Many people automatically associate lawyers with fierce courtroom debates. We know the idea of going to court may seem stressful or intimidating. However, you must realize that a lawsuit may be necessary in your car accident cases to make sure you get all the compensation you need and deserve.
Our attorneys often negotiate with GEICO claim adjusters to obtain favorable settlement offers out of court. But it’s not always possible to resolve a case by filing a GEICO claim alone. This may happen when the insurer is disputing liability for the crash or when a victim’s injuries and losses are particularly severe. It is especially important to get full compensation when a car accident causes life-changing and permanent injuries. When GEICO refuses to cooperate and offer proper payment, the next step may be filing a civil personal injury lawsuit. However, don’t assume that filing a lawsuit means you’ll have to go to trial. Our attorneys regularly reach pre-trial settlements, so you don’t have to step foot in a courtroom!
Still, the litigation process is complicated. You want an experienced litigator who is familiar with your case and ready to file suit when the need arises. The following is a (very) brief overview of the car accident litigation process you might experience if GEICO refuses to treat you fairly. A successful personal injury lawyer must be skilled in:
- Preparing and filing a persuasive complaint within the statute of limitations.
- Discovery, which involves gathering evidence from the defendant(s) via depositions and written requests.
- Filing motions with the court and arguing on your behalf at motion hearings.
- Engaging in ongoing settlement negotiations throughout the entire pre-trial process.
- Representing you at trial if settlement negotiations are not successful.
One important fact to remember: even though you’ll file your lawsuit against the responsible driver, GEICO will surely be paying any judgment amount up to the insurance policy limits. For this reason, GEICO will have to use its resources to defend against the lawsuit.
Too many law firms take the easy way out. They allow car accident victims to accept whatever settlement they can get from the insurance company and dodge any extra work. They want a quick “open and shut case.” These firms are often called “settlement mills,” which often result in inadequate client compensation.
We won’t stand for this. Our team is made up of skilled litigators who only want the best for our clients, even if it means taking your GEICO claim to civil court. Our goals are your goals and a victory for you is a victory for us!
Sometimes, just having the right representation at the beginning of a claim can show GEICO that you are serious about filing a lawsuit when needed. Our lawyers have opposed major insurance companies before. They know we won’t hesitate to file a civil lawsuit to stand up for our clients’ rights. Partnering with our team of legal professionals can show these companies that you mean business. This gives you leverage from the start.
Hiring a lawyer may even encourage the GEICO claims adjuster to offer what you deserve without the need for a lawsuit. Our national reputation for playing hardball with insurance companies like GEICO often helps to resolve claims faster and more efficiently for our clients!