If you’ve been injured in an auto accident and are dealing with Geico for your injury claim, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. Geico is one of the largest insurance companies in the United States, and they handle thousands of injury claims every year. However, working through the claims process with Geico can be hard, especially if you are not familiar with the process. Auto accident attorney Greg Baumgartner will provide these tips for dealing with Geico on an injury claim in Houston so you can get the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Geico’s Claims Process
Before we get into tips for dealing with Geico, it’s essential to understand how to make a claim with Geico after a car accident. Geico’s claims process typically involves the following steps:
- Reporting the accident: The first step in the claims process is to report the accident to Geico. You can call their claims department or report the accident online.
- Investigation: Geico will then investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and the extent of the damages.
- Evaluation: Once the investigation is complete, Geico will evaluate the claim and determine the compensation they are willing to offer, if any.
- Negotiation: If you are unsatisfied with the initial offer, you can negotiate with Geico to reach a higher settlement amount.
- Settlement: If an agreement is reached, Geico will issue a settlement check to cover the damages and ask you to sign a release.
- Lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached, you may need to file a lawsuit against Geico to get the compensation you deserve.
Tips for Dealing with Geico on an Injury Claim
Now that you understand Geico’s claims process, here are some tips for dealing with them on an injury claim in Houston:
Report the Accident as Soon as Possible
It’s crucial to report the accident to Geico as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more challenging it may be to prove your claim. Additionally, Geico may try to argue that your injuries were not a result of the accident if you wait too long to report it.
Document Everything
When dealing with Geico, it’s essential to document everything related to your injury claim. This includes medical records, police reports, photos of the accident scene, and other evidence supporting your claim. This documentation will be crucial in proving the extent of your injuries and the damages you have suffered.
Be Honest and Accurate
When communicating with Geico, it’s crucial to be honest and accurate. Any discrepancies or false information could harm your claim and make getting the compensation you deserve more challenging. Stick to the facts and avoid exaggerating or downplaying your injuries.
Be Prepared for Geico to Challenge Your Medical Care
When dealing with Geico on an injury claim, it’s important to be prepared for them to challenge your medical treatment. Geico may try to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or that the treatment you received was unnecessary. To counter these challenges, it’s crucial to have thorough documentation of your injuries and medical treatment. Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your treatment. You may want to ask your doctor to do a medical narrative explaining your injuries and giving their opinion on what caused the injury.
Additionally, it can be helpful to consult with a personal injury attorney who can provide guidance and support in responding to Geico’s challenges. Remember to communicate honestly and accurately with the attorney you consult.
Geico May Try to Shift Some Blame for Causing the Collision on You
Blame shifting is one common tactic of insurance companies. The tactic is used to get you to agree with a percentage of fault, which, under the Texas comparative fault statute, reduces the amount Geico must pay. Counter the blame-shifting strategy by steadfastly denying any responsibility for causing the crash. Often, asking the adjuster for the basis of their claim highlights the weakness of the arguments.
Don’t Accept the First Offer
Geico’s initial offer may not be enough to cover all of your damages. It’s essential to carefully review the offer and consider negotiating a higher settlement amount. If you are unsure how to negotiate with Geico, consider seeking the help of a personal injury attorney.
One factor that can help you get all the money you should for your injuries is learning the value of your case. It isn’t easy to get full compensation if you don’t know a reasonable settlement range for the type of case and facts you have. Call a car accident attorney near me to consult regarding the value of your case.
Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Dealing with Geico on an injury claim can be overwhelming, especially if you are still recovering. Consider hiring a personal injury attorney to handle your claim on your behalf. An experienced attorney will know the value of your case and have the knowledge and resources to negotiate with Geico and fight for your deserved compensation.
Be Prepared to File a Lawsuit
If you cannot reach a fair settlement with Geico, you may need to file a lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. It’s essential to be prepared for this possibility and have all your documentation and evidence ready to present in court.
Real-Life Examples of Dealing with Geico on an Injury Claim
Here are a few real-life examples of individuals who have dealt with Geico on an injury claim in Houston:
Example Car Accident
Sharron was involved in a car accident with a driver insured by Geico. She suffered injuries to her neck and back and incurred medical expenses of about $10,000. Geico tried to challenge her medical care and initially offered her $5,000 to settle the claim, but she felt this was insufficient to cover her damages. Sharron hired a top personal injury attorney who could negotiate with Geico and secure a settlement of $30,000.
Example 2: Uninsured Motorist Claim
A driver with no insurance hit Samantha. Samantha filed a claim for her medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages in an uninsured motorist claim with her insurer. Geico initially offered her $5,000 to settle her claim, but Samantha felt this was insufficient to cover her damages. She hired a personal injury attorney who could negotiate with Geico and secure a settlement of $25,000.
Who to Contact for Help with Your Geico Injury Claim
If you are dealing with Geico on an injury claim in Houston and need help, here are some resources you can turn to:
- Personal injury attorneys: An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process and negotiate with Geico on your behalf.
- Texas Department of Insurance: The Texas Department of Insurance can provide information on insurance laws and regulations in Texas.
- Texas Department of Transportation: The Texas Department of Transportation can provide information on traffic laws and regulations in Texas.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm for Help
Dealing with Geico on an injury claim in Houston can be challenging, but with the right tips and resources, you can get the compensation you deserve. Remember to report the accident as soon as possible, document everything, and consider hiring one of the best auto accident attorneys near me to handle the claims process.
Contact Baumgartner Law Firm in Houston for a free consultation.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
(281) 587-1111
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