A car accident is a very traumatic experience and you may have a lot on your mind from lost wages to financial recovery and most importantly, your health. The last thing you need is an adjuster constantly bothering you about your insurance issues.
Fortunately, In Virginia, you have up to two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit, so there is no need to feel rushed right after the crash. You should take time to take care of yourself and get in contact with an attorney if needed when it is time to talk with Geico.
It is important to remember that you will most likely be dealing with two insurance companies – your insurance and the defendant’s insurance.
When speaking with insurance adjusters, it is important that your communication is simple and restrained until you have the opportunity to speak with an attorney. It is also recommended that you maintain polite and composed, despite how the insurance adjuster may act. Keep in mind that Insurance adjusters have a multitude of files on their desks and will most likely be short-tempered, demeaning or insulting. They are looking for any reason to deny your claim, they will misconstrue your words, intimidate witnesses and lowball your claim.
When speaking to your OWN car insurance company, you will be reporting the accident and should give them the necessary information:
- Ask your insurance company if you have “No-fault insurance” coverage.
- Report any property damage during the initial phone call
- Alert your insurance company if you believe the other driver may be under-insured
- No recorded statement is needed upfront
Sometimes, following a serious accident, Adjusters may ask for more information than you are required to give, simply tell them that you’ll be happy to speak to them after you have spoken with your attorney. The adjuster is trying to make a record of your statement to use against you later, should you bring a lawsuit against their client
For a free legal consultation call (703) 591-9829
However, the adjuster will need to evaluate your claim when or if you do decide to pursue it. The information they will need includes details of the accident, Police reports, photographs and how your injuries affected you. You should speak with a Virginia Personal Injury Attorney before providing this information.
Our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means that there is no upfront cost to our services and that if we are not able to obtain a recovery for you, you do not owe us anything. Our fee in personal injury cases is one-third of the recovery from the insurance company or defendant.
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