If you were in an auto accident at an intersection, you can file a personal injury claim with the other driver’s insurance company to gain compensation for any injuries you sustained. This compensation could help you pay for medical treatment, lost wages, and general pain and suffering.
To file a successful personal injury claim, the first step is to write a demand letter and send it to the insurance company. It will be used as reference throughout the negotiation process.
Remember to include any related medical records and a detailed account of the collision and your injuries.
Sample Demand Letter for an Auto Accident at an Intersection
This sample demand letter outlines the information and details you should include in your own demand letter.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, and Zip Code]
[The Date]
[Name of the Claims Adjuster]
[Their Job Title]
[Address of the Insurance Company]
[City, State, and Zip Code of the Insurance Company]
Re: Your Insured, [Name of the Defendant]
Claimant: [Your Full Legal Name]
Claim Number: (Only include this number if a claim number has already been assigned to you, and you have already been contacted about the matter.)
Date of Loss: [Date of Accident or Incident in which the Collision Took Place]
Dear Mr./Mrs. [Name of Claims Adjuster] ,
In response to our previous communication on July 14, 2015, please accept this letter as my formal demand for settlement in the matter mentioned above.
I have recently finished medical treatment for my injuries caused by the negligence of your insured, Mrs. Cathy Gilmore. As you know, Mrs. Gilmore neglected to stop at a two-way stop in a four-way intersection at [insert location], where I had the right of way. Mrs. Gilmore failed to follow the traffic laws regarding four-way intersections in [insert state], and therefore, she is negligent and responsible for the injuries I sustained.
On May 27, 2015, I was driving on Cedar Street, which is perpendicular to Oak Street, where Mrs. Gilmore was driving. Mrs. Gilmore had a stop sign, while I didn’t. While I was driving at a speed of about 40 miles per hour, Mrs. Gilmore failed to stop at her stop sign and hit the passenger side of my car, pushing my vehicle into a telephone pole.
I was taken by ambulance to Mountain View Medical Center at [insert address], where I was treated by the ER doctor, Dr. Brandy Cartwright. She treated a dislocated shoulder, bruised spine, and moderate cuts and bruises. She also took an x-ray of my entire body and prescribed me a pain medication [name the medication]. She also recommended that I stay home from my place of, employment at Westinghouse Banking for six weeks to recover from my injuries.
The attached bills further outline the costs of my medical treatment. They include:
Mountain View Medical Center: $670.00
Dr. Brandy Cartwright: $305.00
X-Rays: $240.00
Prescription Pain Medication: $120.00
Ambulance Transportation: $100.00
TOTAL: $1,435.00
Due to the negligence of your insured, I experienced severe pain from my injured shoulder and spine and missed work for six weeks. Losing six week’s worth of salary from my job at Westinghouse Bank totaled at $1,600.00 and prevented me in being able to comfortably pay my bills and living expenses. Because of this, I am requesting compensation for these factors in the amount of $5,000.00.
I expect and appreciate a timely response for this matter in no later than 30 days from the time of this correspondence.
[Your Signature]
[Your Name – printed]
Keep in mind that by asking for a larger amount of compensation than just your medical expenses and lost wages, you leave room to negotiate a fair settlement.
Get Help with Your Personal Injury Claim
A demand letter is an important aspect to your personal injury claim, and you can hire a personal injury lawyer to help you write it. A lawyer will also help you collect the medical evidence you need and can make sure the claim and negotiation process goes smoothly so that you can receive the compensation you deserve.
