i was hit by a car when i was walking IN THE CROSSWALK less than 2 months ago and my lawyer said not to have contact with the insurance company that the woman has(geico)....but they sent me a letter the other day and they said they were unsuccessful in contacting me over the phone i guess so i was wondering if i should call them and see if i can settle the claim by myself...without my lawyer...hes EXPENSIVE...what should i do? and what are the consequences if i do contact Geico? i appreciate any tips or help :)
thanks
2006-12-23 12:24:01 · 18 answers · asked by Lacey 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
oh i havent signed a contract to make him my lawyer yet...he sent them to me but i havent sent them back signed
2006-12-23 12:25:05 · update #1
Go through your attorney, forward all correspondence to him/her and let your attorney deal with it. You will end up getting more of a settlement if you use your attorney even paying him 1/3 of the settlement plus expenses.
The insurance company may try to pull a fast one, get you confused, even get you to admit it was your fault.. and there goes your case.
Protest yourself with an attorney. Oh-and since you do have an attorney Geico should not be contacting you at all, mail or phone. Once they have been informed of your attorneys name and info they can not contact you direct. They are however entitled to certain medical records so be aware.
2006-12-23 12:31:22 · answer #1 · answered by spitfin 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You could settle directly with the insurance company or your lawyer might get you a better deal. If you are successful, then your lawyer should ask not only for your award but for his fees on top of it so that you would not lose that amount out of your award. Someone needs to let the "other side" know what is happening. Until you sign, your lawyer will not go any further and if Geico doesn't hear from someone soon, they will let the claim expire and you will end up getting absolutely nothing.
It's your call. Cheap and quick with the other side's insurance company or probably longer but maybe more through a lawyer. Don't wait too long.
2006-12-23 20:35:40 · answer #2 · answered by St N 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know a woman that was hit by a car and she didn't need a lawyer. The guy had GEICO and GEICO took care of everything.
GEICO tends to do a good job of dealing with claims, especially for the people (or cars!) that got damaged. Actually, I think they are a little too generous with handing out money when a claim is filed.
YOu should contact more lawyers, though.
2006-12-23 23:00:28 · answer #3 · answered by iloveeeyore 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If Geico is offering a reasonable settlement, then why do you need a lawyer at all? If the answer is because it is not a reasonable settlement and you want to sue them, then of course you need a lawyer.
If you do get a lawyer, do it fast, and send them the letter that Geico sent to you so they can contact Geico. After that, you probably won't hear from Geico again, they'll know to contact your lawyer.
2006-12-23 20:33:05 · answer #4 · answered by arewethereyet 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If YOU deal directly with the insurance company - you will lose any rights to future claims -as per problems that may crop up in time.
Of course they are trying to contact you by phone and letter to settle for the least amount they can. Their client was at fault so it is going to cost them.
How much is going to depend on how YOU handle their pressure? That is what it is "pressure to make you settle".
If your current attorney is expensive and you haven't signed anything - try to contact a different attorney . You don't pay the attorney - his fees come out as a percentage of your settlement. Know his rate upfront . Also contact your state bar association in the phone book - they have a list of attorneys that handle your type of case and should be able to tell you the state law on the highest percentage on fees that can be charged.
Rule # 1 -The insurance company is protecting themselves & settle as cheaply as possible.
2006-12-23 20:58:45 · answer #5 · answered by Akkita 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, whether or not you have officially hired him as your attorney of record, you can always fire him. Or you can consult with any attorney of your choice. Just keep in mind that the insurance company's representative wants to give you as little as possible. An attorney who is working for you on a percentage basis will want to get you as much as possible. But make sure you're not getting suckered in. If the attorney is going to end up with more of the settlement than you are, you should look for representation elsewhere. If you have a really good case, you should be able to find someone to represent you on a percentage-only basis. In other words, they don't get paid unless you win your case. And no money up front out of your pocket in most cases. Possibly some small fees to cover their cost of filing fees, but that shouldn't be all that much and some firms will include that in their part of the settlement. Good luck!!
2006-12-23 20:37:47 · answer #6 · answered by swttxlady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with your lawyer. The insurance company will want to settle on the least amount they can. Your lawyer will properly represent you and get you the maximum amount of money. Always keep in mind that every action you do now must hold up in court (if need be). Everything you say can be also used against you in court, that's why he asked you not to contact them.
2006-12-23 20:33:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I hope you are feeling OK!! Your attorney will work long and hard to get you every penny he can - the more money he gets you - the more money he gets in his pocket.
I agree with the first answer - Geico may try and get you to admit that you were somehow at fault and you may get flustered - or may offer you alot less than you really deserve. I would just let your attorney handle it.
Hope everything works out.
2006-12-23 20:34:39 · answer #8 · answered by hotmomma 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only thing more crocked than a lawyer is an insurance company. They and the minions from hell that work for them will lie to save their master a buck. Ya gota have your own demon. Send all letters and refer all calls to your lawyer and make sure you have a good one!
2006-12-23 21:43:39 · answer #9 · answered by RUDOLPH M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is a reason he has a law degree. i would highly take his advise. the way the insurance company may word a contract will make it SEEM like you are settling, when in fact what you JUST signed was a letter saying YOU were at fault. DO NOT CONTACT THE INSURANCE COMPANY.
2006-12-23 20:32:14 · answer #10 · answered by cott 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋