It can be a frustrating experience if you have been hurt in a car crash or your car was smashed beyond repair and you know that you weren’t at fault.
You may have learned that a demand letter detailing why you think the other driver caused the crash and what damages you are seeking is the first step needed when seeking compensation. However, a demand letter must be structured carefully if it is to lead to a successful settlement without having to resort to a lawsuit.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can provide very useful advice on how to prepare a suitable demand letter after a car crash caused by another driver’s negligence.
Damages You May Receive After a Car Crash
Every auto accident is unique. Property, especially your car, may have been damaged, sometimes beyond repair. You and others in the car may have been injured. Medical treatment may be necessary and work may have to come to a halt while treatment and recovery take their course. You may be seeking compensation for the emotional effects of the crash through a payment for the pain and suffering involved.
A well prepared demand letter includes the reasons why you claim that the other driver was at fault and how their negligence has resulted in the damage and injuries you describe.
The demand letter will also detail exactly what damage was involved and what injuries occurred, as well as an estimate of what this has cost you to date and what it may still cost in the future. It is important that this demand letter is well crafted, as it can avoid having to file a lawsuit if it is treated seriously by the at-fault driver’s insurer.
The higher the damages sought, the more important it is that the demand letter is as complete as possible. Advice on preparing a demand letter can be provided by an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Why Consider a Lawyer?
If your initial demand letter is not well enough prepared, you may find that it is rejected by the insurer you have sent it to. There are many reasons why they may claim that they have no responsibility for paying compensation. It may be because of specific state laws relating to personal injury claims or because you haven’t fully described what proof you have of negligence.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will have dealt with cases like yours many times before and can provide useful advice, which can mean that you obtain the compensation you are seeking quickly. Alternatively, if the insurer proves to be obstructive and denies the claim, your lawyer may advise you to file a lawsuit and take the matter to court. This is not common, as many good lawyers are able to negotiate successfully out of court.
Work With a PI Lawyer Today
You will find that most PI lawyers work on a contingency arrangement. That means that if they take your case on your behalf, any legal fees are deferred until a payment is made. If you are seriously considering a claim for compensation after an auto accident, you can look for a suitable lawyer in your area by using the free case evaluation form below.
