WGK Personal Injury Lawyers | October 17, 2025 | Personal Injury
If you’re hurt in an accident in Baltimore, you might wonder how long it takes State Farm to settle a personal injury claim. The answer depends on the facts of the case, but most injury claims take a few weeks to several months to settle.
More serious claims can take longer, especially if there are questions about fault or the value of the damages. Keep reading for a more detailed look at the factors influencing settlement times and what you can do to expedite your claim.
What Affects the Timeline of a State Farm Claim?
Each claim is different, but some common factors affect how long your State Farm settlement might take:
- How clear fault is: If State Farm can easily tell who caused the accident, the process goes faster. If both sides blame each other, it takes longer to investigate.
- How bad the injuries are: Minor injuries with simple treatment might settle in a few weeks. Serious injuries that need surgery or long recovery times can drag the case out for months or even over a year.
- Whether you’ve finished treatment: Most lawyers suggest waiting to settle until your doctor has a clear picture of your recovery. That way, the full cost of your injuries is known.
- How responsive State Farm is: Insurance companies like State Farm must investigate and respond within certain timeframes, but they don’t always move quickly.
Minor accidents with no injuries tend to settle more quickly than severe accidents.
Maryland Laws That Affect Claim Deadlines
Maryland law gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but that doesn’t mean you should wait that long to take action.
Once a claim is filed with State Farm, Maryland law requires insurance companies to:
- Respond to communications within 15 business days
- Pay approved claims within 30 days
However, these deadlines don’t mean State Farm will make a full settlement offer that fast. They often take time to review the claim, get medical records, assess liability, and negotiate.
Typical Timeline for a Baltimore State Farm Claim
Here’s a general idea of what to expect if you’re filing an injury claim with State Farm in Baltimore:
- 1–2 weeks: File the claim, get a claim number, and speak to an adjuster
- 2–6 weeks: Complete treatment (if minor), send demand letter, and wait for response
- 1–3 months: Go back and forth with the adjuster in negotiations
- 3+ months: Serious injuries, disputed liability, or high-value claims take longer
This timeline assumes you don’t need to file a lawsuit. If a fair offer isn’t made, a lawyer may suggest going to court, which adds many more months.
Should You Accept the First Offer from State Farm?
Usually not. State Farm often makes a low first offer, hoping you’ll settle fast. Once you accept, you can’t go back and ask for more, even if your injuries get worse.
Before agreeing to any settlement, make sure:
- You’re done with medical treatment
- You’ve received all related medical bills
- You know if you’ll need ongoing care
- You’ve calculated lost income and other costs
An injury lawyer can help estimate the full value of your case and negotiate for more.
Why State Farm Might Delay Your Settlement
Even though State Farm is a major insurer, that doesn’t mean it always acts quickly or fairly.
Your claim might be delayed if:
- They need more time to gather evidence
- They dispute who was negligent or claim you were partly at fault
- They think your injuries aren’t as bad as claimed
- They’re trying to pressure you into accepting less
These tactics are common. The longer they wait, the more likely it is that someone will give up or accept a low offer. That’s why working with an attorney can help speed up the process.
Contact the Baltimore Personal Injury Attorneys at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
In Baltimore, State Farm claims can settle in a few weeks if the case is simple. But more often, it takes a few months or longer, especially for serious injuries. Delays can happen if liability is unclear or the value of your claim is high.
For more information contact the Baltimore personal injury law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080
