Car Accident – Need Some Quick Advice About GEICO
Hi everyone, I’m looking for some quick advice. I’m in touch with a lawyer, but he’s unavailable today, and I want to keep my claim progressing since our only family vehicle was totaled.
GEICO has already informed me that I can handle everything through them since the other driver is currently considered “unknown” until the police report comes in. They mentioned I’ll need to pay my deductible upfront, but once they identify the other driver and connect with their insurance, they will seek reimbursement for me.
They have offered a settlement for my car that I think is quite fair. Today, I’m also visiting a doctor to evaluate my injuries. If I accept the truck settlement, does that affect my lawyer’s ability to pursue the unknown driver for any medical expenses?
I want to make sure I’m not fully closing out the claim by accepting this.
Thanks in advance for your guidance!
It’s great that you’re taking proactive steps in your situation. Accepting the settlement for your car from GEICO typically shouldn’t affect your ability to pursue additional claims related to your injuries. However, it’s important to ensure a few things:
Clarify with GEICO: Before accepting any settlement, confirm with GEICO that accepting the offer for your vehicle won’t limit your ability to seek further compensation for medical expenses or any other damages later. You can ask them specifically about how your medical claims will be handled in conjunction with accepting this settlement.
Consult Your Lawyer: Even if your lawyer is unavailable today, consider sending them an email or message outlining your questions and concerns. If possible, try to get a quick response or confirmation from them before making any decisions.
Keep Your Medical Claims Separate: Your medical claims should be handled separately from your vehicle damage claim. Since you’re seeing a doctor today, ensure that you document everything related to your injuries thoroughly.
Read the Fine Print: Carefully review any documents GEICO sends regarding the settlement. Sometimes, accepting a settlement can come with stipulations that might affect your rights to pursue additional claims.
Follow-Up: After the police report is available and if the other driver is identified, your lawyer can assist in navigating the claim process against that driver for your medical expenses and any additional damages.
It’s always best to double-check with your lawyer when you can to ensure you’re making the best decision for your situation. Good luck, and I hope you have a smooth recovery!