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State Farm Denied My Injury Claim

What to Do When the Insurance Company Says No
You’ve been injured in an accident. You did everything you were supposed to do—you filed a claim, followed your doctor’s orders, and waited for State Farm to do the right thing. But instead of helping, State Farm denied your injury claim. Now you’re left wondering: Why did this happen? And what can you do next?
At Anderson Franco Law, we’ve helped many clients across California, including in San Francisco, who faced unfair denials from insurance companies like State Farm. In this post, we’ll explain why State Farm might deny your injury claim, what your legal options are, and how a personal injury lawyer can help you fight back and get the compensation you deserve.
Common Reasons State Farm Denies Injury Claims
When State Farm denies a claim, they often say it’s because of something you did—or didn’t do. But many of their reasons can be challenged. Here are some of the most common excuses they give for denying injury claims:
1. They say the accident wasn’t their policyholder’s fault
Insurance companies are quick to blame someone else, including you. Even if the police report or witnesses say their driver caused the crash, State Farm might argue otherwise to avoid paying.
2. They claim you weren’t really hurt
State Farm may say your injuries are minor or unrelated to the accident. They might argue that you waited too long to get medical care or that you had a “pre-existing condition.”
3. They say you didn’t report the accident in time
Some claims get denied because they weren’t reported right away. While it’s best to report accidents quickly, waiting a few days doesn’t automatically disqualify your claim—especially if you didn’t know how serious your injury was at first.
4. They argue you didn’t provide enough documentation
State Farm might deny your claim if you don’t send medical records, bills, or accident photos. Sometimes, though, they deny even when you send everything, just hoping you’ll give up.
5. They think your treatment was unnecessary or too expensive
Insurance companies like to act like they know more than your doctor. They may refuse to pay for physical therapy, MRIs, or other treatments, claiming they weren’t needed.
What to Do If State Farm Denies Your Injury Claim
If your claim was denied, don’t panic. And don’t give up. There are steps you can take to fight back.
1. Ask for the denial in writing
State Farm must tell you why they denied your claim. Ask for a written explanation. This will help you understand their reasoning and prepare your response.
2. Review your policy
Look at the insurance policy to see what coverage applies. Sometimes, adjusters deny claims based on things that are actually covered. If you’re unsure how to read the policy, a lawyer can help.
3. Collect all your evidence
Gather everything you have—photos, medical records, accident reports, witness names, and anything else that supports your version of events. The more organized you are, the stronger your case.
4. Get a second medical opinion
If State Farm claims your injuries aren’t real or serious, seeing a different doctor or specialist can help confirm your diagnosis and provide stronger medical documentation.
5. Speak to a personal injury lawyer
Insurance companies know the law and use it to their advantage. You should have someone on your side who knows how to fight back. A lawyer can negotiate with State Farm, appeal the denial, and even file a lawsuit if necessary.
Can I Sue State Farm for Denying My Injury Claim?
In some cases, yes. If State Farm acts in bad faith—meaning they deny your claim without a good reason or don’t investigate properly—you may have the right to sue.
Bad faith insurance practices include:
- Unreasonably delaying your claim
- Refusing to explain the reason for denial
- Denying valid claims without evidence
- Offering a very low settlement to pressure you into accepting
California law protects people from these tactics. You may be entitled to extra damages if you can prove that State Farm acted in bad faith.
What If I Was Hurt by Someone with State Farm Insurance?
Sometimes, you’re not the one who filed a claim with your own insurance. Instead, the person who hit you was insured by State Farm. If they denied your third-party claim, you still have options.
You can file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the person who caused your injuries. Their insurance company—State Farm—would then be responsible for paying your damages if you win.
It’s important to move quickly. In California, you usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. But some situations have shorter deadlines, especially if a government vehicle or public entity was involved.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Fight State Farm
At Anderson Franco Law, we help injury victims every day who are dealing with claim denials, delays, or lowball settlement offers. Here’s what we do to help our clients:
- Investigate the accident
We collect all the evidence to show what happened and who was at fault. - Work with your doctors
We make sure your injuries are fully documented and explained clearly. - Calculate the true value of your claim
That includes medical bills, lost wages, future treatment, pain and suffering, and more. - Negotiate with State Farm
We handle all communication so you don’t have to deal with adjusters or pressure tactics. - Take the case to court if needed
If State Farm refuses to be fair, we’re ready to fight for you in front of a judge or jury.
Real-Life Examples of State Farm Claim Denials
We’ve seen cases where:
- State Farm claimed our client’s back pain was from “getting older,” not the crash. But medical records showed no prior problems, and we secured a strong settlement.
- A client was hit by a drunk driver. State Farm delayed the claim for months, saying they needed “more information.” After we got involved, they settled within weeks.
- An injured passenger was told the at-fault driver’s policy had lapsed. We uncovered that the policy was actually still active at the time of the crash—and made them pay.
You Don’t Have to Accept State Farm’s Denial
Just because State Farm says “no” doesn’t mean that’s the end of your case. Insurance companies have a financial interest in paying out as little as possible. They count on people to get frustrated and walk away. But you have rights—and legal options.
Anderson Franco Law is here to help. We know the tactics insurance companies use. We know California personal injury law. And we know how to fight to get you what you’re owed.
Call Us for a Free Consultation
If State Farm denied your injury claim, don’t try to handle it alone. Contact Anderson Franco Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, review your case, and explain your next steps. You don’t pay us unless we win.
Let us fight for you—so you can focus on healing.