In a personal injury case, the demand letter is central to the negotiation process. In the demand letter, you present your arguments on:
Past and current injuries
Why the other party is responsible for your injury
The medical treatments you had, and their cost
The income you lost
Other damages you suffered
Why your claim is justified under no-fault insurance
A well-written demand letter should finish with a request for a lump sum that will settle your claim. If you don’t know how to write a demand letter, injury lawyers in Indianapolis can help.
Things to Emphasize
Before writing your demand letter, look over your notes from the time immediately after the accident. You’ll need to remind yourself of details such as life disruption, discomfort, pain and medical treatment. After you’ve refreshed your memory, concentrate on the elements listed below.
Liability: Begin the letter by describing the circumstances of the accident, and tell why the at-fault party is responsible. Plainly describe your location and what was happening right before the accident, and then tell how the accident happened. You should also include corroborating information such as eyewitness statements and police reports.
Comparative Negligence: In many accident cases, there’s a question of whether the plaintiff’s carelessness contributed to the injury, even if the accident was another person’s fault.
Injury and Treatment: Describe your accident-related injuries and your treatments, in great detail. Focus on your pain and suffering, the length of your recovery, how the injury has impacted your life, and any permanent injury, especially if it’s disfiguring. Don’t be overdramatic, because insurance companies can easily spot a fake claim, and use medical terminology wherever possible.
Medical Expenses and Lost Income: Include a list of the medical providers who have treated you, and your expenses for each. You should also state how much work you’ve missed, and provide employer verification if necessary. If you are self employed, explain how you computed your lost income estimate.
The Demand
At the end of your letter, demand a dollar amount as compensation for your pain and suffering, lost income and other economic damages. List a number that exceeds the actual worth of your claim to allow room for negotiation. Include copies of documentation that support the things you’ve listed in your letter, keeping the originals for your records. For help drafting a demand letter, call a personal injury lawyers Indianapolis right away.
