September 15, 2025 | Car Accident Lawyer Near St. Petersburg Florida
If you were injured in an accident involving a driver insured by GEICO (or if you’re filing a claim through your own GEICO policy), you’re likely wondering how the claims process really works. GEICO may advertise friendly service, but it operates like every other insurance company: minimizing payouts to protect profits.
Understanding the secrets of GEICO accident claims can help you avoid mistakes, respond to lowball offers, and recover the full compensation you deserve in St. Petersburg, Florida.
How GEICO Handles Auto Accident Claims
GEICO’s claims process is designed to move fast. The company aims to resolve claims quickly, often before the full extent of injuries or damages is known. The typical process includes:
- Filing a claim: Online, through the app, or by phone
- Assigning an adjuster: A GEICO claims adjuster investigates the accident
- Requesting a statement: Often, within 24 hours, you’ll be asked to describe what happened
- Evaluating damages: This includes reviewing medical records, car repair estimates, and police reports
- Making a settlement offer: Usually, a fast, low offer will be made to close the case quickly
GEICO is known for trying to settle early. Insurance companies will try to lowball you before you’ve finished medical treatment or hired a lawyer. When you settle early, you often don’t know the full extent of your damages and accept an offer that is too low.
What You Should Know About Geico Claims Adjusters
GEICO claims adjusters are trained to sound helpful while gathering information that can be used to reduce or deny your claim. It’s important to:
- Avoid recorded statements: You’re not legally required to give one to the other party’s insurer
- Watch what you say: Innocent comments like “I’m feeling better” may be used against you
- Do not admit fault: Even partial fault can reduce your payout under Florida’s comparative fault rules
GEICO adjusters often rely on internal tools, like claim value calculators, to estimate what your case is “worth,” but those numbers are often far below what you deserve.
How Does GEICO Calculate Settlements?
GEICO uses software algorithms to evaluate claims based on data like:
- Type of injury
- Length of treatment
- Medical billing codes
- Lost wages
- Location of the crash
This approach favors quick, low settlements. The system doesn’t always account for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or long-term impairment unless pressed by a lawyer.
Common Tactics Used in Geico Claims
If you’re negotiating with GEICO, expect the following tactics:
- Lowball first offers: GEICO may offer less than your medical bills and hope you accept.
- Delays in communication: Adjusters may drag out the process to pressure you into settling.
- Disputing treatment: GEICO may claim your treatment was unnecessary or unrelated to the accident.
- Blaming you: Even if fault seems clear, they may argue you were partially responsible.
These are not accidents. They are strategic moves meant to protect GEICO’s bottom line.
How to File a Claim With GEICO After an Accident
To file a claim with GEICO, you can:
- Use the GEICO app or website
- Call their 24/7 claims number
- Submit documents, photos, and a copy of the police report
Even if you’re filing under your own policy (like for uninsured motorist or MedPay coverage), treat the process seriously. GEICO is not your advocate. It’s a business protecting its interests.
Can You Sue GEICO for Denying or Underpaying a Claim?
If GEICO wrongfully denies your claim or refuses to offer a fair settlement, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver and force GEICO to defend or settle the case. In some cases, if GEICO acts in bad faith, you may also have a separate claim for:
- Unreasonable delays
- Failure to investigate
- Refusal to settle within policy limits
A lawyer can help determine if you have grounds for a bad-faith claim.
What Happens if the Other Driver Has a GEICO Policy?
If the at-fault driver is insured by GEICO, you’ll be dealing with their liability adjusters. It’s crucial to:
- Avoid early settlement agreements
- Let a lawyer handle communications
- Request all policy details and limits
GEICO will not voluntarily disclose the full value of the at-fault driver’s policy unless required.
Do You Need a Lawyer To Handle a GEICO Claim?
Insurance companies like GEICO are far more likely to offer a fair settlement when you’re represented by legal counsel. A lawyer can:
- Negotiate with adjusters
- Gather and present medical records
- Calculate full damages, including future costs and non-economic losses
- File suit if GEICO won’t settle reasonably
Studies consistently show that injured people represented by attorneys receive significantly larger settlements, even after attorney fees are deducted.
Talk to a St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer Before Accepting a GEICO Offer
Before you speak to a GEICO claims adjuster or accept any offer, talk to a car accident lawyer who understands how the system works. At Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group, we deal with GEICO every day. Let us help you protect your rights and pursue full compensation. Contact us now for a free consultation.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced car accident lawyers at Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Florida, including Vero Beach, St. Petersburg, and Port St. Lucie.
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Vero Beach
2651 20th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 758-1966
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – St. Petersburg
200 Central Ave Suite 304
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(772) 569-8155
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Port St. Lucie
10805 SW Tradition Square Unit 024A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
(772) 677-0373
