How to Start a Claim With GEICO (or Any Major Insurance Company) After a Car Accident in Texas
Starting an insurance claim after a car accident can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re injured. Texas is an at-fault state, which means you must file your claim with the other driver’s insurance company, not your own (unless you’re using your personal coverages like PIP, MedPay, or UM/UIM).
Below is a clear, step-by-step breakdown of how the process works, what the insurance adjuster will ask you, and why doing it alone can put your claim at risk.
1. Call the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
The first step is to contact the insurance company listed on the police report or on the other driver’s insurance card. You’ll use their claims number—usually available 24/7.
When you call, you’ll be asked to open a new claim, and you’ll need to provide:
The at-fault driver’s name
Their policy number
Date and location of the accident
A brief description of what happened
This is usually the first point where things get tricky.
2. The Adjuster Will Ask You Detailed Questions
Once the claim is opened, the adjuster will usually try to interview you immediately. Common questions include:
Where you were coming from and where you were going
What lane you were in
Whether you were on your phone
The exact time of the collision
Whether you were injured
What body parts were injured
Whether you have seen a doctor yet
These questions are not harmless—even though they sound routine.
Anything you say can be used against you later.
And once you say it, you are “married” to that statement, even if the adjuster misunderstood or took your words out of context.
Some questions they ask are not legally required at this stage, but they phrase them as if you must answer. Many people unintentionally damage their claim during this part of the process.
3. Why This Is Risky Without an Attorney
Insurance adjusters are trained to:
Limit your claim
Lock you into a narrative
Get you to admit fault (even partial fault)
Get you to say you aren’t injured or haven’t received treatment
Even innocent mistakes—like saying “I’m fine” or “I’m not sure if I’m injured”—can cut the value of your claim dramatically.
A personal injury attorney prevents these problems by:
Opening the claim for you
Communicating with the adjuster on your behalf
Preventing harmful statements
Making sure only required information is provided
This protects your rights and preserves the full value of your case.
4. The Insurance Company’s Initial Investigation
Once the claim is opened, the adjuster will:
Review your initial report
Interview their insured (the at-fault driver)
Compare stories
Review the police report
Decide who they believe is at fault
Only after liability is decided will they even consider discussing your medical injuries or damages.
This is another common reason people hire a lawyer early—because liability disputes are extremely common, even in clear cases.
Final Thoughts
Starting a claim with GEICO, State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, or any major carrier follows the same basic steps—but the pitfalls are the same as well. The process is designed to benefit the insurance company, not the injured person.
Having an experienced personal injury attorney handle this from the beginning protects you, prevents damaging statements, and increases the likelihood of a fair settlement.
