If you were in an auto accident that involved merging and were injured, you can file a personal injury claim with the insurance company of the responsible driver. Compensation from a personal injury claim can help you pay your medical bills and everyday living expenses.
To file a personal injury claim, you first need to write a demand letter to send to the responsible party’s insurance company. This letter is important because it will act as a point of reference throughout the negotiation process.
Your demand letter should include a detailed account of the incident as well as any related medical evidence.
Sample Demand Letter for an Auto Accident While Merging
This is a sample demand letter that details what you should include in a demand letter of your own.
[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 December 18, 2015, please acknowledge this letter as my formal demand for compensation in the matter mentioned above.
I have finished medical treatment for the injuries I sustained from an auto collision caused by the negligence of your insured, Mr. Jim Parsons. As you know, Mr. Parsons was merging onto Highway 3A in [insert location] when he sideswiped my car. Mr. Parsons failed to properly yield to me, as is the traffic law in [insert state]. Therefore, your insured was negligent and responsible for the injuries I sustained due to the accident.
On September 30, 2015, I was driving on Highway 3A, which is a three-lane highway, in the right lane. Mr. Parsons was merging from an entrance ramp. Instead of yielding like you are supposed to, Mr. Parsons accelerated, not giving me time to switch lanes or let him into the lane. His car sideswiped mine on the passenger side and caused me to spin out and off of the road, hitting a guardrail.
I was taken via ambulance to Rosewood Hospital at [insert address]. ER physician Dr. Vance Ellwood treated a broken arm and leg as well as small sprains in my neck and back. I was given x-rays and a prescription pain medication [name the medication], and my injuries were treated properly. She also recommended that I stay home from my job at Davison’s Insurance, LLC for two months of rest.
I also attended physical therapy at Overcome Recovery at [insert address] to recover for my injuries over two weeks.
The expenses for my medical treatment and recovery are outlined in the attached bills. They include:
Rosewood Hospital: $590.00
Dr. Vance Ellwood: $300.00
X-Rays: $190.00
Ambulance Transport: $100.00
Prescription Pain Medication: $76.00
Physical Therapy, Two Weeks: $478.00
TOTAL: $1,734.00
Due to the negligence of your insured, Mr. Jim Parsons, I suffered severe pain from my broken limbs and sprains. I lost two month’s worth of salary from my job at Davison’s Insurance, LLC in the amount of $3,575,00, which I rely on for my bills and overall living expenses. Because of this, I am seeking damages in the amount of $6,000.00 in compensation for my injuries.
I expect to hear back from you in no more than 30 days from the date of this letter, and I appreciate a timely response.
[Your Signature]
[Your Name – printed],/i>
By asking for more than your combined medical expenses and lost wages, you leave room to negotiate a fair settlement.
Getting Help with Your Personal Injury Claim
By hiring a personal injury lawyer, you can get help writing your demand letter and gathering the medical evidence you need for your claim. A lawyer will ensure that the negotiation process go smoothly so that you can receive the compensation you deserve.
