage.

Claims Adjuster Tactics

Claims adjusters dealing with most insurers will employ various tactics to settle your case before completing all your necessary medical treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Their efforts are based on convincing you that they are there to protect you, so they believe there is no need to hire a lawyer to represent your side.

However, this tactic often blindsides victims who face years of future medical bills when they have no money to pay for needed care.

In the initial stages of filing a car accident claim, the insurance company will likely ask that you make a recorded statement and signed documentation.

However, with our years of experience, we recommend you never sign anything and never give a recorded statement outside the presence of a Chicago car accident attorney providing you with legal representation to ensure your rights are always protected.

Your lawyer knows that if you need additional medical rehabilitation, medical treatment, surgeries, or other care in the years ahead, it will need to be covered by the insurance settlement. In addition to needing money to pay your medical expenses, your attorney will file a claim for all other damages, including:

  • Your lost wages from time away from work due to your injuries
  • Your inability to return to work in your current occupation due to a temporary or permanent disability caused by the accident
  • Out of pocket expenses that are placing a financial burden on your family because you are unable to work
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Non-economic damages include pain, suffering, mental anxiety, emotional distress, grief, and financial concerns
  • Funeral costs and burial expenses, andwrongful death cases

Other claim adjuster tactics include:

  • Arguing that you were at fault: Insurers may try to argue that you were at fault for the car accident, even if there is evidence to the contrary
  • Claiming that the injury is not severe: Insurance companies will often try to downplay the severity of your injuries to avoid paying more
  • Refusing to pay for repairs:Insurance companies can try to avoid paying for repairs by claiming that your policy does not cover the damage
  • Denying claims: Insurers may try to deny claims outright without any justification

Compensation claims can be submitted online at the Farmers website or by phone at (800) 435-7764. Initially, Farmers will begin processing your car accident claim by starting an investigation, making contact with their claims adjuster, and reviewing all the available evidence, including police reports and medical documents.

Negotiating the Best Settlement Offer

Like all corporations, Farmers insurance company is never on the side of anyone but their shareholders who have invested in the Company to generate profits. Attempting to negotiate with the adjusters without legal assistance could be a financial disaster.

Our legal team has years of experience negotiating with defendants, their attorneys, farmers adjusters, and insurance companies who use proven strategies and tactics to diminish the fair value of compensation they want to provide. Even though you have the legal right to negotiate a fair compensation without help, it is never a wise idea.

It is better to deal with the insurer only when using a legal advocate to ensure your family receives all the compensation you deserve.

Our law firm looks out for your best interests. We can do all the heavy lifting of resolving your car accident case for compensation while allowing you to focus on healing and recovering from your severe injuries.

Farmers Insurance Claims Average Settlement Amount

When filing claims, one of the first questions many policyholders have is: how much can I expect to receive in a settlement agreement?

Unfortunately, there is no surefire answer to this question, as every case is different, and settlements are based on several factors, including the severity of the damages, the policyholder’s cover, and the state in which the claim is filed.

That said, some generalities can be drawn regarding Farmers’ insurance claims settlements. According to industry experts, the average compensation for a Farmers’ claim is around $2,000.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind that this is just an average, and settlements can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the case’s specific details.

Examples of Jury Verdict Settlement Amounts Against Farmers

The following are some notable examples of jury verdicts and settlements that have been awarded to clients against Farmers:

  • In 2018, a jury in Oregon awarded $3.6 million to a family who alleged that Farmers had wrongfully denied their lawsuit for hail damage to their home
  • In 2017, a jury in Minnesota returned $7.2 million in damages to clients who claimed that Farmers had denied their sinkhole-related lawsuit improperly
  • In 2017, a jury in Missouri valued a family’s wind damage lawsuit against Farmers at $17 million
  • In 2018, a jury in California awarded $22.1 million to clients who alleged that Farmers had wrongfully declined their lawsuit for water damage to their home

How Farmers Compute Pain and Suffering Damages

Farmers use a computer program to calculate pain and anguish damages. The computer program is called the “Pain and Suffering Scale.” It assigns a numerical value to each type of pain. The software then multiplies the value by a “multiplier.”

The multiplier is based on the severity of the injury. For example, a person with a broken arm would have a lower multiplier than someone paralyzed from the waist down. The software then calculates the total amount of damages.

The Pain and Suffering Scale is just one tool that Farmers use to calculate pain damages.

The company also considers the length of time the victim will suffer, the victim’s age, and the severity of the injury. Farmers also factor in whether the victim will have any permanent physical or emotional scars.

Farmers’ computer programs are designed to help the company save money on settlements. By using these computer programs, Farmers can get a better understanding of how much money they need to set aside for each settlement, which helps the company keep its financial statement accurate and make sure that it does not overspend on settlements.

Farmers Insurance Car Accident Injury FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions related to auto injury claims with Farmers. We appreciate that you may have additional questions about your situation. We welcome you to contact our Chicago, IL law firm for a free consultation with our car accident attorneys regarding your legal options.

How Long Does It Take for Farmers Insurance to Settle a Claim?

The negotiation process to settle a compensation suit with Farmers could take three months or longer if the victim’s injuries were minor to moderate. Personal injury cases that involve severe injuries might take six months to two years to resolve completely.

Once the accident victim agrees to Farmers’ settlement amount, the company could take up to six weeks or longer to send the check. Most victims involved in car accidents with a driver holding a Farmers’ insurance policy should expect their case resolution to take two years or longer.

How Good Is Farmers Insurance at Pain Claims?

Most major auto insurance companies have excellent customer service and a top NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissions) rating. However, the Farmers rating is 1.25, meaning the Company has received a higher than the standard rate of complaints than other insurance companies.

How Do I Report an Accident to Farmers?

After your car crash, take the initial steps to ensure that everybody is safe and call the police and EMTs for transport to the hospital for a diagnostic evaluation. Next, ensure that an accurate police report has been filed and photographs were taken at the accident scene.

Report the accident to your auto insurer and ask if you should file a claim with Farmers’ Claims Services at (800) 435-7764 or if they will file a Farmers claim on your behalf. Finally, consider hiring a law firm to handle your case to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

How Do You Respond to a Low Settlement Offer?

It is almost guaranteed that the claims adjuster dealing with you will initially offer you a lowball settlement offer. However, just because the insurance adjuster provides an offer does not mean you need to accept it.

Instead, analyze what they have offered so you can make a responsible response in writing. Next, formulate your top counteroffer and refuse to settle with the insurer until you are completely healed.

If the auto insurer is unwilling to increase its offer at the level it deserves, consider hiring a Chicago attorney specializing in personal injury law and car accident claims. Your lawyer can review your medical records, gather eyewitness testimony, and ensure you receive compensation from the time of the car crash until now.

Why Would an Insurance Company Not Want to Settle?

If your case has insufficient proof, the insurer might choose not to offer you a settlement amount but instead make you prove your case. The claims adjuster often refuses to offer a settlement without first investigating what happened.

If the adjuster concludes that there is insufficient proof of their policyholder’s liability, they might choose not to make an offer. However, a car accident lawyer dealing in ‘bad faith’ offers might be able to assist in ensuring you receive compensation based on the policy parameters.

What Happens If the Driver Responsible for the Accident Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

If the negligent actions of another injured, you and they were uninsured, underinsured, or a hit-and-run driver, you have legal options. You, or your attorney, can file an underinsured motorist claim or uninsured motorist claim seeking compensation from your auto insurer to receive money based on the policy limits.

A personal injury attorney can ensure you receive a sufficient payout for your damages from the at-fault driver’s insurer. These funds can pay for physical therapy, ongoing medical care, past and future hospitalization, lost income, and pain.

Our Chicago Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys Represent Your Best Interest

The motor vehicle accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC have resolved thousands of personal injury claims involving auto accidents in the Chicago and DuPage County area.

If you were in an accident involving an individual insured by Farmers Insurance and want to file a claim or have already filed a claim, contact our law firm at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation. Let us begin working on your behalf.

We provide every client with a “No Win/No-Fee” Guarantee. Our personal injury attorneys promise that you will never make an upfront payment for our legal services, and if we cannot obtain compensation on your behalf, you will owe us nothing.

All discussions with our law firm remain confidential through an attorney-client relationship.

Client Reviews

Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld.

- Michonne Proulx

Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident investigators and engineers to help prove how the accident happened. I am grateful that they worked on a contingency fee basis as there was no way we could have paid for these services on our own.

- Ethan Armstrong

Jonathan helped my family heal and get compensation after our child was suffered a life threatening injury at daycare. He was sympathetic and in constant contact with us letting us know all he knew every step of the way. We were so blessed to find Jonathan!

- Giulia

This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case. Thank you.

- Daniel Kaim

Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial.

- Lisa
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