The purpose of this page is to help you understand the settlement value of your case against GEICO and to give you weapons to help maximize the settlement value of your claim. Learn the secrets they don’t want you to know to seek the most money you possibly can out of your claim.
Out of the top twenty largest insurance companies, GEICO is one of the most difficult insurance companies to deal with. If you have not figured that out yet, you will. If you are trying to maximize the settlement value of your personal injury claim in North Carolina, you want to have every weapon and all the intel you can to understand the true value of your case. Will GEICO try to pay you less than the value of your car accident claim? Our North Carolina car accident attorneys have seen GEICO try to pay less. So, you have to be prepared for battle in personal injury cases. This page can be a resource to help you better understand how GEICO values and defends accident claims. GEICO is a major repeat player in the auto insurance claims industry. Understanding how GEICO handles claims and settlements can help policyholders navigate the process more effectively.
If you have a claim against GEICO or a GEICO insured in North Carolina, or California call us at (919) 800-2000 for a free consultation or fill out this free case review form today.
Secrets the Insurance Companies Don't Want You to Know
When you're involved in a car accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is getting the compensation you deserve from the insurance company. Unfortunately, many major insurers like GEICO and Progressive have a well-documented history of deploying underhanded tactics to avoid paying out on legitimate claims. As experienced car accident attorneys, we've seen it all - from passing the buck to using your own words against you. In this in-depth blog post, we're pulling back the curtain on the insurance company playbook, so you know what to watch out for.
Secret #1: Passing the Buck
One of the go-to moves for GEICO when it comes to car accident claims is trying to shift the blame and responsibility elsewhere. They may claim that the other driver was at fault, even when the evidence clearly points to their policyholder. Or they'll argue that your injuries were pre-existing, and therefore not their problem. The goal is to find any possible way to avoid taking ownership of the situation and providing you the compensation you're entitled to.
Secret #2: Using Your Words Against You
GEICO and other insurers are masters at twisting your own words and statements against you. They'll pore over every detail of your accident report, medical records, and any recorded statements you made, searching for anything they can use to undermine your claim. For example, if you mentioned feeling "fine" at the scene before the full extent of your injuries became clear, they'll seize on that to claim you weren't really hurt. Their adjusters are trained to be extremely manipulative when it comes to getting you to say things that can be used against you later.
Secret #3: Claiming Your Losses Relate to Pre-Existing Conditions
This tactic is commonly used by Progressive in car accident cases. They'll argue that your injuries, pain, and other losses aren't related to the accident, but rather stem from some pre-existing medical condition. Even if you were perfectly healthy before the crash, they'll dig through your records to find any past issues, no matter how minor, and use that as an excuse to deny your claim.
Secret #4: Stressful Stalling
GEICO is notorious for dragging their feet when it comes to processing and resolving car accident claims. They know that the longer they can string you along, the more stressed and demoralized you'll become. Many claimants eventually give up and accept a lowball settlement offer just to make the process end. The insurance companies are banking on your resolve weakening over time.
How an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Can Help
Dealing with the insurance company tactics described above can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening. However, working with a skilled car accident lawyer can level the playing field and give you the best chance of securing the full compensation you're entitled to.
An attorney who is experienced in auto accident claims will know exactly how to counter the insurance company's dodges and deceptions. They can handle all communication and negotiations, shielding you from their manipulative tactics. Your lawyer will also thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to support your claim.
Importantly, working with a car accident attorney doesn't have to break the bank. Many offer free initial consultations and only get paid if you win your case. This "contingency fee" structure means you can afford quality legal representation without having to pay anything upfront.
Contact Our Experienced GEICO Accident Claims Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, don't let the insurance company take advantage of you. Contact our team of seasoned car accident attorneys today for a free consultation. We'll review the details of your case, explain your rights and options, and fight tirelessly to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. Don't wait - the clock is ticking, and the insurance adjusters are likely already working against you.Determining the Value of Your GEICO Personal Injury Claim
GEICO does not have a standard multiplier formula that they use to calculate damages. The initial inquiry to understand the value of your case against GEICO has nothing to do with GEICO, it starts with your injury. The nature and severity of your injury will dictate the potential value of your claim with GEICO.
How much should one expect for GEICO’s first settlement offer?
GEICO tends to make low first settlement offers. Some assume that the insurance company has a duty to cover all medical expenses and at a minimum, they expect after being in an a car accident that was not their fault that GEICO will pay the full cost of the medical bills, but do not assume GEICO will cover the full cost of medical treatment. From GEICO particularly, one of their cost saving techniques is to try to avoid paying the full cost of the medical bills. GEICO is more likely than its other large competitor firms to take issue with the cost and whether the medical
What is GEICO’s injury claim negotiation style?
Despite their pattern of trying to undervalue claims, GEICO is not all bad or bad across the board. In fact, GEICO claim adjusters are very pleasant and usually easy to work with in terms of their disposition and willingness to promptly return calls and carefully review documents submitted as far as insurance companies go. Really, we only disagree with GEICO on one issue: the value of personal injury cases.
The value of an injury case is a big part of what motor vehicle accident claims are comprised of. Our civil justice system is in place in part to help compensate victims for the harm that is done to them by others. Our job is to fight for our clients to get as much money in their pocket as possible.
Our car accident lawyers have won literally millions of dollars in settlements for our clients. If you need someone on your side who knows how to fight this insurance company and win, call (919) 800-2000 or get a free online consultation.
GEICO Claim Information You Can Use
Our experienced car accident attorney has been dealing with GEICO for years. Below are answers to frequently asked questions from our clients with GEICO claims.
Is Geico hard to deal with in accident claims?
GEICO is a very difficult insurer to deal with in accident claims. GEICO has a business model that aggressively focuses on settling claims for as little as possible. This model instructs adjusters to try to resolve cases for less than they are worth. GEICO adjusters are usually very responsive and easier to get in touch with than some insurance companies. Additionally, GEICO usually calls for monthly status updates whereas many insurance companies do not. Therefore, we expect these frequently status update calls from GEICO and are prepared for them in advance.
Where is the GEICO adjuster handling my claim?
This insurer has regional claims centers. Almost all of the North Carolina claims are processed in the Fredericksburg, Virginia office. GEICO adjusters are still working during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How does GEICO’s settlement offer process work?
GEICO does not give its adjusters a huge amount of authority to work with and the adjuster will likely make you an offer that is some percentage of the power that the adjuster has to settle the case. For your negotiation strategy it is important to consider, the gap between the initial offer and the settlement authority and the settlement authority and the real value of the case.
How does GEICO treat low property damage claims?
GEICO is harsher than most insurers when it comes to evaluating cases with low property damage, and for those cases, they may try to avoid paying anything at all. Government Employees Insurance Company, more than other insurance companies, takes a harder approach to evaluating and compensating low and no property damage injury cases.
Do I need a lawyer to handle my claim?
In general, you are going to be best protected by hiring counsel to represent your interests. If you are seriously injured in an accident, I think it is foolish not to hire a lawyer. Good legal advice, strategy, and skill matters. Even for small claims, a skilled injury attorney may be able to obtain higher compensation for your claim.
How to Contact GEICO Claims
The mailing address for GEICO claims is:
GEICO
P.O Box 9505
Fredericksburg, VA 22403
Keep in mind the risks associated with talking to the insurance company without counsel and that the insurance company may record calls and may try to obtain statements to use against you later.
GEICO Claims Process
When a customer files a claim with GEICO, they can expect prompt and professional service. GEICO representatives will obtain information from the individual that files the claim to help them determine liability.
GEICO Settlements
GEICO settlement offers are based on several factors including nature of the injuries, type and length of medical treatment, amount of medical bills, and other factors. Injury claimants have the option to file a lawsuit in court for their personal injury claim if they feel like any GEICO offer is inadequate.
GEICO Pros and Cons
The pros of negotiating a settlement with GEICO is that their claims handling process is faster than other insurance companies. The cons of GEICO claims processing is that GEICO may use any pre-existing accidents or pre-existing injuries to try to devalue a claim. GEICO also can argue that it is entitled to take advantage of medical provider discounts offer to patients, and GEICO may make arguments about the mechanics of the injury, causation, and contributory liability. Understanding the claims process can help customers navigate the system with confidence. If you have questions about GEICO claims process or settlements, seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Getting a Skilled Injury Attorney to Fight GEICO
Our accident lawyers at Tien Law Firm have handled hundreds of personal injury claims and have strong success record against GEICO of getting results for our clients.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in North Carolina, California, New York and the at-fault driver is insured by GEICO, or if you are filing an uninsured motorist claim against GEICO and you have a question about your personal injury claim, call us at (919) 800-2000 for a free consultation or fill out this brief online claim evaluation form.