Preparing a demand letter to settle your personal injury insurance claim is one of the most important parts of the personal injury compensation process. You will need to write a demand letter that is convincing so that the insurance company is less likely doubt your eligibility to be awarded personal injury compensation in an accident that wasn’t your fault.
These sorts of jobs aren’t necessarily easy to do well so it’s important to discuss your claim and the contents of your demand letter with a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyer.
The Contents of Your Demand Letter
In your demand letter you should include:
- how the accident was caused;
- the nature of your injuries;
- a description of your medical treatment;
- the cost of your medical treatment so far;
- how much income you have lost;
- any other damages you have suffered such as pain and suffering;
- your letter may conclude with a demand for the insurance company to pay a lump sum.
You may begin your demand letter by describing how the accident took place and why you are blaming the other person. You may add information that includes witness and police reports that supports your claim. You should deny that you are in any way to blame for the accident.
Describe Your Injuries and Treatment in Your Demand Letter
As well as describing your injuries and the treatment you are receiving, you should also emphasize how much pain you are in and the ways this is negatively impacting your life. This is also the time to include any permanent life changing injuries such as scarring or constant stiffness.
If you can write down medical terms for your injuries, such as whiplash rather than neck injury, this will give an indication that you know what you are credible. Next you should write down the list of the medical providers who have taken part in your treatment and how much you were billed by each. If you suffered any unusual discomforts, embarrassments or losses due to your injuries, these could be mentioned in the demand letter, too.
Your Settlement Figure Should Be Included in Your Demand Letter
When you get to the final paragraph of the demand letter, you could demand a named sum of money for the total compensation. This compensation should be including an amount for loss of income, pain and suffering and medical treatment up to the date of the demand letter and into the future.
The figure you demand could be set at a higher figure, up to 100 percent of what you would be satisficed to accept. The information you include should be supported by copies of documents from your treating physician, police report of the accident, witnesses’ reports and any other letters or emails that support your claim.
A Lawyer Can Help You With Your Demand Letters
As the demand letter is often one of the key parts to obtaining a reasonable settlement for your injuries, it pays to get your attorney to help you write it in a convincing way so that you get the settlement you deserve. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation to be put in contact with a lawyer to assists you with your demand letter.
