If you were injured in a car accident in Los Angeles or the San Fernando Valley one of the most important steps in your personal injury case is the demand letter. Yet many accident victims have never heard of a demand letter and don’t understand what it is how it works or why it matters for their settlement. Attorney Anthony Girgis at Girgis Law Firm APC has been writing demand letters for accident victims throughout Encino Sherman Oaks Van Nuys Northridge and the greater Los Angeles area for over 16 years. Here is everything you need to know.
What Is a Demand Letter?
A demand letter is a formal written document sent by your personal injury attorney to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It outlines the facts of your accident your injuries your medical treatment and the total compensation you are seeking to resolve your claim. The demand letter is typically the first formal step in the settlement negotiation process and sets the tone for everything that follows.
A well-written demand letter serves several important purposes. It establishes your position clearly and professionally. It documents all of your damages in one comprehensive package. It demonstrates that you have experienced legal representation. And it initiates the formal negotiation process that typically leads to settlement.
When Is a Demand Letter Sent?
At Girgis Law Firm APC attorney Anthony Girgis does not send a demand letter until you have either completed your medical treatment or reached what doctors call maximum medical improvement — the point at which your condition has stabilized and further significant improvement is unlikely.
This is a critical timing decision. Sending a demand letter too early — before your medical treatment is complete — means you may settle for less than your injuries ultimately require. Insurance companies know that accident victims who settle quickly often do so before the full extent of their injuries becomes clear. Attorney Anthony Girgis protects his clients from this trap by waiting until the complete picture of your damages is known before making any demand.
What Does a Demand Letter Include?
A comprehensive personal injury demand letter prepared by Girgis Law Firm APC typically includes the following:
A detailed factual narrative describing how the accident happened including the date time location weather conditions and the actions of all parties involved. A medical summary describing your injuries diagnosis treatment received and your current medical status including any permanent impairment or future treatment needs. An itemized list of your special damages including all medical bills emergency room charges hospitalization surgery physical therapy chiropractic care prescription medications and any other out of pocket expenses directly related to your injuries. Documentation of your lost wages including pay stubs employer verification and calculation of total income lost due to your injuries. A pain and suffering calculation using California’s multiplier method applied to your total economic damages. Supporting documentation including the police report photographs of the accident scene vehicle damage and your injuries witness statements and medical records. A specific settlement demand — the total amount of compensation you are seeking to resolve your claim.
How Does the Insurance Company Respond to a Demand Letter?
After receiving your demand letter the insurance company typically has 15 to 40 days to respond — though this timeframe can vary. Their response will generally be one of three things. They may accept your demand and offer to pay the full amount. They may make a counteroffer at a lower amount — which is the most common response. Or in rare cases they may deny the claim entirely.
In most cases the insurance company’s initial counteroffer will be significantly lower than your demand. This begins the negotiation process — a back and forth exchange of offers and counteroffers that attorney Anthony Girgis manages aggressively on your behalf to maximize your recovery.
What If the Insurance Company Won’t Negotiate Fairly?
If the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer after receiving your demand letter attorney Anthony Girgis is fully prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to litigation. Insurance companies know that going to trial is expensive and uncertain — which is why the credible threat of litigation from an experienced trial-ready attorney is one of the most powerful tools available in the negotiation process.
At Girgis Law Firm APC the insurance companies know that Anthony Girgis is not afraid to go to court. This reputation for trial readiness frequently motivates fairer settlement offers before litigation becomes necessary.
How Long Does the Demand Process Take?
From the time your demand letter is sent the negotiation process typically takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the complexity of your case the severity of your injuries and the responsiveness of the insurance company. Attorney Anthony Girgis keeps his clients informed throughout every stage of the process so you always know where your case stands.
Injured in a car accident in the San Fernando Valley? Contact Girgis Law Firm APC for a free consultation. Attorney Anthony Girgis represents accident victims throughout Encino Sherman Oaks Van Nuys Northridge Woodland Hills and surrounding communities. Call (818) 986-5000 — no fees unless we win.
