How to File A Car Accident Claim with GEICO in Washington State

Colburn Law

Posted in Personal Injury on October 15, 2020

Car accidents can cause serious damages, from physical injuries and chronic pain to financial losses, such as emergency medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and long-term care costs. If you suffer injuries in an accident someone else is responsible for, you can file a claim with his or her car insurance to receive compensation for these damages.

Different insurance companies follow different procedures for handling accident claims. If the at-fault driver in your accident is a GEICO customer, you will need to take the careful steps to file your claim and protect your best interests.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Seattle

When you file a GEICO insurance claim, you will need to prove that the other driver is responsible for your accident. If the company has reason to believe you are responsible or your injuries are not as serious as you claim, it can deny your compensation.

You will need to gather evidence that supports your claim and take steps immediately after the collision to seek help, build credibility, and document your injuries.

• Call 911 immediately after the accident and report it to law enforcement.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible and save all records related to your injuries.
• Take photographs of your injuries, vehicle and property damage, and the area around the accident.
• Collect contact, license, and insurance information from the driver.
• If there are any witnesses in the area, ask them for their contact information.
• Speak to a personal injury attorney in Seattle before speaking with a GEICO adjuster.

The GEICO Insurance Claim Process

After a car accident with a negligent Washington driver, you have three options to pursue compensation for your damages. You can file a claim with the driver’s insurance company or file a claim with your own company if you have the appropriate coverage. You can also file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver and his or her insurance company.

If the at-fault driver has a policy with GEICO, you will need to take the following steps to file your claim.

• First, you will report the accident to GEICO online or over the phone.
• If you are eligible, the company will ask you to make a damage inspection appointment with a GEICO adjuster who will evaluate your vehicle damage.
• After the inspection, you will take your vehicle for repairs at any shop you choose.
• Finally, the GEICO adjuster will investigate your claim, determine if you are eligible for compensation, and issue a decision and possible settlement offer.

Additional Information:

• 10 Things to Know When You’re Dealing with Insurance Companies After an Accident

Why Would GEICO Deny Your Claim?

GEICO adjusters do not award fair compensation to every claim they receive. Sometimes, the adjuster may offer you a lower settlement than you need to recover or deny awarding you a settlement altogether.

The adjuster may deny your claim for a number of reasons, including the following.

• The policyholder failed to keep up with his or her premium payments.
• The company believes that you are responsible for the accident.
• Your compensation needs exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits.
• The driver used a new vehicle he or she did not add to the policy yet.
• The company engaged in bad faith practices, such as misrepresenting the terms of the policy.

In these situations, you can choose to appeal the insurance company’s decision or escalate your case to a personal injury lawsuit. Whether you’re filing your initial claim or are looking to contest GEICO’s decision in your claim, you should speak to an attorney immediately following your accident.

A Seattle car accident attorney can assist with initial claims, insurance appeals, and personal injury lawsuits against negligent drivers. Speak to your attorney before contacting a GEICO adjuster to understand your legal options and how to approach your case.