Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for California

Q: Is it possible hire a lawyer to write a settlement demand letter to an insurance company for an accident I was in?

I was in a 1 vehicle accident and I was a passenger and I’m now waiting on a settlement from the drivers insurance company. I would like to have a lawyer write a settlement demand letter to start the negotiations process. Is that expensive? My mom was also a passenger and she received a lowball offer and I would like to get ahead of receiving a similar offer with a demand letter. Open to all advice. Thank you in advance.

4 Lawyer Answers

A: There are many, many attorneys who represent individuals involved in motor vehicle collisions. Typically, they will accept your case on a contingency fee (1/3 is common) so you do not have to pay anything upfront. They receiver their fee out of the proceeds collected. A strong demand letter from a competent automobile accident attorney can get you fully compensated in many cases without even filing a lawsuit if liability is clear and the damages are well substantiated.

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

A: It's possible. Some law firms could be hesitant because they could see it as a setting that opens the door to potential misunderstandings about the scope of their role. You could make some calls. That's the best way to find out. Good luck

A: The answer to your question is yes, however my advice is that since more accident/injury lawyers will provide a free first consultation, then you should contact and meet with a few accident/injury lawyers to discuss your specifics----after meeting with them you can then decide whether you should handle this yourself, or perhaps hire a lawyer for a limited purpose or the entire case. The same advise goes for your mother. Most insurance companies will not take you seriously if you do not have a lawyer.

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Answered

A: You can hire a lawyer to write a settlement demand letter to the insurance company for your accident. This is a common practice, and many people find it beneficial to have legal assistance in negotiating settlements. A lawyer can help present your case more effectively, potentially leading to a better settlement offer.

The cost of hiring a lawyer for this purpose can vary. Some lawyers charge a flat fee for writing a demand letter, while others might work on a contingency basis, taking a percentage of the settlement if successful. It's important to discuss fees upfront with any lawyer you consider hiring to understand what you will be responsible for financially.

Given that your mom received a lowball offer, having a lawyer involved early in the process can help ensure that your settlement demand is properly valued and supported by the necessary documentation. This proactive approach can set the tone for negotiations and may improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Seeking legal advice tailored to your specific situation in California can be a crucial step towards achieving a favorable outcome.

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