What Immediate Steps Should You Take Following a Car Accident In Nevada?
Dealing with insurance companies and fighting for your fair settlement can be some of the most challenging parts of the aftermath of a car accident, especially when you’re also trying to recover from painful injuries. Insurance companies want to protect their bottom line and will do anything they can to deny or minimize your claim. Unfortunately, some insurance companies are more difficult to deal with than others. One such company is Geico, the second largest insurance company in the United States, which consistently denies 21-25% of car accident-related claims. Across the board, Geico has a denial rate that is consistently higher than other insurance companies.
The good news is that you don’t need to fight an insurance company alone! When you work with an experienced Vegas personal injury law firm, your chances of a successful claim are much higher. We will use our knowledge, expertise, and negotiation skills on your behalf as we fight for a full, fair settlement for your damages.
Steps To Take After a Car Accident
After any car accident, there are several essential steps that you’ll need to take:
Call law enforcement: Not only is this required by Nevada law, but it will also result in a police report, which will be essential to your insurance or personal injury claim.
- Collect contact information: Exchange contact information and insurance information with the other parties in the accident.
- Collect witness information: If any witnesses observe the accident, gather their contact information.
- Take photos: If you are physically able to do so, take pictures of the accident, including both the big picture of what happened as well as the smaller details of specific damage and injuries.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel like you’re okay, get a medical examination as soon as possible. This will also be crucial to your insurance claim because it demonstrates that you took your injuries seriously and begins a paper trail of medical records related to the accident.
- Maintain records: Documentation is crucial to a successful insurance claim. Keep records related to the car accident including vehicle repairs, rental car receipts, medical records and bills, and lost wages.
- Contact an attorney: Reach out to a trusted Las Vegas personal injury lawyer to review the accident, discuss your legal options, and build a plan for moving forward.
- Contact your insurance agent: Inform your own insurance company about the accident.
Do not make any recorded statements, admit fault, or discuss the accident with the at-fault party’s insurance company until after you’ve consulted with your attorney. Like other insurance companies, Geico will fight to deny or minimize your settlements. Many drivers unintentionally make mistakes when talking with insurance companies that jeopardize their settlements, but your attorney can provide guidance and representation with Geico insurance agents that will protect you and your claim.
How Can My Attorney Help With My Geico Claim?
When you file an insurance claim with Geico, an adjuster will investigate your claim and may either deny your claim or offer you a settlement. The first settlement offer is always a lowball offer far less than your claim is worth and should never be accepted without consulting with your Las Vegas car accident lawyer or Reno auto accident attorney. Be patient and factual as you speak with the insurance adjuster per your attorney’s advice. If your claim is denied, contact our office immediately for guidance.
Your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, assist with evidence for your case, and provide legal advice throughout the process. Although many car accident claims are handled out of court, we are prepared to take your case to court if it becomes necessary.
What Should My Insurance Settlement Include?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Nevada as a result of someone else’s recklessness or carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation:
Medical bills: All medical expenses related to your injuries from the accident, including ambulance transportation, emergency services, imaging, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, therapy, and ongoing medical expenses should be covered.
- Lost wages: If you’ve missed work as a result of your injuries or because you needed time for rehab, your settlement should cover all of these lost wages. Your attorney may also calculate your future reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working as you did before the accident.
- Property damage: This generally includes repair or replacement of your vehicle and anything else that was damaged in the accident.
- Pain & suffering
- PTSD, emotional trauma
- Reduced quality of life
- Dismemberment or disfigurement
- Wrongful death
Geico will try to minimize their financial responsibility and settle your claim for as little as possible. However, it can take time to discover the full extent of your injuries and how they affect your life. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is essential to maximizing your settlement and ensuring that you receive full, fair compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages.
Need Help Handling a Geico Claim After a Car Accident In Nevada?
Geico can be a tough insurance company, but the expert attorneys at Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC, are ready to help you! We have extensive experience handling car and truck accident claims of all kinds and have developed a track record of success as we fight to protect the rights and interests of our clients. We will work to maximize your settlement while building a strong case on your behalf. Whether we settle out of court or pursue litigation, we will be by your side from start to finish. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential consultation and discuss your legal options!