What is a Demand Letter After a Motorcycle Accident?
When you have received injuries in a motorbike accident, your demand letter is your notice to the irresponsible party to pay money for the inconvenience that they have caused you.
“A demand letter is your initial attempt to get paid money that rightfully belongs to you in return for your injuries and your destroyed vehicle. It also sets the pace for the entire negotiation with the insurance company and defendant,” says motorcycle accident attorney Michael McCready.
Having a sense of how the demand letter process works, why the letters exist, and what to include in them can all make a difference.
Elements of a Demand Letter in Detail
A properly written demand letter contains several characteristic attributes, most crucially your name and address at the top, as well as the date. Then, ensure you are writing to the right individuals: the at-fault party’s insurance company, its agents, or the at-fault party themself.
Be brief and to the point by stating the purpose of the letter: to ask for compensation for damages and personal harm due to the motorcycle accident. Then specify what occurred where, at what time, and under what circumstances.
Then, explain your injuries. Do not leave anything out; tell the reader what your doctor told you about your condition, what treatment they offered you, and how much it costs. Include your medical records, your medical bills, and any other evidence you have. If you lost time at work or had to repair your bike, this also falls under this section, along with numbers to support your argument.
State your request concisely. Be detailed about what you believe is fair for what you went through with your ordeal.
When to Send a Demand Letter Following an Accident
The best time to sit down and write a demand letter is after medical treatment or upon reaching maximum medical recovery. If you rush too quickly, though, you may not yet know precisely how much the injury will cost you.
Although you are allotted time, if you wait too long, you may lose your case, as evidence can be lost and memories forgotten.
Bottom line: Do not send out the letter until you are sure of what you are getting yourself into.
Preparation of a suitable demand letter
If you are sending out a demand letter, you do not really need to make it sound like a rant. You merely need to remain calm and provide facts, nothing more.
Having a motorcycle accident injury lawyer present is a complete game-changer. They know the right way to phrase the letter, add in all your proper paperwork, and prevent you from blowing your own case. Insurance companies sit up straighter, too, if they receive a properly-worded letter.
Instructions on Writing an Error-Free Demand Letter
When composing your demand letter, ensure it conveys the right message and tone. You must professionally do so for the best outcome.
An attorney can be worth their weight in gold at this point. These professionals ensure that they draft the letter with the right tone, affix the correct documentation, and navigate around landmines that could damage your case. Insurers are more inclined to listen to demands by attorneys, which boosts your case’s likelihood of receiving a fair settlement.
Engaging a Legal Professional to Defend Your Rights
Choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer after a bike crash is a critical decision. You don’t want just any lawyer; choose someone who thoroughly understands motorcycle accidents.
Dig into their track record. Have they won cases like yours? There’s no shame in checking their reviews online to see what past clients have to say about them.
Find someone who is not afraid to battle with insurance companies; you want a lawyer who is basically your pit crew and hype man, all rolled into one.
Conclusion
A demand letter plays a critical role in initiating the process of recouping losses and restoring your life to normalcy. Follow these crucial steps and consult a trusted lawyer to ensure you have the best chance of success.
