Our team knows that Geico insurance claims after an Ohio auto accident can be stressful, but you can fight for fair compensation. You might not know how to do this alone, but our car accidents are here to support you.
How does Geico Handle Insurance Claims?
Each insurance company will have its own manner of handling an injury claim. This process usually begins with the insurer performing its own independent investigation, which can take considerable time.
After the investigation is complete, the insurer could deny or minimize the amount it pays. When you are dealing with Geico, you might face the following reactions from their adjusters:
- Disputing what happened in a collision
- Presenting evidence that absolves their policyholder
- Questioning your injuries, their severity, and your treatment
- Suggesting you accept a lump-sum settlement instead of taking a case to trial
While some settlements offered in the early stages may sound like a good amount of money, they might not be fair offers. Our car accident lawyers can negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf. We know what to look for and what your losses are worth.
What if You Are Partially at Fault for the Accident?
The effects of comparative negligence in Ohio mean that people will see their compensation reduced by their share of negligence for an accident. Because of this policy, some insurers may place a greater degree of blame on anyone other than their policy holder.
As an example for contributory negligence, a claimant who has $100,000 in damage claims but is found to have been 30 percent responsible for an accident would see their award reduced by $30,000 and ultimately receive $70,000. A claimant more than 50 percent responsible for the accident in Ohio cannot recover anything.
Insurance companies may want to protect themselves and pay as little as possible. Some insurance companies may claim you bear more responsibility for the accident than you do. Those same companies could also try to call attention to other issues to reduce their own liability.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Ohio?
People should generally follow a few basic rules after any accident, including the following actions:
Collect as Much Evidence as Safely Possible at the Scene of the Accident
If you can do so after an accident, take photos of the damage and the accident scene. You should also ask for the insurance and contact information of the other involved parties.
Note any nearby businesses or traffic cameras that could be sources of video footage that captured the accident. Snap a picture of the driver’s license plate and pay attention to what they say after hitting you.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If you or another person is severely injured at the scene, contact emergency services and have them send an ambulance. If you or your passengers only have minor injuries, make your way to urgent care, or make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
This step ensures that there are medical records to support your claim for damages. You will protect your health by doing this, as some injuries might not present themselves right away.
Contact Your Own Insurance Company
Even if you are not at fault, you should let your own insurance company know about the accident. This serves as a record of the accident and can help you fight for damages.
Consider Retaining a Personal Injury Lawyer
After an auto accident, you may not be able to file a claim on your own. You could be recovering from your injuries, trying to support your family, or taking care of an injured loved one.
Our team can take on all the tasks the case would require of you. We will handle everything, so you don’t have to.
What to Expect When Working With Auto Accident Lawyers Serving Ohio
If you sustained injuries and other losses in an automobile accident in Ohio, turn to our firm. The Fitch Law Firm LLC handles cases all over Ohio. Our firm understands the insurance laws in Ohio. We can pursue fair compensation for your losses.
We will explore all opportunities for collecting compensation and tell you how long we expect your case to take. This will require us to gather all the evidence available, negotiate with Geico, and take your case to court if necessary.
We can answer your questions throughout your case, protect your rights, evaluate your losses, and advise you about fair settlement offers. Our team can make your case in court if we need to. However, we would generally only have two years to file a lawsuit under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10. We hope you reach out promptly so we can get to work on your case.
We Will Be
There To Help
You All The Way
Call The Fitch Law Firm LLC and Tell Our Team About Your Accident
You can call or reach out online for a free consultation online with The Fitch Law Firm LLC. You do not have to try to handle a Geico claim by yourself. Our firm can provide a free consultation for you to discuss your case and get answers to all of your questions. We will try to assist you in whatever way we can.