Brian White | December 7, 2023 | Insurance Claims
GEICO Insurance Company is Texas’s third largest insurer for passenger automobile insurance policies. Therefore, if you are involved in a car accident in Houston, you may have to deal with GEICO to file an insurance claim.
Even though GEICO claims to make the process of filing an insurance claim “fast and easy,” you might not have that experience. GEICO is a for-profit insurance company. Therefore, it is looking out for its profit margin in all claims, which means the company tries to pay as little as possible to resolve car accident claims.
If you are dealing with a car accident in Houston, TX, involving GEICO insurance, it is crucial to know what to expect.
File Your GEICO Claim as Soon as Possible After a Car Accident
Timely filing is the first step to receiving a fair outcome for a GIECO insurance claim. You can begin a claim with GEICO by reporting an accident online through their website. You can also call GEICO customer service at 800-207-7847.
Texas Is an At-Fault State for Car Accident Claims
Texas requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability insurance for car accidents. Even though you file a claim with GEICO, you are not automatically guaranteed a payment. To receive an insurance settlement, you may need to prove that the other driver caused the car accident.
An insurance adjuster investigates your claim. The adjuster gathers and analyzes evidence to determine if the insured driver caused the crash. If so, the adjuster may make an offer to settle the claim.
However, claims adjusters protect the insurance company. They search for evidence to deny claims and undervalue damages. Therefore, when you file a claim with GEICO after a car accident in Houston, be prepared to fight for a fair settlement.
GEICO May Blame You for Contributing to the Cause of the Accident
Texas’ modified comparative negligence law bars you from receiving any money for your claim if you are more than 50% to blame for the cause of the accident. GEICO might try to blame you for the accident. Doing so helps GEICO avoid paying your claim under the state’s comparative fault standard.
Even if you are less than 51% to blame for the car crash, the company might try to shift some of the blame to you. If your level of fault is less than 51%, you can recover compensation for damages, but your percentage of fault reduces the amount.
Therefore, be careful when speaking to a GEICO representative or claims adjuster. What you say may be twisted to imply that you were partially to blame for causing the car accident.
Maintain Excellent Files for Paperwork Related to a GEICO Claim
There is a lot of documentation related to a car insurance claim for an accident in Houston. Keeping documents in an organized filing system can help you avoid losing key evidence. It can also help you provide information for your insurance claim quickly and efficiently.
The paperwork needed for a GEICO claim varies but typically includes the following:
- The accident report outlining the details of the car crash
- Copies of medical records proving you sustained injuries in the car accident
- A copy of the GEICO insurance policy or confirmation of insurance coverage and policy limits
- Medical bills and other expenses
- Eyewitness statements from people at the accident scene
- Copies of health insurance policies and payments made by a health insurance company
- Medical liens signed with the hospital and medical providers
Maintaining documents for a GEICO insurance claim in Houston can be overwhelming. A car accident lawyer can take care of this for you.
Obtain a Detailed Prognosis From Your Physician
When you complete medical treatment, ask your physician to provide a written prognosis explaining your injuries and any impairments you sustained. Ask your doctor to give a detailed report. The more details your doctor supplies, the harder it is for GEICO to argue about the severity of your injuries.
A Houston Car Accident Attorney Can Negotiate a Settlement With GEICO
The initial settlement offer for a car accident claim is often lower than the claim’s value. GEICO will attempt to convince you to settle for the least amount possible. However, you have the right to negotiate a higher settlement amount.
You must know how much your claim is worth to negotiate effectively with GEICO. You should be able to receive compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
If you are unsure how much your damages are worth, talk with a Houston car accident lawyer before you accept a settlement offer. Signing a settlement agreement ends your claim with GEICO. It also waives your right to file a lawsuit or pursue additional compensation for the car accident.
You do not need to handle the insurance claims process alone. An experienced Houston car accident lawyer can handle GEICO claims for you. You can learn more about how an attorney can help during a free consultation with a Houston personal injury lawyer.
Contact the Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers
3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350
Houston, TX 77098
United States
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy
11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06
Houston, TX 77029
United States
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – South Loop
2600 S Loop W, Suite 293
Houston, TX 77054
United States
