Filing a Car Accident Claim With GEICO Insurance
Filing a car accident claim with GEICO can feel overwhelming, especially after a wreck in Dallas. GEICO handles thousands of auto claims every year, and its adjusters work to protect the company’s bottom line. Knowing how the claim process works can make it easier to protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving a fair outcome.
This guide explains the steps to take, what GEICO will look for, and how Texas law affects your claim.
Report the Accident to GEICO
The first step in filing a claim with GEICO is reporting the accident. You can do this online, through the app, or by calling their claims line.
When you report the crash, GEICO will ask for:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- Contact information for the drivers involved
- Insurance information for all vehicles
- A basic description of what happened
You do not need to give a full statement immediately. Provide the essential details and wait to share more information until you understand the claims process.
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so individuals should file legal claims as soon as possible.
Document the Accident and Your Damages
Strong evidence is important when filing a GEICO claim. Documentation helps illustrate how the crash occurred and its impact on you.
Helpful evidence includes:
- Photos of the vehicles and the scene
- Witness names and contact information
- A copy of the police report
- Medical records
- Repair estimates
- Pay stubs showing lost wages
GEICO adjusters rely heavily on documentation when deciding how much to offer. The more evidence you gather, the stronger your claim becomes.
Expect GEICO to Investigate the Claim
Once your claim is filed, GEICO will assign it to an adjuster. Their job is to investigate the accident and determine fault.
This may include:
- Reviewing the police report
- Inspecting vehicle damage
- Interviewing witnesses
- Asking for medical records
- Reviewing your recorded statement
- Evaluating repair estimates
GEICO may also try to limit your payout by arguing that your injuries were minor or unrelated to the crash. They may downplay long-term injuries, question treatment, or dispute liability.
Shared Fault
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. If you are less than 51 percent at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Because of this system, insurers often try to shift blame onto the injured person.
Submit Medical Bills and Repair Estimates
To complete your claim, you must submit proof of your damages.
This usually includes:
- Emergency room bills
- Doctor visits
- Physical therapy records
- Imaging scans
- Prescription costs
- Repair invoices
- Body shop estimates
GEICO will review these documents to calculate a settlement value. Keep copies of everything you send.
If GEICO argues that your medical treatment was excessive or unnecessary, be prepared to provide statements from your doctor explaining the injuries and why specific care was required.
Review the Settlement Offer Carefully
Once the investigation is complete, GEICO may make a settlement offer. In many cases, the first offer is low.
The adjuster may:
- Minimize pain and suffering
- Undervalue long-term medical needs
- Ignore certain vehicle repair costs
- Dispute lost income
- Suggest you were partly at fault
You are not required to accept the first offer that is made. You can negotiate by providing more substantial evidence, requesting clarification, or pointing to medical findings that support your claim.
If negotiations stall, you may need to consider taking legal action.
When a GEICO Claim May Lead to a Lawsuit
If GEICO refuses to make a fair offer, filing a lawsuit may be the next step.
A lawsuit can help you pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Texas provides a separate statute for wrongful death claims and applies fault rules even after filing. Although most cases settle before trial, the ability to file suit gives you more leverage.
Remember that Texas is a fault-based state. You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance, your own insurer, or both if you purchased optional PIP coverage.
Contact the Dallas Car Accident Attorneys at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Filing a car accident claim with GEICO involves reporting the crash, documenting your injuries, communicating with adjusters, and negotiating a settlement. GEICO’s goal is to pay as little as possible, so understanding the process and your rights under Texas law can help you protect your claim and position yourself for a fair result.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, TX, please contact the experienced Dallas car accident lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve in Dallas County and its surrounding areas:
Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers
1825 Market Center Blvd # 350, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 556-8321
Hours Open: 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Dallas.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.7950252,-96.8241861