What Is a Demand Letter in a Personal Injury Case—and Why It Matters

December 18, 2025

What Is a Demand Letter in a Personal Injury Case—and Why It Matters

When you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, one of the first major steps in pursuing compensation is the demand letter. This document may seem simple, but it plays a significant role in shaping how your personal injury case moves forward. At Personal Injury Law Partners LLC, we assist individuals throughout Miami-Dade County with preparing and presenting strong, well-documented injury claims—including effective demand letters that help set the tone for negotiations.


What Is a Demand Letter?


A demand letter is a formal written document sent to the at-fault party’s insurance company to outline your case and request compensation. It explains the facts of the accident, the injuries you suffered, the medical treatment you’ve received, the impact on your life, and the amount of compensation you believe is fair.


The demand letter is typically sent after you have completed most of your medical treatment, so your damages—including medical bills and lost wages—can be accurately calculated.


What a Demand Letter Usually Includes


A strong personal injury demand letter typically contains:


1. A Clear Summary of the Accident
This section explains how the accident occurred, why the other party is responsible, and any evidence—such as photos, police reports, or witness statements—that supports your claim.


2. Detailed Medical Information
Your injuries, diagnoses, treatments, and long-term effects are described in detail. Medical bills, treatment records, and doctor statements are often referenced to support the damages claimed.


3. Economic Losses
This includes lost wages, reduced earning ability, out-of-pocket expenses, and any anticipated future costs.


4. Non-Economic Damages
Pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic impacts are described to show how the injury has affected daily living.


5. A Settlement Amount
The letter concludes with a request for a specific compensation amount. This number is usually higher than what you expect to settle for, leaving room for negotiation.


Why a Demand Letter Matters


A demand letter is important for several reasons:


It establishes the strength of your case.
A clear, well-supported letter shows the insurer that you are prepared and serious about recovering fair compensation.


It starts the negotiation process.
Insurance companies typically respond with a counteroffer. A strong letter can help ensure that counteroffer is reasonable.


It organizes your case facts and evidence.
A demand letter serves as a helpful roadmap if your case later moves toward litigation.


It may help avoid court.
Many personal injury claims settle after a well-written demand letter, saving time and stress for all parties.


Why Work With an Attorney?


Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts. Having an attorney draft your demand letter helps ensure that your story is presented clearly, your damages are fully documented, and your legal rights are protected. At Personal Injury Law Partners LLC, we assist injured individuals in Miami-Dade County with building strong personal injury claims and pursuing fair compensation from the start.

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