After a traffic accident caused by another driver, you will need to file a claim with that driver’s auto insurance provider. You will likely spend several months or longer in the Geico auto insurance claims process if they have Geico insurance.
Knowing what the Geico settlement process is before you get started can help. You also may want to consider how a car accident lawyer can help you obtain fair compensation for your losses. Geico and other insurance companies are not on the side of victims. A lawyer can protect your right to appropriate compensation.
What Happens After I File a Claim With Geico for the Settlement Process?
According to Geico, their claims process is streamlined and stress-free. You can file a claim online to get the process started to work towards settlement of your accident claim.
You should remain aware of what you say and do anytime you interact with Geico insurance company. They could try to use your own words against you.
When you initially file the car accident claim, they should only ask basic questions about yourself and the other driver. Please do not give them any additional information. You may want to let your attorney handle this if you plan to work with one. If they get involved early in the settlement claims process, they can protect your rights from the beginning.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 537-8185
Be Aware of How to Protect Your Rights During the Investigation
When you begin the claim, Geico will assign a liability examiner to your case. The job of this examiner is to investigate the crash and determine what happened. As a part of their investigation, they will likely contact you. You should protect your right to financial compensation by refusing to give a recorded statement and being very careful about what you say to the examiner.
Whenever possible, you should answer any questions asked with a short answer. “Yes” or “no” are preferred. Stick only to the facts and do not talk about your emotions or what you believe happened. If you are not sure you can handle this, enlist the help of a car accident attorney.
Will I Receive a Low Initial Offer of Settlement from Geico?
It is imperative that you do some investigating of your own. You should have evidence to support fault and have documentation to prove the value of your claim. You need to know the fair settlement range for your case before Geico makes an offer. You should not agree just because it seems like a lot of money. Instead, counteroffer and negotiate.
Like many other insurance companies, Geico may make extremely low initial offers. This works for them because many people agree quickly to get their case over. This could leave you paying medical bills and covering lost wages out of your own pocket. Some initial offers are lower than what victims owe for their medical treatment and care.
Many settlement offers from Geico and other insurers do not increase significantly until the victim sues the at-fault driver. Only then does the insurance company recognize they intend to go to trial if necessary to get a fair payout.
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Why Should I Let a Car Accident Attorney Handle My Claim and Settlement?
Many car accident victims navigate the settlement process and reach an agreement on their own. However, some later find they left a lot of money on the table or spent a significant amount of time stressed out and engaged in negotiations with the insurer. If they had retained an attorney for their car accident, neither of these would have been issues.
You can expect an attorney to:
- Manage all aspects of your legal case
- Investigate the crash and gather support for your claim
- Value your damages
- Demand a just payout and negotiate for a fair settlement
Occasionally, we need to sue the liable party to recover fair compensation. Deadlines vary, and exceptions can greatly reduce them. In Louisiana, you may only have one year to sue under La. Civ. Code Art. 3492. Mississippi, on the other hand, gives most victims three years under Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49.
Most cases still settle pre-trial, even if your attorney needs to sue on your behalf. You can learn more during a free consultation. Most personal injury law firms provide them for accident victims. They also usually handle cases based on contingency.
Contact Our Law Firm for Help Navigating the Settlement Process with Geico
At the Morris Bart law firm, our attorneys are ready to review your case and answer any questions you may have about your Geico insurance claim. We may be able to help you secure compensation based on your damages. We have 16 law offices and serve all areas of four states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.
Call (800) 537-8185 now to speak with a team member about your accident claim.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
