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GEICO is one of the major insurance companies for drivers in the United States. Therefore, you have a good chance of dealing with GEICO if you are involved in a car accident in Seattle, WA. However, before you file an accident claim, there are some secrets you should know that can help protect your right to a fair settlement.
Filing a claim after a car accident can be a frustrating, time-consuming process, no matter which insurance company is involved. Insurance providers are in business to make money. Therefore, they all use tactics to undervalue claims. Some “secrets” GEICO does not want you to know include:
An insurance adjuster may ask you to make a recorded statement. They may tell you this step is necessary to process the claim, or it is part of the claims process. However, you aren’t required to make a recorded statement for your claim to be processed. You should ask each time you speak with the adjuster if the conversation is recorded. Many insurance companies record telephone calls. It is not wise to make any recorded statement without legal counsel.
The insurance company might make a quick settlement offer. However, that offer is likely much lower than your claim is worth. Insurance companies make low initial offers to get claimants to accept before they talk with a lawyer to realize their claims are worth more. NOTE: Beware of GEICO trying to settle your claim before you finish medical treatment. Until your doctor releases you, there is no way to know the extent of your injuries or the value of your damages.
Washington tort laws provide for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages reimburse you for your financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses. However, the insurance company may not tell you that you can also receive compensation for pain and suffering damages. These are your non-economic damages. You can recover compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, physical pain, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life. Insurance companies often downplay non-economic damages to undervalue them for settlements. GEICO will not tell you if you don’t demand compensation for specific damages you could receive.
Washington’s comparative fault law states that your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault for causing the car accident. Therefore, an insurance adjuster might try to get you to say something that could imply you are partially to blame for causing the car crash, such as asking you leading questions on a recorded call. For example, if you say that you were rushing to get to work or worried about your child, GEICO might indicate you were speeding or distracted, so you were partially responsible for causing the accident.
When you sign a settlement agreement for GEICO, many sections of the agreement contain legal language that might be difficult to understand. However, one or more sections include waivers of your right to pursue further actions regarding the car accident. In other words, you give up the right to file a lawsuit or seek compensation from all parties associated with the claim. Even if you discover additional damages or claims, you would not be able to file a lawsuit.
GEICO prefers that you represent yourself instead of hiring a Seattle car accident lawyer. However, you have the right to consult an attorney before answering questions for the insurance company or accepting a settlement offer. During a free consultation, a Seattle personal injury lawyer will explain your legal options and the damages you could receive in your car accident case. An attorney at Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can review a settlement offer and tell you whether it is fair. GEICO has a team of professionals protecting its best interests. You deserve someone on your side who will protect your rights. Therefore, consider talking with an attorney before you speak with GEICO about a car accident claim. Contact our law office at 206 727 4000 for more information and a free initial consultation.
If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and it’s surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:
Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121
Hours: Open 24/7
Complete this CONFIDENTIAL form or call 206-727-4000 for a FREE consultation.
