Understanding Demand Packages

Getting hurt in a pedestrian accident can leave you with injuries, confusion, and a host of questions. You may hear one term commonly: demand package. It is a crucial ingredient in many claims. At Burger Law, it is our duty to make complex processes as painless as possible so that you know what is happening at every turn and pursue the best outcome possible for you in St. Louis, MO.

What Does It Mean When a Case Is in Demand?

When a case is “in demand,” it means your attorney has formally notified the other party of your claim and outlined the damages you’ve suffered. This is usually done as the opening salvo to the insurance company or at-fault party in settlement negotiations.

This will involve explaining, for a pedestrian accident, how it happened, details about your injuries, and then showing the financial consequences of the accident. Just remember it’s setting the stage for negotiations and presenting an articulate and convincing argument for what you deserve.

What Is a Demand Package?

A demand package is a collection of documents and evidence your lawyer assembles to make your case for compensation. It’s essentially a legal argument backed by facts and presented to the at-fault party or their insurance company. The demand package is a collection of all of the medical bills and documents that illustrate your injuries and wage loss. We prepare the demand package during the pre-litigation, or pre-lit, stage of the personal injury claims process. Submitting a demand package marks the beginning of our negotiations with the insurance company.

What Is Included?

A demand package for a pedestrian accident typically comprises the following:

• Police reports: These give a somewhat objective account of the accident, observation by police officers, and statements by parties involved and witnesses.
• Medical records and bills: These document your injuries, the treatments that were necessary, and their costs. These will help to prove the total value of the damages.
• Photos or videos: Visual evidence can include images of the accident scene, damaged property, and visible injuries that can support your claim.
• Witness statements: Statements from bystanders who saw the accident can provide crucial corroboration of your version of events.
• Lost wages documentation: This includes employer statements or pay stubs showing the income you lost due to your inability to work after the accident.
• A demand letter: This document is sent by one party to another to seek resolution of a dispute by requesting restitution for damages incurred. It typically follows informal attempts to remind the recipient of their obligations.

When Do You Need a Demand Package?

You need a demand package when pursuing compensation for damages after a personal injury. For pedestrian accidents, this is especially important since injuries can be severe, and insurance companies may try to minimize payouts.

Typically, a demand package is used when:

• Liability is clear, but the other party disputes the extent of your damages.
• You’re negotiating a settlement with an insurance company.
• You want to avoid litigation but need to show you’re serious about pursuing your claim.

In Missouri, demand packages are often tailored to address local laws and practices, ensuring they meet the requirements to hold insurance companies accountable.

How a Package Can Help in Your Case

A strong demand package can dramatically improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. It assists in a number of ways. First, it helps establish liability by presenting solid evidence of proof, thus making it increasingly difficult for the at-fault party to deny responsibility. Secondly, a well-prepared demand package accelerates the process of negotiation since the opposing side is presented with all the necessary information required for assessing your claim quickly.

By including detailed evidence of damages, it also maximizes your settlement, ensuring you’re not leaving money on the table. Finally, it can help you avoid court, as many cases settle before reaching trial, saving you time, stress, and legal expenses. For pedestrian accidents, these advantages become even more crucial, as the injuries are often serious, and the financial burdens can be significant.

Burger Law Is Here to Help You

At Burger Law, we understand how frustrating and overwhelming recovery after a pedestrian accident can be and still try to focus on legal issues. That is why we, at Burger Law, handle the heavy lifting for our St. Louis clients.

From evidence collection to creating a demand package that will suit your needs, we will be with you every step of the way to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (314) 500-HURT to schedule a consultation.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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