What if My Car Accident Claim Was Denied by Geico?
If Geico denied your car accident claim, a Lafayette car accident lawyer can help you appeal the insurance adjuster’s decision. If bad faith insurance practices were at play, a lawyer could also help you hold the insurance company accountable.
Whether you pursue damages from the driver or their insurer, you don’t have to stop fighting after one denied claim. An attorney can provide the support required to prove the at-fault party should be held liable for damages.
They can advise you on what to do if your car accident claim is denied by Geico and fight for the results you deserve.
Reasons Why Geico Might Deny Your Car Accident Claim
Geico must provide a written notification stating their reason for denying your insurance claim. A Lafayette personal injury lawyer can help you file an appeal for a claim denied for several different reasons, including the following:
- Comparative negligence under CC § 2323
- Lack of documentation
- Expired filing deadline
- Lapse in coverage
A lawyer can also fight back against any bad-faith insurance tactics that may have affected your claim. Examples of such tactics include unreasonable delays, unwarranted denials, misstatements about coverage, and failure to address your claim at all.
A car accident attorney can help you file a separate case against the insurance company if these tactics impact your claim.
Establish Your Right to Compensation After a Car Accident
A car accident lawyer can help you build a strong case for appeal. While you focus on your physical recovery, your lawyer will focus on building your case by:
- Scrutinizing all correspondence related to your denied claim
- Providing responsive, communicative legal service and support
- Updating you during the Geico appeals process and settlement negotiations
- Ensuring your recoverable damages are accurately assessed
- Handling all written, verbal, and virtual communication related to your appeal
Your personal injury lawyer will also collect and organize the documents and evidence that prove the at-fault driver’s financial responsibility. If you seek compensation from your insurance coverage, your lawyer will examine your auto insurance policy documents in detail.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Collect Evidence Against the At-Fault Driver
Your lawyer will create a compelling evidence file documenting the negligence that led to your collision. They will also prove bad faith insurance practices were the reason for your denial, if applicable.
Car accident evidence your lawyer collects can include the following:
- Auto insurance company documents
- Car accident reports and attachments
- Accident scene and injury photos
- Statements from available witnesses
While you focus on caring for yourself, the lawyer handling your case will build a robust evidence file. You’ll likely receive a fair settlement once they have the evidence they need to prove your case.
Can An Expired Statute of Limitations Cause My Claim to Be Denied?
An expired statute of limitations can result in a denied claim. That’s why it’s important to consider working with a lawyer familiar with Louisiana’s personal injury laws.
Their knowledge of the state’s filing time limits can ensure you do not miss the window for seeking compensation.
It can be difficult to comply with the filing deadline since the accident victims’ ages, the at-fault party’s actions, evasive tactics, and other factors can alter the deadline. By consulting a local lawyer sooner rather than later, you can protect your right to fair compensation.
How Long Does it Take Geico to Process a Claim?
According to Geico’s information on handling insurance claims, it could take them as little as 48 hours to process your claim and offer a settlement.
However, many factors may prolong the process. Working with a dedicated attorney can ensure the claims process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. An experienced lawyer can help you avoid time-wasting mistakes.
A knowledgeable lawyer can also show you how long it might take to process and settle your claim. Based on your unique situation, they’ll determine what needs to be done to obtain compensation and let you know if you should expect a longer wait than the average claimant.
What Compensation Can I Collect Once My Claim Is Accepted?
When seeking compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, your attorney can make sure to account for all of your economic and non-economic losses.
Depending on the financial losses and emotional struggles you were burdened with due to the auto accident, you could receive any of the following financial remedies from an auto insurance claim:
- Injury-related medical expenses
- Physical therapy costs
- Injury-related lost wages
- Accident-related property damage, such as the cost of auto repairs or replacement
- Current and future pain and suffering
- Ongoing mental and emotional distress
These damages can help you access medical treatment for your physical injuries and any psychological trauma from the car accident. Compensation also helps while you take time off work to recuperate.
Seeking damages after a motor vehicle accident can be difficult, especially if you receive a denial letter from Geico. You can hire an experienced car accident attorney to improve your chances of receiving a suitable settlement.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Attorney?
If an insurance company has denied your car accident claim, you might be worried about your finances and unsure whether you can afford a personal injury attorney.
Many personal injury law firms don’t charge out-of-pocket or upfront attorney fees. Instead, they operate on a contingency fee basis. Under a contingency fee arrangement, your attorneys receive a portion of your potential verdict or settlement.
If your attorney cannot recover compensation from a personal injury claim or lawsuit, they won’t charge you anything for the services they provided.
Call Laborde Earles if Your Car Accident Claim Was Denied by Geico
If Geico denied your car accident claim, you do not have to give up hope of recovering compensation for your injuries and losses. Our legal team can initiate the Geico appeal process, explain your other options for recovery, and help you navigate every step of the journey.
Our auto collision attorneys have secured over $1 billion in case results. Contact Laborde Earles today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you obtain fair compensation.
