If you have never made a personal injury claim you may have never heard the term “settlement demand letter” before. However, demand letters are actually a critical part of many claims, requiring the guidance of your McKinney personal injury attorney. And while there are many factors in a successful personal injury claim strategy, the settlement demand is one of the key components in more complex cases.
What Is a Settlement Demand Letter?
Essentially, the settlement demand letter formally requests compensation from an insurance company. The letter is a document that outlines the important factors relevant to the claim. Crucially, when the letter contains all the necessary information, you have a far greater chance of a fast, successful resolution of the compensation claim.
What Is Included in a Settlement Demand Letter?
Your personal injury attorney gets paid to draft a concise settlement demand letter containing all the pertinent information the insurance adjuster requires. Some of the key elements are as follows.
Introductory Paragraph
The introduction presents vital information, including the names of the claimant and insured, the policy number and the date of the accident. A brief summary of the facts of the accident and the settlement demand itself may also be added.
Description of the Accident
The accident description does not need to be overly detailed, but should convey the facts as recorded in the police report. Extraneous information or vague details that might be used to challenge the claim (or imply fault on the part of the claimant) would not be included.
Summary of Damages
This section details the damages you suffered as a result of the accident. Some examples of personal injury damages include the following.
- Past medical bills
- Future medical costs for surgery or physical therapy
- Lost wages resulting from injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle damages
Injuries and Treatment Details
Provide comprehensive details of all injuries caused by the accident and the subsequent tests and treatment performed by your physicians. Make sure to include details about future medical treatment and any medications you would need to take.
Compensation Request
After examining the facts of the case, your personal injury and wrongful death lawyer will assess a fair compensation value. This section will present a formal request for compensation, indicating the dollar amount and time frame for payment.
Supporting Documents
Along with the settlement demand letter, your attorney will include all relevant supporting documents. These important documents include a police report, medical records, witness statements, evidence of lost income and so on.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney Serving North Texas
Lucé Law, PC is a personal injury law firm based in McKinney and serving the North Texas area. When you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we can help with settlement demand letters, litigation and other legal services. Call (972) 632-1300 or request a free legal consultation now.
