Common Mistakes When Writing A Personal Injury Claim Letter

When you've been involved in an accident where you were clearly not at fault, it's important to demand reimbursement for your medical expenses and other expenses. The typical way of communicating your expectations to the other driver's insurance company is through a personal injury claim letter.

Many times your personal injury claim letter is the first in a series of communications between you and the other driver's insurance company before a settlement is actually reached.

It's important that your initial personal injury claim letter be done correctly, and that all your demands are listed. Once negotiation begins, you won't have the opportunity to add items to your list of demands. There are other common mistakes that people often make when writing these letters.

Avoid These Mistakes

Not having receipts. You should be able to back up your listed medical expenses with receipts from doctors, emergency transport, hospitals, etc. Failure to do so will immediately cause your case to look suspicious and the insurance company to want to negotiate your medical expense claim.

Calculating pain and suffering incorrectly. People often either don't ask for pain and suffering at all, or they ask for such a ridiculously large amount that the insurance company doesn't take their claim seriously. Pain and suffering is typically calculated based on the medical expenses, with some caveats.
Not looking professional. If your personal injury claim letter doesn't follow the typical format, has errors, or just generally lacks professionalism, the insurance company is likely to think they can get by with a lower settlement. You need to look like you know what you're doing and mean business.
Not including lost wages. When you've lost wages due to an accident, you should be compensated for your time away from work. You will need to provide a letter from your employer that shows the time and wages lost.
Not following up. Don't expect that a check will magically appear in your mailbox about two weeks after you mail your letter. Insurance companies can be very good at avoiding payment and looking for ways around your claim. Be diligent with follow up to ensure that your claim gets attention.

Get Legal Help

The best advice when it comes to writing a personal injury claim letter is to let an attorney handle it. Your attorney will know exactly the wording and format to use to get the attention of the insurance company. He will be knowledgeable in calculating pain and suffering and can handle all the follow up for you. You can be comfortable that you'll receive a more equitable compensation when you have the help of a professional.

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