How to Start Your Personal Injury Claim in Issaquah

Posted Friday, October 13, 2023 by Chris Thayer

If you have not been involved in an accident before, you may not be aware of the steps to take. Should you decide to file a personal injury claim, the steps start with step one.

*Step One: The Notification Letter*Giving notice of an accident and your injury starts with what is known as “the notification letter.”

This letter notifies the responsible party of their potential liability. It is considered ’step one’ and is essential if you should decide to file a personal injury claim.

If you have been injured and are feeling stressed about the steps to take, consider talking with a personal injury attorney about your options. Your legal counsel can explain how to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.

*Consider Whom to Notify in an Issaquah Accident*If you’ve been injured in an accident, first identify every person or business that might be responsible.

This may mean that you will need to send more than one letter.

For example, if you slipped and fell in a building, you may need to send a letter to the business and to the owner of the property where the slip and fall accident occurred.

If you were involved in a vehicle accident, you may need to contact the insurance company as well as your own insurance company.

*Contact Insurance Companies for an Issaquah Injury*It is important to write a letter of notification even if others assure you that they will notify their insurance company.

If you know the other party’s insurance company, you can send a copy of the notification letter to their claims department. Be sure to include the other party’s insurance number if you have that information.

*What is Not Included for Issaquah Claims?*The key thing to keep in mind is that a notification letter provides basic information and asks for a written response.

This is not a letter to discuss fault, expand on the extent of your injuries, or discuss responsibility. These are put in a letter called a formal demand letter. This is a document that is sent later in the process.

*What is Included in an Issaquah Notification Letter?*Within your initial letter, provide your name and address. You may want to include a phone number for ease of contact. However, you can state specific guidelines such as only contacting during work hours or only at work, but not at home. You are not required to include a phone number.

Include the general details of the accident, such as the approximate time and date and general location. You only need to state the general descriptors, such as: “at your store on Main Street.”

*Keep Copies for Your Records of an Issaquah Claim*Before you mail your letter, date each one and make a copy for your file. You may want to send a second letter by certified or registered mail if you do not get a response within two weeks.

*Talk to A Dedicated King County Personal Injury Attorney*If you have been involved in an accident, navigating all the legal and medical issues regarding your case can be extremely stressful. An experienced personal injury attorney may be able to provide legal insights related to your injury.