Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers | February 12, 2025 | Car Accidents
Geico is one of the nation’s largest auto insurance companies, and many Florida drivers carry Geico policies. If you’re hurt in a car accident here, there’s a decent chance Geico will be involved in your claim—either as your own insurer or as the other driver’s.
Knowing how Geico typically approaches settlements can help you navigate the process and protect your right to fair compensation. Below is a simple guide on what to expect and a few pointers on handling your claim.
Geico’s Approach to Car Accident Claims
As a business, Geico aims to minimize payouts. That doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get a fair settlement, but it does mean you might face hurdles. Adjusters could question the extent of your injuries, the necessity of certain treatments, or even whether you share some blame for the crash. They might offer a quick, low settlement early on, hoping you’ll accept before you see the full value of your medical expenses or lost wages.
Tips for handling Geico early on include:
- Stay calm and polite: Adjusters often note your tone; being confrontational can slow negotiations.
- Keep conversations brief: Stick to facts, not opinions. Don’t admit fault or guess at details you’re unsure about.
- Consider legal advice: An attorney can handle most communications, preventing mistakes that might reduce your payout.
Keeping this advice in mind can protect your right to compensation.
Florida’s Insurance Laws and Geico Claims
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning you typically file a claim against your own personal injury protection (PIP) policy for certain injuries. However, if your injuries meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages.
If Geico insures the at-fault party, you’ll likely deal with one of their adjusters directly. Conversely, if you have Geico yourself, you’ll file a first-party claim.
Common damages you can recover include:
- Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, rehab)
- Lost wages if you miss work
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Pain and suffering if you meet the serious injury standard
Geico might dispute whether your injuries qualify as “serious.” That’s another reason working with an attorney can be important—so you have medical opinions and proper evidence that meets Florida’s legal definition.
Settlement Amounts and What Affects Them
The money you can receive depends on many factors, such as:
- The severity of injuries: More serious harm usually leads to higher settlements because of bigger medical bills and greater pain and suffering.
- Duration of recovery: Long-term or permanent injuries justify larger compensation.
- Clarity of fault: Strong proof that the other driver caused the crash can help your case. If fault is split, Geico might reduce your settlement proportionally.
- Insurance policy limits: If the driver who hit you has only minimal coverage, the available policy might cap your compensation unless you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Evidence quality: Good documentation, like medical records and accident photos, can encourage Geico to offer a fair settlement faster.
Keep track of your medical treatments, bills, and any impact on your day-to-day life. The better you can show the true costs of your accident, the stronger your negotiating position.
Contact a Lawyer Before Accepting a Geico Offer
A quick settlement might be tempting if you’re strapped for cash, but once you sign, you can’t later claim more if your injuries get worse. Speaking to a legal professional can help you understand what your case is worth. They can handle negotiations, letting you focus on recovery instead of calls from Geico adjusters or complicated paperwork.
Contact Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, please contact the Stuart, Port St. Lucie, or Palm Beach Gardens personal injury law firm of Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Martin County, St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, and its surrounding areas in Florida:
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart
73 SW Flagler Ave
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 444-7000
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Port St. Lucie
1100 SW St. Lucie West Blvd. Ste 202
Port St Lucie, FL 34986
(772) 247-3374
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Palm Beach Gardens
300 Avenue of the Champions Ste 220
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(561) 944-4000
