Common types of personal injury claims include car accidents, missteps, and falls, and dog bites. In these situations, the victim’s claim is settled by the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, if they’re severe injuries, your request may be more challenging, and as a result, you’ll require an experienced personal injury attorney with the insurance company. Examples of complicated claims include multiple at-fault people, children, and medical practice.
Let’s say that you have decided to make a claim; when does it start? It immediately begins when you make a written demand for compensation to the insurance firm. Here are the details that will make the demand letter effective.
A Foolproof Demand Packet
A demand letter that is thoroughly crafted, including all important aspects such as enclosed copies of your supporting documentation is an excellent start to open dialogue with the insurer’s company. Following are the details of the demand letter.
- The requirement for evidence for your claim
- To back up your claim, you’ll need:
- Medical bills and records
- Wage verification
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs
- Also, check your spelling and grammar, mainly names and addresses.
- Use high-quality paper such as white bond paper.
- Sign your full name in black or blue ink.
After composing your letter, send it by USPS certified mail and remember to keep the receipt. It’s also a wise idea to make a copy of the whole packet for your records and have it in front of you when you’re negotiating with the adjuster.
Sometime later, you’ll receive the certified mail green card confirming that your pack has been delivered. Straightaway, attach the card to your copy of the demand letter, as well as keep the notification letter and other critical documentation in your injury file.
What are the components of a demand letter?
Your demand letter must follow a specific progression to indicate to the insurance company who you are, how you were injured, the damages you sustained, who should pay for your injuries, and the amount of money you demand compensation. So, let’s dive into the features of a demand letter.
Letter Heading
This part has information about you, the insured, the claim, and the reason for the letter.
Presentation of the facts
At this stage, lay out the facts clearly and concisely. Start by narrating the events that led to your injury after the salutation. Provide a detailed description of all the events that caused the accident. Avoid using exact specifications of time as the other side may dispute the technicalities. Instead, use “approximate language” such as about noon, about 2 pm on Wednesday, and so on. Your notes you made after the accident should come in handy.
Description of damages
In these sections, you’re now showing the accounting of your damages. Include hard costs called “special damages,” and your intangible losses are known as “general damages.” The former need tangible proof like medical bills, last wages statements, and receipts for medications. On the other hand, your insurance company cannot measure intangible objectively, so use vivid and descriptive language. Here focus on your pain, suffering, and emotional stress that you experienced due to the injury.
Liability
To avoid taking the insurer’s liability, including all the facts to prove that your injuries happened because of the insurer’s negligence.
Compensation
This part is essential, as well. Ensure that you give a specific amount of money you’re demanding for all special damages and general damages.
Closing
End the demand letter by thanking the adjuster for their attention and placing a time on their reply.
If you need help with how to write a demand letter, contact a lawyer today.