What You Should Know About GEICO Insurance Claims

February 6, 2024 | Car Accidents

What You Should Know About GEICO Insurance Claims

If you were injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania, you may have to deal with GEICO to settle your case. GEICO is one of the most popular auto insurance companies in the country and insures more than 28 million vehicles. Even if you don’t use GEICO, you are probably familiar with their famous line of commercials featuring a gecko or a caveman and the promise of saving you a significant amount on your car insurance.

But GEICO didn’t get over $32 billion in assets by saving their customers money. It’s a business, and its priority is on its bottom line. For car accident victims, this often means receiving settlement offers that are much lower than the damages they’ve truly incurred.

An experienced car accident lawyer can help level the playing field between you and GEICO so that you can recover the compensation you deserve. To speak with an attorney with experience standing up to insurance companies like GEICO, contact our office today. 

For more information on how to deal with GEICO if you’ve been involved in an accident, continue reading.

Do Not Give the GEICO Claims Adjuster a Recorded Statement

After an accident, the GEICO claims adjuster may contact you and try to get a recorded statement. You are not legally required to provide a statement right after the accident, and most personal injury lawyers would advise against it. 

There’s a risk that you will make an innocent statement, such as “I’m fine” or “I didn’t mean to.” The insurance adjuster may use that against you later in the process to deny or reduce your claim.

Limit Your Communications With the Claims Adjuster

At some point, you may need to speak with the claims adjuster. But keep any such communication brief. Give them the bare essential details of the accident, such as your name, the date, and the location of the accident. You do not need to describe your injuries or how the accident occurred. You can also tell them to direct any further communications to your attorney.

If you end up filing a lawsuit against the negligent driver, you may have to give an official statement to the insurance company (such as during a deposition). However, at that point, your attorney will have explained your rights, and they will be able to protect your interests from any unfair practices by the insurance company.

GEICO Might Not Use Your Actual Medical Bills to Determine the Value of Your Claim

You may be surprised to learn that GEICO often calculates medical costs based on the “usual and customary charges” in your area rather than your actual medical bills. GEICO has a team of medical professionals who will review your medical records and determine the value of your medical costs based on the typical treatment for your injuries and your location. 

This can result in GEICO’s estimate of your medical expenses being dramatically lower than what you were actually charged. It can also be difficult to challenge these calculations without an experienced personal injury lawyer at your side.

Your attorney will fight for you to receive compensation for all of your medical costs and will argue that the expenses you incurred were necessary and reasonable. 

You Can Seek Compensation For More Than Just Medical Costs

Many people assume that the value of their car accident claim is the total of their medical costs and vehicle damages. However, you can recover compensation for several other losses, known as damages.

For example, you may be able to recover compensation for the following economic and non-economic losses:

  • Future medical costs and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning potential
  • Transportation costs
  • Property damage
  • Out-of-pocket expenses you incurred because of the accident
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of quality of life

A knowledgeable personal injury attorney will review the facts of your case and listen to your story to determine what damages may be available to you.

You Don’t Have To Accept GEICO’s Initial Offer

GEICO and its representatives may make you feel pressured to accept a settlement offer quickly, but you don’t have to. You need time to have your injuries evaluated, hire an attorney, and explore your options. Take your time and make an informed decision that’s right for you.

If you don’t like GEICO’s initial offer, your attorney can demand a better offer. If your attorney ultimately isn’t able to negotiate a favorable settlement, they may recommend that you file a personal injury lawsuit.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Who Knows How To Handle Your GEICO Claim

If you were injured in a car accident in Lebanon, PA, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to deal with GEICO. Contact our skilled Lebanon personal injury lawyers, who have a proven track record of standing up to GEICO on behalf of our clients. 

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963