Kenny Habetz Injury Law | November 6, 2023 | Car Accident
Have you ever been in a car accident? If so, you’ve probably heard of GEICO – you know, the insurance company with those funny gecko and caveman commercials? They promise to save you money on car insurance, but here’s the thing: they’re also really good at protecting themselves, especially when paying you after an accident.
So, let’s get into some secrets GEICO would rather you didn’t know.
Don’t Rush to Give a Recorded Statement
You’ve had an accident, and like clockwork, a GEICO adjuster calls you up. They’ll ask for a recorded statement about what happened. Now, here’s the secret: you don’t have to give it to them right away. In fact, it’s smarter if you don’t. Why? Because they can use your own words against you later on.
Let’s say you tell them you’re feeling fine, but later, you find out you have a back injury. Guess what? They’ll use your “I’m fine” statement to try and pay you less. It’s a good idea to wait until you have a personal injury lawyer to help you out with this. That way, you’re prepared and protected.
Keep Chats with Insurance Adjusters Short
When you do have to talk to an adjuster, keep it simple. Just give them the basics, like your name and the date of the accident. Don’t discuss your injuries or how the accident happened. If they start asking more questions, you can tell them to talk to your lawyer. The less you say, the less they can use against you.
Your Medical Bills Might Get Lowballed
You’d think GEICO would look at your real medical bills to figure out how much to pay you. However, they often use what they call “usual and customary charges” to guess how much your treatment should cost. This can mean they offer you less money than you actually need.
For example, if your doctor charged $500 for an X-ray, but GEICO thinks it should only cost $300, they’ll base their offer on that lower amount. It’s like they’re shopping for discounts at your expense.
Your Claim Is Probably Worth More Than You Think
After an accident, you might just add up your medical bills and car repair costs and think that’s it. However, a good lawyer will look at other things, like:
Future medical costs: What if you need physical therapy or more surgeries down the line?
Lost wages: What about the money you’re not making because you can’t work?
Transportation costs: If your car’s in the shop, you might need to use Uber or public transit.
Pain and suffering: Accidents are stressful and can really impact your emotions.
A skilled lawyer can help you figure out how much you should really be getting for all these things.
Don’t Jump on the First Offer
GEICO’s in a hurry. They want to close your claim as fast as they can to save money. They’ll shoot you an offer and hope you grab it quickly. But you don’t have to, and you shouldn’t. Take your time. Talk to your lawyer. You might find out you can get a much better deal if you wait.
Get a Lawyer Who Knows the Ropes
If you’re dealing with a GEICO claim, it’s a smart move to get a lawyer. They can help you figure out how much money you should pursue and help you fight for it. Lawyers who know car insurance claims will be ready for all the tricks GEICO might try. They’ll work to make sure you get a fair deal.
An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You With a GEICO Insurance Claim
Dealing with GEICO after an accident can feel like you’re in a maze. But now you’ve got a map. Remember, you don’t have to go it alone. A good lawyer can be your guide, helping you get the money you deserve.
Take your time, understand all your options, and with the right help, you’ll get the settlement you need to recover and move on with your life.
CONTACT THE LOUISIANA CAR ACCIDENT LAW FIRM OF KENNY HABETZ INJURY LAW FOR HELP TODAY
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please call Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free case evaluation with a Louisiana car accident lawyer or contact us online. We have offices in Lafayette and Crowley, LA.
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Lafayette
110 E Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101 Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 222-3233
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Crowley
604 S Parkerson Ave. Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 329-8883
