What Is a Demand Letter?
Demand Letter is a formal written request for compensation sent to an at-fault party or insurer after an injury claim. The letter explains what happened, identifies the injuries and losses, and presents the basis for resolving the claim. A Demand Letter may support settlement discussions before a lawsuit is filed.
Quick Facts About Demand Letter
Category
Insurance claim document
Used for
Requesting injury compensation
Common confusion
Not a lawsuit or settlement agreement
Also called
Settlement Demand, Insurance demand letter
Often discussed with
Car Accident Claims
Key Takeaways About Demand Letter
- A Demand Letter supports settlement talks but is not a court filing.
- The letter connects the accident to documented injuries and losses.
- A Demand Letter is not the same as a lawsuit or settlement agreement.
How Demand Letter Works

A Demand Letter organizes the facts and records that support a car accident claim. The sender describes the collision, explains the injuries, and identifies losses tied to the accident. Supporting material may include medical records, bills, wage information, photographs, and other relevant documents.
Related glossary terms: Damages, Medical Records, Settlement.
The letter also states the amount requested to resolve the claim and gives the insurer a clear basis for review. The insurer may accept the request, respond with a different position, or continue settlement discussions. A settlement becomes binding only when the parties reach and document an agreement. Sending a Demand Letter does not itself start a lawsuit.

From the Atlanta Auto Law team
When we prepare a Demand Letter, we organize the accident facts with the medical evidence and claimed losses. We check that the requested compensation matches the records and that the letter addresses the insurer’s likely questions. We also review the response before advising on settlement discussions.
Demand Letter in Practice: A Real-World Example
After an Atlanta driver causes a collision, the injured person’s attorney sends a Demand Letter to the applicable insurer. The letter describes the crash, documents the client’s treatment and financial losses, and requests compensation to resolve the claim.
Related Services
Related Terms
Damages
Damages are the monetary losses and nonfinancial harms that a person or family may seek in…
Medical Records
Medical Records are written, electronic, or recorded details about a patient’s care, condition, testing, treatment, and…
Settlement
Settlement is a negotiated agreement that resolves a personal injury claim without a trial. The injured…
Bodily Injury Liability
Bodily Injury Liability is a form of auto insurance coverage that may pay for another person's…
Atlanta Auto Law
Have Questions About Demand Letter?
Contact Atlanta Auto Law for practical guidance on Demand Letter and related personal injury attorney work in Atlanta.
