If you’ve been injured in an accident and sent a demand letter to an insurance company, you’re likely eager for an answer. Waiting can feel frustrating, especially if you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, and other financial pressures. Unfortunately, there’s no standard timeline for insurers to respond. Some may reply within weeks, while others take months.
Understanding how demand letters work and what influences response times helps you set realistic expectations and recognize when to take action.
What Is a Demand Letter?
A demand letter is a written request to an insurance company or at-fault party, detailing your injuries and the compensation you’re seeking. Think of it as both a summary of your case and a starting point for negotiations.
This letter typically signals that you’re moving from informal discussions to formal settlement negotiations. It shows the insurer you’ve documented your damages and are ready to file a lawsuit if they won’t negotiate fairly.
What Information Should Be Included in a Demand Letter?
A strong demand letter provides detailed information about your accident and losses. It typically includes:
- A brief introduction stating the purpose of the letter
- A detailed description of the incident, including date, time, and location
- A list of injuries or damages, supported by medical records and bills
- Evidence establishing liability, such as witness statements or photos
- A specific demand for compensation, with a detailed breakdown
- A reasonable deadline for response
The more thorough and well-supported the letter, the harder it is for the insurance company to dispute your claim.
How Long Does It Take to Hear Back After a Demand Letter?
South Carolina law does not specify an exact timeframe for insurers to respond to demand letters, though insurers must handle claims promptly under general insurance regulations. In reality, the first reply might come in just a few weeks, or it could take several months. When the insurer does respond, three outcomes are possible. The company may accept the demand and agree to pay the requested amount in full. They may reject the demand outright, forcing you to consider the next step. Or, most commonly, they may make a counteroffer that starts the negotiation process.
Why the wait? Insurers may take longer to respond in cases involving ongoing medical treatment or high damages, sometimes requesting additional documentation to evaluate the claim. They may request more documentation or take longer to process claims due to internal workload.
In some cases, delayed responses may create pressure on injured parties to settle quickly. That’s one reason why working with an experienced SC personal injury attorney can help keep the process moving forward.
Can Insurance Companies Request More Information?
Yes. After reviewing a demand letter, insurers may ask for additional documents, such as:
- Updated medical records.
- Proof of lost wages from your employer.
- Expert opinions regarding long-term care.
While these requests are sometimes legitimate, they can also be used as delay tactics. An attorney can help you distinguish between reasonable requests and unnecessary stalling.
What If the Insurance Company Does Not Respond?
When an insurance company ignores a demand letter, it can be more than frustrating; it may indicate unreasonable claims handling. South Carolina law requires insurers to handle claims fairly and promptly. Some insurers delay responses, which can harm claimants.
If weeks pass with no reply, your attorney can step in to follow up, remind the insurer of its obligations, and even prepare to file a lawsuit. The lack of response doesn’t mean your claim is over; it may provide grounds for additional legal remedies.
But waiting too long has consequences. You generally have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing that deadline can bar your right to compensation.
That’s why silence from an insurance company isn’t something to ignore; having a lawyer involved helps maintain pressure and track critical deadlines.
What If the Insurance Company Denies the Demand?
A flat denial doesn’t necessarily end your claim. You still have options:
- You can continue negotiating with the insurer to seek a resolution.
- If negotiations fail, filing a lawsuit may be your next step.
- Be ready to take your case to trial if the insurer remains uncooperative.
Sometimes a denial is simply a bargaining position. If the denial lacks a reasonable basis, you may have grounds for a bad-faith claim. With strong evidence and legal representation, many denied cases still settle later.
How an Attorney Can Help Speed Up the Process
An experienced attorney can work to move your case forward by drafting evidence-based demand letters, following up with insurers, and identifying bad faith practices that may hinder your claim. If negotiations stall, they can file a lawsuit and pursue appropriate compensation that accounts for both current and future damages.
Legal representation can lead to stronger negotiating positions with insurance companies.
