GEICO Claims
In the immediate aftermath of a major vehicle collision, embroiling yourself in a prolonged negotiation over insurance coverage is generally the last thing you want to do. Unfortunately, fighting insurance adjusters and demanding more in compensation than their initial offer is often necessary if you want to recuperate thoroughly from the damage a catastrophic accident might have on you. No matter what company you need to submit a claim with, employing a skilled car accident lawyer could put you on even footing with adjusters who are taught to refuse claims and save their companies money. However, while dealing with GEICO following an accident in Raleigh, you should give top priority to consulting a lawyer who is knowledgeable about the company’s business practices and the most effective methods for pursuing compensation from them.
The GEICO Claim-Filing Process
Following the summoning of authorities to the scene and ensuring the immediate safety of everyone involved, the first step to making an insurance claim with GEICO following a Raleigh automobile accident is getting in touch with a claims specialist by phone or by filing a claim online. Following up on a claim, GEICO will dispatch a claims adjuster to examine the claimant’s car and estimate the cost of repairs.
This process can occasionally be done in just an hour, but it normally takes a long time if the claimant has sustained injuries or if the parties involved differ on who was at fault. In any case, GEICO standards stipulate that claimants should receive a check within 48 hours after the claims adjuster completes his evaluation; however, this will only happen if GEICO accepts the claim, which is far from a guarantee, as anyone who has worked with GEICO in the past can typically confirm.
When accepting initial settlement offers, use caution. Even if a car accident claimant does receive a check from GEICO after filing an accident claim, they should never pay it right away. Every insurance company earns money by collecting as much as possible in premiums while paying out as little as possible in claims; therefore, if a claimant receives an initial settlement offer like this, the sum will almost always not be nearly enough to cover all their losses.
GEICO in particular is infamous for aggressively denying claims and paying minimal sums as initial settlements, thanks in no small part to GEICO proudly having lower insurance coverage prices than many of their competitors. Whether a settlement offer from GEICO is not sufficient to cover a claimant’s damages or no settlement is made at all, anyone who wishes to raise the amount of compensation they receive will need to launch a lawsuit.
Pursuing a lawsuit against GEICO may ultimately result in a greater settlement offer, but it also inevitably requires dealing with GEICO’s in-house legal team and occasionally even external legal opposition if a case includes particularly severe injuries. Assistance from seasoned legal counsel is crucial for any claimant who wishes to face up against GEICO in court and secure a good case outcome.
Our Injury Attorney Can Deal with GEICO for You
GEICO may tout itself as an economical insurance choice for residents, but affordability frequently comes with a heavy price if you ever wind up needing to submit a claim. Considering the company’s well-established history of fighting claims any way they can, you should definitely consider seeking competent legal aid before engaging with their adjusters to any major degree—let alone their lawyers.
Our experienced and award-winning car accident attorney could be a steadfast and vital ally any time you find yourself dealing with GEICO after an accident. To schedule a consultation and find out how experienced legal counsel could help you, call today.