Demand Letter: What is it for?

Statistics show that personal injury claims hardly ever go to trial. To avoid expensive and time consuming litigation, parties to a motor vehicle accident cases normally reach a settlement agreement. To receive the best possible settlement the injured party needs to present their most convincing case to the insurance company. This is done by way of a demand letter and they must have persuasive negotiation skills thereafter.

Demand letter

The demand letter is whereby the injured party puts forward the facts and circumstances of the accident and medical treatment. The injured party thus sets the stage for settlement negotiations to start. The demand letter is the best opportunity for the injured person to present their strongest case to the insurance company. A good demand letter will have the following:

• A citation of the events that led up to and during the accident
• Detailed information in respect of medical bills and lost wages

Before drafting the demand letter, the injured party should gather all the information they need. The information must present a clear and forceful argument as to why they are entitled to a payment. The following are things the injured party will need to obtain for the letter:

• Accident police report
• Any witness statements
• Medical records and bills
• Lost wage information
• Notes made during the course of recovery from his/her injuries

In respect of medical treatment, cite any medical reports and service provided by paramedics at the scene of the accident. Ensure you have a list of medical doctors and specialists you visited for medical help. In addition, provide the dates on which you visited them in respect of injuries sustained from the accident.

It is important to note that such work is done almost effortlessly by attorneys. Speak to a Vinson Law Office attorney about your case in a free initial consultation.