A car accident can leave you dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and unexpected financial stress. If the crash happened in Plantation, FL, and either you or the other driver has State Farm insurance, you’ll need to file a claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and repair costs.

While Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurance typically covers initial medical costs regardless of fault, there are times when you may need to file a State Farm claim for additional damages. Understanding how the claims process works can help you avoid delays or denials.

This blog walks you through the steps to file a State Farm claim in Plantation, FL, what to expect, and how to protect your rights during the process.

Does Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law Affect Your Claim?

Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which means drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to cover their own medical expenses after an accident.

How PIP Affects Your Claim

• PIP covers up to 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, up to the policy limit, regardless of who caused the accident (Fla. Stat. § 627.736).
• The minimum PIP coverage in Florida is $10,000, but severe injuries often exceed this amount.
• If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver’s State Farm liability policy for additional damages, including pain and suffering.

When You Can File Against the At-Fault Driver

If your injuries qualify as serious under Florida law—such as permanent disfigurement, significant impairment, or long-term disability—you can step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage.

How to File a State Farm Claim After a Car Accident

If you need to file a claim with State Farm—either through your own policy (PIP or collision coverage) or the other driver’s liability coverage—follow these steps:

Step 1: Report the Accident

After a crash in Plantation, you should report the accident as soon as possible:

• To Law Enforcement: Florida law requires you to report an accident if it results in injuries, death, or property damage exceeding $500 (Fla. Stat. § 316.065). Call 911 to have an officer document the scene.
• To Your Insurance Provider: Even if you’re not at fault, notify your own insurance company to start your PIP claim.
• To State Farm: If you or the other driver has a State Farm policy, report the accident through their claims department online, via the mobile app, or by calling 1-800-SF-Claim.

Step 2: Gather Evidence to Support Your Claim

State Farm will require evidence to process your claim. Be prepared to provide:

• Date and time of incident
• Vehicles involved
• Description of the incident
• Description of damages
• Location of incident

Providing detailed documentation helps strengthen your claim and reduces the chance of a denial.

Step 3: Cooperate with the Insurance Adjuster—but Be Cautious

Once you file your claim, State Farm will assign an adjuster to investigate. They may:

• Request a recorded statement about the accident
• Review your medical records and accident report
• Inspect vehicle damage or send you to a Select Service shop, or any shop you like  – State Farm will pay the shop, direct-deposit money into your account, or send you a check

Should You Give a Recorded Statement?

State Farm’s adjuster may ask for a recorded statement, but be careful with what you say. If you’re filing a liability claim against the at-fault driver, anything you say could be used to reduce or deny your claim. You are not legally required to provide a recorded statement without consulting a lawyer for a car accident first.

Step 4: Review State Farm’s Settlement Offer

Once State Farm reviews your claim, they may:

• Approve your claim and issue payment
• Offer a lower settlement than expected
• Deny your claim, citing lack of evidence or policy exclusions

If State Farm’s settlement offer is too low, you have the right to negotiate. Before accepting an offer, consider:

• Does it fully cover your medical bills and lost wages?
• Have you accounted for future medical treatments?
• Does it compensate for pain and suffering if your injuries qualify?

If negotiations stall, you may need legal representation to pursue a fair settlement.

What If State Farm Denies Your Claim?

State Farm may deny your claim for several reasons:

• They dispute liability and claim their insured wasn’t at fault
• They argue your injuries are not serious enough to exceed PIP coverage
• They claim you delayed seeking medical treatment, making it harder to prove your injuries
• They question the severity of damages and offer a low payout

How to Challenge a Denied Claim

If your claim is denied, you can:

• Request a written explanation from State Farm
• Submit additional evidence, such as updated medical records or expert testimony
• File a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services if you believe the insurer is acting in bad faith
• Most importantly, consult an attorney for car crash to discuss legal options, including mediation or filing a lawsuit

Filing a State Farm claim after a car accident in Plantation, FL can be a complex process, especially if injuries are serious or an insurance dispute arises. Whether you’re filing a PIP claim through your own policy or seeking damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance, know your rights under Florida law. If your claim is denied or undervalued, legal action may be necessary to recover the compensation you need.

Don’t Let State Farm Decide Your Future

A car accident can leave you dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and an insurance company that may not have your best interests in mind. State Farm may offer a quick settlement, but is it enough to cover your true losses? If your claim is delayed, undervalued, or denied, you don’t have to accept their decision without a fight.

At Cohen and Juda, we advocate for accident victims in Plantation and throughout South Florida. With over 25 years of experience, Attorneys Harvey Cohen and Gary Juda know how to challenge insurance companies and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Whether you’re filing a PIP claim, pursuing additional damages, or facing a denied claim, we’re ready to stand by your side.

Florida law limits the time you have to take action. The sooner you start, the stronger your case can be. Your search for “personal injuries attorneys near me” led you here—now take the next step. Call Cohen and Juda at (954) 424-1440 for your FREE consultation, or submit a confidential online form to get started today.

We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay attorney fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you. Let’s talk about your case and the next steps forward.

Copyright © 2025. Cohen and Juda, P.A. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (post) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Cohen and Juda, P.A.
8211 W Broward Blvd, Suite 310
Plantation, FL 33324
(954) 424-1440
https://www.cohenandjudaflorida.com/