How to File a State Farm Claim After a Car Accident in Long Island, NY

A car accident on Long Island can throw your day—and your plans—into chaos. One minute, you’re driving down the Long Island Expressway, and the next, you’re dealing with a damaged car, insurance calls, and a whole lot of stress. Whether it’s a fender bender or a serious crash, knowing how to file a State Farm claim quickly and correctly can help protect your rights.

It can feel frustrating and overwhelming if you’ve never been through this process before. How do you report the accident? What if State Farm pushes back on your claim? And what if your injuries go beyond what New York’s no-fault insurance covers?

This blog explains what you need to know about filing a State Farm claim in Long Island—from reporting the accident to seeking compensation. Whether dealing with vehicle damage, medical bills, or a lowball settlement offer, taking the proper steps now can make all the difference.

Step 1: Take Immediate Action at the Accident Scene

After a crash, you’re likely shaken, disoriented, and focused on the immediate aftermath—not on filing an insurance claim. But what you do in the first few minutes matters. Taking the right steps now can protect your health, your finances, and your ability to recover compensation later.

• Stop Immediately – It’s the Law – New York law requires all drivers involved in an accident to stop, regardless of how minor it seems. Leaving the scene is a traffic violation if there’s only property damage and a criminal offense if someone is injured or killed.
• Check for Injuries and Call 911 – If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. New York law requires you to notify the police in accidents involving injuries, death, or significant property damage. You may not notice injuries right away, and estimating property damage is difficult, so calling the police is always the safest option.
• Exchange Information – You must share your name, address, driver’s license number, vehicle registration, and insurance details (including your policy number and effective date) with the other driver(s) and police.
• Document the Scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signs. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact details.
• Move Your Vehicle if Possible – If the car is drivable and it’s safe to do so, move it out of traffic to prevent further accidents. Use reflectors or flares to warn other drivers, but watch for fuel leaks or other hazards.
• Avoid Admitting Fault – Stress can make people say things they don’t mean. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police or the other driver. Even a simple apology could be misinterpreted and used against you later.

The moments after an accident are a blur, but taking these steps can prevent complications with your claim. State Farm will rely on the details you provide, so gathering the correct information now makes the process easier later.

Step 2: Report the Accident to State Farm

Notify State Farm as soon as possible after the crash. You can file a claim by:

• Calling 1-800-SF-CLAIM (800-732-5246) – available 24/7
• Using the State Farm mobile app or website

If you are a State Farm policyholder, your contract requires you to report the accident “as soon as practicable.” If you’re filing against another driver’s State Farm policy, prompt reporting helps protect your claim.

Step 3: Provide the Required Information

State Farm will need key details about the accident to process your claim. Having the correct information ready can prevent delays and help you pursue fair compensation under the law.

• Accident Details – Provide the date, time, and exact location of the crash. Include landmarks or nearby intersections to help clarify where it happened, if possible.
• Driver and Vehicle Information – Submit the names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details of everyone involved in the accident.
• Police Report – If police responded, request a copy of the official crash report from authorities. State Farm may require this to verify the accident details.
• Photos and Video Evidence – Upload clear images of vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. If possible, include video footage from dashcams or nearby security cameras.
• Receipts and Medical Records – Keep copies of doctor’s notes, hospital bills, prescription costs, towing invoices, and rental car receipts. These documents help support your claim for medical expenses and vehicle repairs.

Providing accurate and detailed information upfront can prevent delays and disputes with the insurance adjuster, helping you move your claim forward more efficiently.

Don’t Forget to File a Report With the DMV

A police report does not replace your obligation to file Form MV-104 with the DMV within 10 days if the accident involved injuries, death, or over $1,000 in property damage. Failure to file can result in license suspension, even if the police have already documented the crash.

Step 4: The Claims Investigation and Settlement Process

Once you file, State Farm assigns an adjuster to review your claim. Here’s what to expect:

• Investigation – The adjuster will examine the evidence, review police reports, and assess vehicle damage.
• Repair estimates – State Farm may recommend repair shops through its Direct Repair Program, but you have the right to choose your own mechanic. However, if you use an out-of-network shop, State Farm may require additional inspections or dispute certain repair costs.
• Rental car coverage – If your policy includes rental reimbursement, State Farm may cover temporary transportation while your car is being repaired.
• Timeline – Simple claims may resolve quickly, but complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed fault can take longer.

If State Farm offers a settlement that seems too low, you have the right to negotiate or consult a car accident attorney in NY.

Step 5: Receiving Payment and Finalizing Your Claim

Once State Farm reviews your case, they’ll issue a settlement offer based on policy limits and liability. Here’s what to expect:

• Property Damage Claims – Depending on your coverage, State Farm may send a direct payment to you or pay the repair shop if you choose one within their network. If your car is totaled, the payout will be based on its actual cash value before the accident.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Claims – New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means your insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages—regardless of who caused the accident. PIP typically covers up to $50,000, but serious injuries that exceed this amount may require filing against the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. However, no-fault insurance only applies to personal injury. You must pursue property damage claims through the at-fault driver’s insurance or your own collision coverage.
• Injury Claims Beyond PIP – If another driver was responsible for the crash and your medical expenses or other losses exceed PIP limits, you may be able to file a third-party claim against their liability insurance. It can also include compensation for pain and suffering, which is not covered under PIP.
• Lawsuit Deadlines in New York – If State Farm undervalues your claim or denies full compensation, you may need to negotiate or seek legal guidance. Under CPLR Section 214, you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering damages.

Before accepting a settlement, make sure it fully covers your losses. If State Farm offers less than you believe they owe you, consider negotiating or consulting a Long Island car accident lawyer to explore your options.

State Farm Isn’t Looking Out for You—We Will

If you’re filing a claim with State Farm—whether it’s your insurer or the at-fault driver’s—you may find the process isn’t as simple as it should be. Insurance companies are focused on paying as little as possible, not on what you need to recover.

At The Harrison Law Group, our Melville personal injury attorneys know how to challenge lowball offers, delays, and denials. Whether you’re dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, or long-term effects from your injuries, we’re here to protect your rights and fight for the maximum recovery available under the law.

Don’t let State Farm decide what’s fair. Call (631) 465-9797 or complete our confidential online form to schedule your FREE consultation. We’re ready to stand up for you and protect your rights under the law.

Copyright © 2025. The Harrison Law Group, P.C. 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.

The Harrison Law Group, P.C.
534 Broad Hollow Road, Suite 100,
Melville, New York 11747
(631) 465-9797
https://www.hlgny.com