If you have been hurt in an accident and decided to file a claim against the insurance company of the at-fault party, you will need to send a demand letter to this party to express your demands. After a serious accident, you may suffer injuries like fractures, broken bones, burns, back injuries, spinal cord injuries, and others. These life-threatening injuries can make it hard or even impossible for you to return to work or function normally. By working with an experienced Portland personal injury attorney, you will come up with a well-made statement letter to present your damages and sets the stage for a quick settlement.
Your settlement letter must summarize why you are filing a claim and communicate to the insurance carrier a fair value of your claim. In general, insurance companies try to settle claims for as little money as possible, which makes it hard to reach a satisfactory outcome. Aside from writing a detailed settlement letter, keep the following tips in mind to increase your chances of getting a favorable settlement outcome:
Get Copies of Your Medical Records
After a serious accident, you need to see a doctor immediately. This will help establish a medical record and ensure your injuries are given appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Without a medical record, the insurance company will assert that your injury was not caused by the accident. Request copies of your medical records and keep them in a safe place. These records will establish a link between your accident and your injuries and symptoms. Also, they can be used to support your claim in the settlement letter and prove the seriousness of your injuries.
Document How Your Injuries Progress
Initially, you feel shocked after a serious accident, especially if it was a car accident. Because of this shock, your body will increase its level of endorphins, the natural coping mechanism of the brain when exposed to trauma. Because of endorphins, you may not feel your pain and some symptoms, which makes it hard to determine the extent of your injuries. Some symptoms may not appear immediately. This makes it important to keep a journal to document the progression of your injury. Continue to document every symptom or challenge you encounter during recovery because this can be a good support to your settlement letter.
Speak with a Lawyer
Your attorney will draft or review your settlement letter to ensure you get maximum value for your injury compensation. A simple mistake in the letter can give the insurance company a reason to deny your claim.
