You may already be aware that you have a right to seek compensation for your losses if you have been hurt in an accident caused by someone else.
The cash can assist with paying for expenditures like your injury-related medical care, lost income from missing time at work, and other charges you racked up due to the collision.
While some accident victims file personal injury claims independently, engaging with a personal injury attorney may make the process much smoother.
One reason is that the numerous aspects of personal injury claims can be challenging for individuals who have never dealt with insurance providers. A demand letter is one of these complex elements.
If you’re filing a personal injury claim for the first time, you probably don’t know what a demand letter is, its importance, and what happens when your attorney sends one. You may feel more in control of your case if you understand this critical aspect of your claim.
Keep reading to learn what happens when Panama City car accident attorneys send a demand letter to insurance companies.
What Is a Demand Letter?
In personal injury law, a demand letter is a document your attorney writes to the insurance provider on your behalf.
In the demand letter, your lawyer will inform the insurance firm that you are ready to negotiate the compensation required to cover your accident-related damages.
The letter aims to clarify your justifications for asking for compensation and the details of your particular request.
It will contain demands for compensation for monetary damages such as medical costs, missed earnings, and property damage.
It could also include requests for reimbursement for less tangible damages, including the pain and suffering you experienced from the accident.
A demand letter generally contains several sections, including:
- Your name and personal information
- Identity of the at-fault party
- Your reason for sending the demand letter
- Details of your accident-related injuries
- Proof of fault, holding the other party liable for your damages
- Specific demand for compensation within a reasonable timeframe
What Happens After the Letter Is Sent?
Once your attorney sends the demand letter, you may have to wait several weeks or months before the insurance provider responds.
The exact time frame will vary depending on the specifics of your case, but your lawyer will inform you of any changes.
An insurance provider may occasionally take a while to respond if they are processing several claims simultaneously. They might also need to conduct due diligence before responding to your letter.
However, in other circumstances, the insurance adjuster might consciously try to slow down the process.
Since plaintiffs tend to lose patience when a claim takes longer than anticipated, the insurer may see the delay as a chance to persuade the plaintiff to accept a lowball offer.
Your attorney won’t allow the insurance provider to coerce you into settling less than what you are due.
How Long After a Demand Letter Can I Expect Settlement?
Due to the distinctive nature of each claim, the length of time you must wait before receiving your payment will depend on your specific situation.
Some individuals can anticipate having their claims addressed within a few weeks and two months after their attorney issues the demand letter, but other individuals may have to wait longer.
One factor that may make the process more complex and dragged is if the insurer undervalues your claim. Panama City car accident attorneys will seek to negotiate a better bargain for you in such a scenario.
Other factors that may affect the time your case takes to settle are:
- Insurer workload- The insurance provider may take longer to respond during their busy times of the year. Large caseloads may prevent insurers from promptly investigating the accident’s details.
- Lack of information – A poorly written demand letter doesn’t include all the details an insurance provider needs to settle a claim. When this occurs, the insurer could ask for further data and documents. The ensuing back and forth may delay the process and settlement discussions.
- The nature of the accident – Accidents involving several parties or those that are complex might cause the investigation to drag on. Sorting through large amounts of information and medical records might delay settlement.
If the insurance firm denies your claim, you and your attorney might need to file a lawsuit and present your case in court. This procedure might take months or even years.
Engaging with a skilled personal injury attorney throughout the process will increase your chances of a positive outcome.
Contact Experienced Panama City Car Accident Attorneys
Were you injured in a car accident in Panama City caused by a negligent driver? Do you need help drafting a convincing demand letter?
Legal Giant partners with the best car accident attorneys in Panama City. We can link you with a skilled local attorney to help with your case.
Our partner Panama City car accident attorneys understand what it takes to write a good demand letter and will work hard to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (855) 740-5024 to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
