Filing GEICO auto insurance accident claims may be necessary after accidents caused by the company’s policyholders. However, it is often a good idea to speak with an attorney before you contact GEICO about filing a claim to recover compensation for your losses.
In general, you can give your insurer the basic facts of your accident. However, you want to be very careful what you say and do when dealing with the other driver’s insurance provider. They could use your own words and actions against you or otherwise try to reduce the value of your case. This is true of GEICO and any other insurer.
Navigating the GEICO Insurance Claims Process for Auto Accidents
Short for the Government Employees Insurance Company, GEICO is one of the largest auto insurance providers in the United States. The company has its headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland. They may be well known for their gecko mascot, but not everyone involved with the company is as friendly and helpful as their mascot, even if they may appear that way.
This is the case with all insurance companies, so it pays to be aware of the tricks and tactics they may use to reduce the value of your claim, blame you for an accident, or otherwise hurt your case against their policyholder.
While there are some differences in the way each insurance company or claims adjuster handles the claims process, there are some general steps all third-party claims require. Once you submit your claim and demand for fair compensation, GEICO will:
- Conduct an investigation and determine fault
- Value your claim based on its criteria
- Deny your claim or make a settlement offer
At this point, you must know what your claim is worth. If you do not, you may settle for much less than you need to cover your lost wages, medical bills, car repairs, and other damages. Again, working with a car accident attorney will ensure you are pursuing a fair settlement.
Throughout the claims process, the insurance representative will likely also try to get you to admit fault, ask you leading questions that they can use to minimize your injuries or show you contributed to the car crash, or otherwise hurt your case. Your attorney will also protect your rights by handling these conversations on your behalf.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
How Soon Should I File an Insurance Claim with GEICO for a Car Accident?
If you have GEICO insurance and are in an accident, they require you to inform them as quickly as possible. This only requires a quick call to your local agent. Do not go into detail and do not agree to a recorded statement.
If you have collision coverage, you may consider filing a claim. GEICO makes starting this process easy using their app, filing your claim online, or calling (800) 841-3000. However, you will need to pay a deductible. In addition, they may still use the same tactics as other insurers to reduce how much they pay you. Therefore, you will need to ensure you understand the value of your damages and fight for a just payment.
If you were hurt, it is best to speak with a car accident lawyer before taking any action in your case beyond notifying GEICO about the collision.
Do I Sue the At-Fault Driver If GEICO Rejects My Auto Accident Claim?
There are some situations when the victim of an accident must take additional action to recover the compensation they need and deserve based on their damages. For example, if you cannot negotiate an appropriate settlement with GEICO, you may need to sue the at-fault driver.
This may be true when:
- The deadline to sue is near
- GEICO accuses you of causing or contributing to the accident
- GEICO refuses to pay a fair settlement
The deadlines to sue vary by state. They typically begin on the date of the crash in a personal injury case. Examples include:
- Two years in Alabama (Ala. Code § 6-2-38)
- Three years in Arkansas (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105)
- One year in Louisiana (La. Civ. Code Art. 3492)
- Three years in Mississippi (Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49)
Your lawyer will be able to offer advice about suing and when it is time to do so, as well. You will want to partner with a law firm to handle this process and represent you. It is essential to know that, even after a lawsuit, most cases settle without going to trial.
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Contact Our Office Today to Discuss Your Auto Accident and Insurance Claim
You can discuss your car accident and GEICO claim today for free. A car accident attorney from the Morris Bart law firm may be able to handle your claim or lawsuit based on contingency. We serve Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Call (800) 537-8185 to learn more today.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
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