After you’ve been injured in an accident, you don’t have any time to waste before the costs start to take their toll. When someone else is to blame for your accident, you may be able to hold them accountable by pursuing legal action against them. One way this can be done is by sending a personal injury demand letter to the liable party and/or their insurance company.
But, there is much that goes into these demand letters, and sending one can offer you some clarity on how long it will take to receive your injury settlement. Continue reading to learn more about what a personal injury demand letter contains and how long it might take for your settlement to be issued.
Components of a Louisiana Personal Injury Demand Letter
Your attorney will be responsible for writing your personal injury demand letter, but you may be wondering what exactly will be contained in yours. Generally speaking, as every case is different, a demand letter starts off by summarizing the events of the accident and confirming liability on the part of the party who will receive your demand letter.
From there, the letter should describe the injuries you sustained, the costs and expenses related to your medical treatment and care, and then detail the various economic and non-pecuniary losses you have endured. Your losses should be quantified at this point so the liable party has a complete understanding of how you and your attorney came to the overall amount you are requesting in the demand letter.
Finally, the demand letter should include supporting documentation of your injuries and losses so the at-fault party can see that you are fully prepared to bring your case to court should they choose to ignore your demand letter or refuse to settle your case.
General Timeline of Events in an Injury Settlement
Once your personal injury demand letter has been sent, the liable party and their counsel or the insurance company will have up to 45 days to respond. They may choose to ignore your letter altogether, or perhaps not even read it, depending on who receives the letter. In this case, a revised demand letter will be sent by your attorney.
This can prolong the amount of time it takes to obtain your injury settlement, and there is no guarantee that they will meet your needs as outlined in your demand letter. For this reason, it may be in your best interests to prepare for court to secure the compensation you may be entitled to.
Reach Out to a Louisiana Personal Injury Lawyer
The personal injury claims process can be quite complex, but when you issue a demand letter, there is a strong possibility that your chances of obtaining an injury settlement you deserve will increase.
You can get in touch with a highly trained Louisiana personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of Braud & Gallagher to learn more about seeking compensation for your losses. We can be reached via the submission form located below or by phone at 1-800-256-5674.