Originally established in 1936 as the Government Employees Insurance Company, Geico insured only military members and federal employees until 1974. Today, Geico provides auto insurance policies to the general public and ranks as the second-largest insurer in the United States.
Car accident victims should be aware that Geico adjusters may try to offer settlements that are too low. If you’re dealing with a Geico insurance claim after a car accident, it may be in your best interest to contact an attorney. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our Virginia auto accident attorneys can help you pursue the full value of your claim and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Does Geico Determine Settlement Offers?
Geico’s claims adjusters are trained to assess a combination of details, including the damage to your vehicle, your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs related to the accident, and make an offer based on that. An adjuster is not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice. They will also never tell you how to proceed if your case goes to court. Their job is to help determine settlement offers for Geico cases. In most instances, they’ll offer you as little as possible or deny your claim altogether.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer to Help With My Claim?
Big insurance companies like Geico have limitless resources they can use to fight claims that injured victims file. So why shouldn’t you? When you hire a lawyer, you hire an experienced professional who can fight for your rights. Your lawyer will help you file your claim, build a strong case, negotiate with Geico, and take your case to court if necessary.
The last thing you want to do is try to fight a big insurance company on your own. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and other professionals who are trained to handle claims like yours. You need someone who can bring the same level of expertise and resources to the table. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. are ready for the challenge.
What Evidence Do I Need To Prove My Claim?
There are many types of evidence to consider when making a claim for compensation for a car crash. It is important to have proof that you were not at fault, and that you were injured. This could include:
- Witnesses who saw the accident happen and can testify on your behalf
- Police reports that confirm the accident happened and how it occurred
- Medical records showing your injuries, their severity, how long they took to heal, and any ongoing treatment that you may need
- Photographs of the scene of the crash and of your injuries
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim With Geico in Virginia?
In a car accident claim, the statute of limitations (the deadline to file a lawsuit) usually begins running on the day the accident happened. The Virginia statute of limitations for personal injury from a car accident is generally two years from the accident. So, the clock starts ticking immediately if you’re involved in an accident and suffer an injury leading to medical treatment or disability.
If you wait too long to file a claim, you may run out of time under the statute of limitations, or evidence necessary to prove your case may be lost. Similarly, if you’re injured in a car accident and don’t seek medical treatment right away, it may be difficult to later prove that you suffered an injury.
If you’re in an accident that causes injuries, it’s important to contact a Virginia car accident attorney at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. as soon as possible. The statute of limitations may not be something you think about when an injury occurs, but it’s very important to consider when filing a claim.
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.