More and more people are beginning to use rideshare services as a means of transportation. As the number of ride sharing service vehicles grow, so do you chances of being in an car accident.
After an accident with a ride sharing service, you will need to notify that company and their insurance company of the damages you would like compensation for. This is done in your demand letter.
Below is a sample demand letter. It is best to write your demand letter with a personal injury lawyer. An attorney will make sure you have all potential damages included so that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Sample Demand Letter
Below is an example of a demand letter to the offending party.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, and Zip Code]
[The Date]
[Name of the Claims Adjuster]
[His or Her 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 if a claim number has already been assigned and you have received correspondence on the matter)
Date of Loss: [Date of the Accident or Incident that Caused Your Injuries]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Name of Claims Adjuster]
Re: Initial discussion held on November 18, 2019, concerning a collision with your client, Mr. Hernadez Marron.
I am contacting you with regard to a collision with Mr. Marron which resulted in injuries to myself and lost earnings. I hereby present a formal demand for compensation for the injuries which were the result of Mr. Marron’s inability to control his vehicle safely.
I have only just returned to work after receiving treatment for injuries caused by the collision with Mr. Marron, who was working in his capacity as a rideshare driver at the time of the incident. I have already mentioned to you previously how the collision happened. Mr. Marron was driving his vehicle behind me along Beaumaris Boulevard N, but failed to stop on time when I came to the intersection with 147th Street W. The lights were red, but Mr. Marron failed to keep a safe distance behind me and did not notice that he was approaching the traffic lights. Because he failed to slow down or stop appropriately, he slammed into my rear bumper, causing me to jerk forwards and become injured. Your client’s negligent driving was the cause of painful injuries of which I am still receiving treatment and loss of earnings as well as damage to my vehicle.
The accident occurred at 5.30 p.m. 16th September 2018 on the Northbound side of Beaumaris Boulevard, at the intersection of 147th Street. There was good visibility and the road was dry at the time with normal traffic conditions. I applied my brakes in good time to stop at the intersection as I could see that the lights were turning red in front of me. I noticed that Mr. Marron did not appear to slow down behind me, causing him to collide with the rear bumper of my car. He had two passengers at the time of the collision and both these passengers are available to confirm my account of the accident and the fact that Mr. Marron was to blame for my injuries.
After calling the towing agency to take my car away, my neck felt very painful. I went to my doctor who diagnosed whiplash. I further attended the Gainsboro Medical Center where I had x-rays and a CT scan. My neck received ongoing treatment over the next six weeks and was fitted with a neck brace to relieve pressure on my neck muscles. The pain was so intense that it prevented me from returning to work until last week.
Please find medical bills for treatment related to these injuries as well as a report from my doctor which describes her diagnosis and provides a rationale for how the injury occurred.
Dr. Mary Schenkel: $392.00
Gainsboro Medical Center: $1,283.50
X- rays and scan: $375.00
Neck brace: $275.00
Medication: $143.00
Total medical costs: $2,468.50
Because of Mr. Marron’s negligence, I was unable to return to work for four weeks and subsequently lost earnings amounting to $4,800. In addition to this amount I am also claiming $9,200 in compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the collision as well as the emotional effect on me.
The repair bill for my car including the cost of the tow from the site of the collision amounted to $892.00.
Total claimed including medical bills, lost earnings an amount for pain and suffering and property damage: $17,360.50.
I expect to receive formal acknowledgement of this letter within 30 days of its receipt.
[Your Signature]
[Your Name – printed]
Seeking Legal Help From a Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury claim is never easy. Filing a demand letter is only one part of the process. For legal advice and help with negotiating a satisfactory settlement you are advised to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as you are able to do so.
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Lyft, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
