If you were injured in a Colorado car accident and the other driver has GEICO insurance, you might assume the claims process will be smooth. You report the accident, submit your medical bills, and wait for the insurer to offer fair compensation. In practice, an injury claim usually requires much more.
GEICO will investigate the crash, determine its position on liability, and evaluate what it believes the claim is worth. Understanding this process can help you protect your rights. An experienced lawyer can assist you with gathering evidence, documenting damages, evaluating settlement offers, and negotiating with GEICO for appropriate compensation.
How Do You Start a GEICO Accident Claim?
The claims process typically begins by reporting the accident. You do not necessarily need every piece of evidence before reporting the accident. You can report a claim to GEICO even when some requested information is unavailable. Once a claim is opened, an adjuster or examiner may investigate what happened. They will determine the company’s position concerning responsibility and coverage.
This is where an important distinction arises: reporting an accident is not the same thing as proving an injury claim. You still need evidence establishing that someone else caused the collision. You also need to show how much you lost because of the accident.
What Happens During GEICO’s Investigation?
Think of the insurance investigation as GEICO building its own file about the accident. GEICO will review applicable coverage, talk with witnesses, review police reports and photographs, and research applicable laws before reaching a liability determination.
This means your words matter. An adjuster may ask how the accident happened, what you saw, whether you were injured, and what medical treatment you have received. Be accurate and avoid speculation.
If you do not know how fast the other driver was traveling, for example, don’t guess. Similarly, saying you are “fine” after an accident could create an inaccurate picture if pain or other symptoms later become more apparent.
The insurance company’s investigation is designed to evaluate the claim. Your job is to make sure the evidence accurately reflects what happened and how you were harmed.
What Evidence Should You Gather for a GEICO Claim?
Good evidence can make the difference between simply alleging that another driver caused your injuries and being able to prove it.
For an injury claim, the evidence should go further. Useful documentation can include:
- Police reports
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Vehicle damage photographs
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Witness contact information
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Prescription expenses
- Physical therapy records
- Employment and wage records
- Photographs of visible injuries
- Repair estimates
- Expert reports in serious cases
Suppose another driver rear-ends you at a stoplight. Photographs and witness testimony may help establish liability. However, those materials do not establish the cost of your injuries or lost income. Medical and employment documentation help to tell that part of the story.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Colorado Accident?
A personal injury settlement should consider more than vehicle repairs. If another person’s negligence caused your injuries, your damages may include both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Other property damage
Non-economic damages may include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Inconvenience
- Impairment
- Disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
These damages address losses that do not have a specific monetary value. Colorado has rules governing non-economic damages, so the amount available depends on the circumstances of the case.
Contact Ferrell Injury Law To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Boulder Personal Injury Attorney
The most important thing to understand about a GEICO accident claim is that it is only the beginning. The result can depend on the evidence involved, the quality of your medical documentation, and how effectively your damages are presented.
If you were injured in a Colorado accident and are dealing with GEICO, you may need legal help. Contact Ferrell Injury Law for a free consultation with a Boulder personal injury lawyer. We will investigate your accident, preserve evidence, and help you pursue the compensation available under Colorado law.
We proudly serve clients in Boulder and surrounding Colorado communities.
Ferrell Injury Law
2060 Broadway # 360, Boulder, CO 80302
(720) 687-2795
