16 March 2016
 Categories: Law, Blog

Don't underestimate the importance of your settlement injury demand letter when you're beginning your personal injury lawsuit. While this letter is something of a preliminary document that is simply meant to introduce your case to the defendant, it's possible for the settlement injury demand letter to make or break a case in some situations.

Put your best foot forward when pursuing compensation for accident damages by avoiding the following four common mistakes in demand letter writing:

Addressing any potential weaknesses in your case

In order to win your case, you'll probably have to successfully combat some attacks focusing on the weakness of your case. However, that doesn't mean you have to point out those weaknesses in your initial demand letter.

Even if a potential weakness in your case seems obvious to you, you might be surprised to find that the defendant doesn't even think of it. In your settlement injury demand letter, you should focus on being on the offensive and go into defensive mode if necessary later on as your case progresses.

Not giving exact numbers

Drafting your demand letter should involve careful calculations and extensive detail. Being vague or inaccurate about the amounts involved in paying for accident damages could compromise your chances of being awarded the settlement you seek.

Before you even get started drafting the letter, track down all of your bills and financial documents detailing expenses you've incurred because of the accident in question. That way, you'll be able to offer exact numbers that give your case the credibility it needs for success.

Setting a settlement demand amount that's too low

When you're calculating the settlement amount you want to pursue in your demand letter, you should definitely not hold back. It's fairly common for the settlement injury demand letter to ask for an amount that's actually higher than what the attorney thinks the case is worth. However, it's also fairly common for the eventual settlement amount to be lower than the amount asked for in the demand letter.

While asking for an exorbitant amount in your demand letter might detract from the credibility of your case, a higher-than-expected amount that's still within reason is ideal. 

Not sending along all of the necessary supporting documents

You'll be expected to send supporting documents to the plaintiff along with your demand letter. These supporting documents should include bills, correspondence with your doctors, or any other letters/records having to do with your case. Make sure you discuss which documents should be included with your personal injury attorney so that you don't leave out anything important.