To figure out whiplash settlement amounts, most insurance companies use a complex formula with a lot of inputs that depends on an astonishing array of variables, including what state you’re in and the different protocols of the insurance company.  While there are a lot of different variables that go in the amount that the computer usually spits out is around two to three times your medical bills plus any other damages that you incurred as a result of the accident.  While the calculation isn’t too difficult, putting together a letter that demands your settlement and successfully receiving it is a little bit harder.

When you’re putting together a package demanding your settlement amount, you should group your damages into four distinct groups.  These groups are pain and suffering, property damage, lost wages, and other losses.  Point out the amount for each class of damages in your settlement letter and don’t forget to include any evidence that documents the amount of actual damages you were subjected to.  For other damages you can include rental cars and objects that were destroyed in your car during the accident, such as a laptop.

Once this is put together, you should be able to successfully write a demand letter for the amount of your settlement and submit it to the insurance company.  Within a few days you should hear back from them on whether or not they agree with your version of the events and how heavily you were injured as a result of the accident.  Usually, they will respond to your letter with a slightly lower offer of their own, so be prepared for this by making sure that you make your initial offer a little bit higher than you intend to get in the end.

From here, you’ll enter into negotiations with your insurance company, an area many people are unfamiliar with.  If you need help with negotiations or any other area of the claims process, be sure to visit the Auto Accident Settlement Center.