Secrets of Accident Claims Against GEICO REVEALED!
October 17, 2023 | Car Accidents
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) began writing insurance policies in 1936. Today, the company is the second-largest insurer for drivers in the United States. Therefore, if you are involved in a car accident in San Antonio, there is a good chance you might need to file a car accident claim with GEICO.
However, before you file a GEICO insurance claim, please read this blog from our San Antonio car accident lawyers. It reveals secrets of accident claims against GEICO that you need to know to protect your right to fair compensation for injuries and damages.
GEICO Secret Number 1: Never Give a Recorded Statement
Generally, GEICO assigns an insurance adjuster to investigate your claim. The insurance adjuster works to protect the company’s best interest, not yours. Therefore, they try to get as much information as possible the company could use against you.
For that reason, the insurance adjuster may ask for a recorded statement. You are not obligated to provide a recorded statement or a written statement. You are also not required to answer questions without legal advice.
The insurance adjuster will twist your words and use them against you. For instance, saying you are feeling “fine” or “okay” could be used to challenge your claim that you are injured. You might have replied with “okay” or “fine” when the adjuster asked how you were doing to be polite or because you did not want to discuss your condition without your lawyer.
The adjuster might say you are legally required to provide a recorded statement. However, the truth is that a recorded statement may only be compelled if you file a lawsuit. Allowing an experienced San Antonio car accident to handle all communications with the insurance company is best.
GEICO Secret Number 2: Be Careful What You Say to an Insurance Adjuster
If you speak with an insurance adjuster or other GEICO representative, be careful what you say. The adjuster tries to pry information out of you that the company can use to challenge the claim. In addition to never admitting fault or apologizing for the accident, topics to avoid include:
- How the accident happened
- What you were doing before the accident occurred, including your activities earlier during the dame
- The amount of time you miss from work
- Your injuries, medical treatments, and prognosis
- The pain levels you experience and how your injuries impact your daily activities
- Your emotional and mental state
The insurance adjuster might encourage you to tell your side of the story. They might tell you they cannot process your claim or get money to you without the information. Adjusters are trained to elicit information from accident victims that could harm their case.
GEICO Secret Number 3: Your Claim Is Probably Worth More Than You Believe
GEICO consistently undervalues damages. They also do not tell you if you are not demanding all the damages you are entitled to for a car accident claim.
For example, you might be aware that you can include medical bills and loss of income in a car accident claim. However, you may also have other economic damages.
For example, you can also include out-of-pocket expenses related to the claim. These expenses include help with household chores, travel expenses to and from medical appointments, and personal care. The company will not tell you that you could be entitled to future damages if you sustained a permanent impairment.
Many victims are unaware they can receive compensation for their pain and suffering damages. The insurance company will not explain non-economic damages to you. Instead, it will downplay your suffering and pain to save money.
GEICO Secret Number 4: GEICO Lowballs the Initial Settlement Offer
GEICO prefers that you accept its initial offer before you speak with an attorney. The reason is that initial settlement offers are often much lower than the value of your claim. GEICO wants to convince you to settle the claim before you complete medical treatment.
When you accept a settlement offer, you sign a final settlement agreement. The agreement waives all rights to pursue additional claims or money. In other words, what you receive as the initial offer is all you will receive for damages.
Initial settlement offers made quickly are designed to obtain your release before you realize the extent of your injuries or how much your case is worth. Always discuss a settlement offer with an experienced car accident attorney in San Antonio before you accept the offer.
GEICO Secret Number 5: Your Medical Bills Could Be Undervalued for Settlement
Another trick GEICO uses to undervalue claims is purchasing your medical debts and hospital liens. Many medical providers sell their accounts for less than the patients owe them. For example, your hospital lien may total $50,000, but GEICO will purchase it for $15,000.
Then, GEICO shows your expense for the hospital treatment as $15,000 instead of $50,000. The result could mean you receive much less for your damages.
Don’t Trust GEICO To Treat You Fairly After a Car Accident in Texas
GEICO encourages accident victims to deal directly with their company to settle claims. They make it easy to file claims online, speak with an insurance adjuster, and settle quickly. However, that process may not be in your best interest. San Antonio injury lawyers offer free consultations. Take advantage of free legal advice from a trusted advocate for accident victims instead of allowing GEICO to cheat you out of the money you deserve for a car accident claim.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in San Antonio, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in San Antonio, Texas, and need legal help, contact our San Antonio car accident lawyers at George Salinas Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
George Salinas Injury Lawyers
6243 I-10 Ste. 955, San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 225-0909
https://www.salinastriallaw.com/
