GEICO Claims: Everything You Need to Know
After a car accident, it can be difficult to win the compensation you deserve. Medical bills, auto repair bills, and other expenses can pile up, while the insurance company tries to pay you far less than the value of your claim. In times like these, it is important to have the right attorney on your side.
If you are filing any GEICO claims, hire a law firm that has years of experience settling claims with GEICO. At AP Law Group, we know all the tips and tricks for filing a claim with GEICO, and we fight for you.
Insurance companies like GEICO have secret ways of lowering the payout on your claim. Below, we share those secrets with you.
Don’t Give a Recorded Statement
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When submitting GEICO claims, it is common practice for the insurance adjuster to ask you for a recorded statement. While this may seem innocent at first, it is never a good idea to give insurance companies a recorded statement.
In a recorded statement, anything you say can be used against you by the insurance adjusters. A simple “I’m fine, how are you?” at the beginning of a conversation can be taken entirely out of context. The insurance adjuster may then argue that if you are “fine,” you were not badly injured in the accident and do not need as much compensation.
It is important that you know your rights. You are under no obligation to make a recorded statement, no matter how much pressure the insurance company may put on you to do so.
Be Careful With Your Words When You Speak to an Insurance Company
Even if you do not consent to a recorded statement, you should always be careful when speaking to an insurance adjuster. You may not be aware of it, but in many cases, these conversations will be recorded with or without your knowledge.
Any information that you give to an insurance adjuster can be used against you. Avoid answering any questions about the accident, including your medical treatment, unless otherwise directed by your attorney.
Insurance Companies Use Your Words Against You
If you misspeak, or your circumstances change, insurance companies can use your statement against you. For example, you may believe your injuries to be minor, but later find out that there are complications. The insurance adjuster uses your initial statement to prove that the injuries were minor and thus avoid any payment for the complications.
Do Your Medical Bills Matter?
When it comes to GEICO accident claims, your medical bills may not matter as much as you think they do. Insurance companies like GEICO often hire their own medical professionals to determine what your treatment ‘should’ have cost, thus minimizing the amount they have to pay.
AP Law Group can win you the payment you deserve. We can prove that your medical expenses were necessary and should be covered by your insurance company. Don’t let biased medical professionals cheat you out of payment.
Your Claim Is Often Worth More Than You Think
Calculating the value of your GEICO accident claims may seem easy, but there are many factors involved. Auto accidents are expensive. While you may be tempted to simply add your medical expenses to your car repair bill, this does not cover the full value of your claim.
Additional Expenses to Remember in GEICO Claims
Consider the other expenses involved. Your injuries may require ongoing treatment; your GEICO claims should account for future medical bills as well as current ones. If you are unable to work after the accident, even for just a few hours or days, you should consider lost wages as a part of your claim.
With your car out of commission, you may need to rent a car or pay for transportation to and from work. If you have children or pets, you may need to hire a babysitter or pet-sitter while you recover from your injuries. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you might consider hiring a maid or cleaner to help with household chores.
There are many expenses that should be considered when calculating the value of a claim. AP Law Group can help you get the most out of your GEICO accident claims.
Should You Accept the Company’s First Offer?
Insurance companies always want you to accept their first offer. They may frame this as an ‘all-or-nothing’ deal; this is not the case. By accepting this offer, you waive your right to seek further compensation. Always discuss your claim with an attorney first.
First offers are never the best offer available. Insurance adjusters offer you the lowest amount possible to save money. This can be negotiated to cover your full expenses.
A first offer will never cover the true value of your GEICO accident claims. An experienced attorney can provide valuable advice and negotiate for the compensation you deserve.
How GEICO Justifies Lowball Settlement Offers to Claims
Insurance companies have a tricky way to lower your claim: they buy out your hospital lien at far less than it is worth. You may pay tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills, but GEICO buys this at a fraction of the price. They then use this lower price to calculate your claim.
An experienced attorney can fight against this tactic and prevent insurance companies from lowering the payout of your GEICO claims.
When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Instead of a Claim
Although our attorneys are often able to negotiate a favorable settlement out of court, this is not always possible. If GEICO refuses to offer proper payment, you might consider filing a personal injury lawsuit.
The process of litigation is difficult. While many cases can be resolved out of court in a pre-trial settlement, others may make it all the way to trial. In these cases, it is especially important to have a skilled litigator who knows your case and is willing to fight for you.
GEICO Claims & Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys
When you are involved in an auto accident, the insurance company tries to pay you as little compensation as possible. It takes an experienced attorney to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Here at AP Law Group, our attorneys are here to help you. We have extensive experience advocating for clients against large insurance companies like GEICO. We know the true value of your GEICO accident claims and work tirelessly to ensure you get the best results possible.
Not only are consultations free, but we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing until we win for you.
Choosing the right attorney is never an easy decision, but with AP Law Group on your side, your future is in safe hands.
