A serious accident can bring your entire life to a screeching halt in a matter of seconds. You need money to pay your bills, cover any missing time and work, and support your family. A personal injury claim allows you to hold the at-fault party liable for your losses. Most personal injury cases in Connecticut never make it to a trial. Instead, they are settled before they get to court.
You may be wondering: How do you get a settlement in a personal injury case? Settlements are negotiated—and the negotiation process typically starts with something called a ‘demand letter.’ In this article, our Glastonbury personal injury attorney explains what a demand letter is and how demand letters are used in the personal injury claims process in Connecticut.
Demand Letters: Know the Basics
Investopedia defines a demand letter as “a formal document sent by one party to another in order to resolve a dispute.” In a personal injury case, a demand letter is generally used to notify the potential defendants (and insurers) of their liability and to seek a remedy outside of the courtroom. A demand letter should be drafted by an experienced attorney. You do not want to send a poorly-drafted demand letter. It is crucial that it is done properly.
What You Need to Include in a Personal Injury Demand Letter
A personal injury demand letter will only achieve your goals if it is drafted properly. A demand letter that includes too little information, too much information, or the wrong information could make it harder to get a settlement or it could even actually undermine your case. Here are five things that should typically be addressed within a personal injury demand letter in Connecticut:
- An overview of the accident that occurred and the injuries that you sustained;
- A clear account of why the recipient is liable for the accident;
- A review of your damages and a specific demand for financial relief;
- A reasonable deadline for a response by the recipient; and
- A statement of your intent to file a lawsuit if the claim is not resolved.
It is certainly possible that a well-crafted demand letter will result in a payment of compensation by the defendant/insurer. Though, in serious injury cases, it is more likely that a demand letter will lead to the start of settlement negotiations. Of course, you always retain the right to file a personal injury lawsuit if the at-fault party and/or their insurance company refuses to bargain in good faith.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Personal Injury Lawyer in Connecticut
At Tehrani Law Group, LLC, our Connecticut personal injury attorney is an aggressive, experienced legal representative for victims and their families. We handle the full range of personal injury claims. Contact our law firm today to set up your free, strictly confidential consultation. Our personal injury attorneys represent victims throughout Central Connecticut, including in Glastonbury, Hartford, West Hartford, Marlborough, New Britain, and Farmingham.