Recovering from a car accident isn’t easy, and it only gets more complicated when dealing with a major insurer like Geico. Known for insuring over 28 million vehicles nationwide and employing aggressive cost-containment strategies, Geico can make the claims process feel overwhelming, adding to the stress of juggling doctor’s appointments and fielding calls from unfamiliar numbers daily.
After all, it demands a solid understanding of their practices and the ability to counter their tactics to get away with paying you as little as possible.
As a matter of fact, statistics show that the average car accident claim involving bodily injury can cost over $20,000, and Geico is going to do everything in their power to knock a zero off that figure.
Below, we’ll walk you through the critical steps in the Geico claims process, the factors that can influence your settlement, and common obstacles that claimants face– because knowing what to expect and how to handle it can make all the difference.
The Geico Claims Process: Starting Your Case with Strength
Filing a claim with Geico starts with reporting the accident, but there’s more to the process than simply submitting a report. Once you notify Geico of your accident, they assign a liability examiner to investigate your claim. This examiner reviews your coverage, collects evidence, and evaluates the accident to determine Geico’s responsibility.
These initial stages of a claim are crucial, and it’s imperative to get a personal injury attorney on your side as soon as possible. Why? Because our accident lawyers step in to ensure that all details of your case are fully documented from day one. This includes gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene photographs. The goal is to build a strong foundation for your claim, countering any tactics Geico may use to minimize your payout.
How Geico Calculates Settlements and Why You Need an Advocate
Geico’s examiners use specific factors to determine a settlement offer, considering medical expenses, injury severity, policy limits, and other details. However, as we covered, their primary goal is always to minimize your payout. In order to do that, here’s what they typically assess:
- Medical Expenses and Future Costs: This includes all current medical bills and projected costs related to your injury. With average prices of a hospital stay after an accident exceeding $15,000, these expenses can add up quickly.
- Income Loss Due to Missed Work: Geico calculates lost wages for the time you were unable to work, but they may not account for the full impact on your long-term earning potential.
- Policy Limits: Your policy limits determine the maximum amount Geico will pay, often restricting compensation even if your losses exceed those limits.
- Long-Term Impacts: Conditions like chronic pain or permanent disability can have lifelong effects, yet Geico may try to undervalue these impacts.
Our attorneys know how to evaluate these elements from your perspective, not Geico’s. We thoroughly assess the accident’s total impact on your life and advocate for a settlement that covers all costs, including ongoing treatment and any loss of earning potential. With Angel Reyes & Associates on your side, Geico knows they must take your claim seriously.
Handling Common Challenges in a Geico Claim
Navigating a claim with Geico often means facing an uphill battle against common tactics designed to minimize payouts. Our personal injury attorneys know these strategies inside and out, handling every detail to keep your claim on solid ground.
- Delayed responses
- Questioning statements
- Downplaying injuries
- Providing essential documentation
- Shielding you from pressure tactics
With our team on your side, you can rest easy, knowing we’re pushing back against every hurdle to secure the compensation you deserve.
How Angel Reyes & Associates Strengthens Your Claim
We take a comprehensive approach to gathering evidence and presenting a clear, compelling case. Our team compiles everything needed to substantiate your claim, including:
Police and Medical Reports
Police reports capture the key details of what happened and help establish who was at fault, creating an official record of the accident. Medical reports, on the other hand, document your damages, treatments, and any future care you might need.
Witness Statements and Accident Photos
Witness statements add critical perspectives, backing up your account of events, while pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries visually reinforce your claim.
Income Loss Documentation and Future Earning Potential
Documentation of missed work and lost wages highlights immediate financial impacts. Assessments for long-term impacts project future earning potential, ensuring all losses are accounted for.
Expert Analyses, if Necessary, to Support Injury Severity
Medical experts validate the severity and lasting effects of your injuries. Accident reconstruction experts can clarify the fault and the accident’s mechanics.
This thorough approach leaves no room for adjusters to dispute the facts. With Angel Reyes & Associates, you can feel confident knowing your claim is backed by solid evidence.
Pursuing Full Compensation Through Litigation–If Necessary
If Geico refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take legal action. Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver—and, by extension, Geico—demonstrates that you are committed to pursuing total compensation. While litigation isn’t always the goal, the threat often encourages insurers to settle more fairly.
From filing the first complaint to standing by you in the courtroom, our attorneys have covered every step of the litigation process, fighting relentlessly to secure what’s rightfully yours. In fact, over half (51%) of claimants who hired an attorney received a higher settlement amount.
Why Choose Angel Reyes & Associates for Your Geico Injury Claim
Choosing the right legal team to manage your Geico injury claim is essential. At Angel Reyes & Associates, we bring expertise in car and truck accident cases, with over $1 billion recovered for accident victims. Our approach is grounded in professionalism, strength, and empathy for every client we serve.
We also offer a free, easy-to-use online case calculator to help you understand the potential value of your claim.
With no fees, unless we win, our personal injury lawyers at Angel Reyes & Associates are committed to making high-end legal representation accessible to all Texans.
Don’t wait, don’t hesitate. Contact us today for a free consultation, or stop by one of our offices in Dallas, Fort-Worth, Houston or Austin so we can discuss your case face-to-face. You’re in good hands with Angel Reyes & Associates.
