If you live in Maryland, chances are good that you’ve heard of Geico, which has been in business since 1936. They are one of the largest insurance companies in the world, providing a wide range of services for its customers, including auto and home insurance.
However, if you’ve ever had to deal with an insurance company, you know that some problems always arise. This is especially true if you need to file a claim after an accident.
If you need to file a claim with Geico, it’s important to know what steps to take and what information you should have on hand. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we’ve helped many of our clients file claims with Geico, and we can help you do the same. Schedule a free consultation with our car accident lawyers today by calling contacting us online.
What to Expect During the Geico Insurance Claims Process in Maryland
If you have been injured in an accident and had to file a claim with your auto insurance company, you may have experienced the frustration of dealing with the company’s adjusters. They aim to pay as little as possible for your injury claim and avoid paying out any more money than necessary.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Maryland and need to file a claim with Geico insurance, there are several things you can do to ensure that your rights are protected.
- Ensure you have all the documentation regarding the accident. This includes police reports, witness statements, medical bills, and other information that may be relevant to your case.
- If possible, get the names and contact information of all the people involved in the accident. This will make it much easier for you to gather evidence and provide testimony later.
- Do not sign any documents before your lawyer has reviewed them. Insurance companies are known to give out settlement offers that are less than fair or even misleading (especially considering that most people do not have an attorney).
- If you do not have an attorney, we strongly recommend contacting one. The insurance company will usually have its own lawyers on retainer, trying to take advantage of your ignorance of the law by offering you a low settlement amount. Call us today for a free case evaluation if you are injured in an accident.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer to Help You Handle Your Maryland Geico Insurance Claim
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and are dealing with Geico, be sure to know your rights. The following are some reasons why hiring a lawyer may help:
Lowball First Offers
As a rule of thumb: You should not accept the first offer an insurance provider gives you. You deserve what is owed to you under your insurance policy; don’t let them try to get away with paying less than they need to.
Instead of accepting the first lowball quote without negotiation, you should contact Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. in Maryland today. We’ll help ensure that every dollar owed gets paid out as quickly as possible, so there isn’t any further delay in getting back on track after being involved in an accident or natural disaster (or other covered incident).
Bad Faith Geico Insurance Claim Denials
Sometimes, insurance carriers deny claims in bad faith. If GEICO is your own insurance company and you receive a denial letter that does not seem relevant to the claim you filed, you could be dealing with a bad-faith denial on the part of Geico.
Geico and other insurance companies are responsible for acting in good faith toward their own insured when handling an auto insurance claim. If it fails to reasonably consider the claim you submit and denies for a reason that suggests bad faith, you should speak to an attorney immediately. Some of the ways that denial could be considered bad faith include:
- Failure to acknowledge specific communications
- Failing to investigate the claim adequately
- Failing to make a fair and impartial settlement offer
- Unfair claims settlement practices
With a lawyer from Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. on your side, you can examine your case and determine whether you’ve been denied unfairly. If you believe your claim has been unfairly handled or denied, contact Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today to learn more about how we can help.
Settlements and Going to Court
Your attorney can negotiate with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf, including helping determine how much they should pay out for medical bills and lost wages, as well as any other losses sustained during the accident, such as pain and suffering. If negotiations fail, your lawyer can assist you with filing a lawsuit, and if necessary going to trial.
Contact Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Today for a Free Consultation
If you are looking for the highest level representation available for your personal injury case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.
We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.