UM/UIM (UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED MOTORIST) DEMAND LETTER

State of Alabama

[LAW FIRM LETTERHEAD]

PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL
SETTLEMENT COMMUNICATION - FOR RESOLUTION PURPOSES ONLY
PROTECTED UNDER AL RULES OF EVIDENCE AND F.R.E. 408

VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
AND VIA EMAIL TO: [ADJUSTER_EMAIL]

Date: [DATE]

[INSURANCE_COMPANY_NAME]
[UM_UIM_CLAIMS_DEPARTMENT_ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]

Attention: [ADJUSTER_NAME], [ADJUSTER_TITLE]
Re: UM/UIM POLICY LIMITS DEMAND - ALABAMA LAW
Insured/Claimant: [INSURED_CLAIMANT_NAME]
Policy Number: [POLICY_NUMBER]
Claim Number: [CLAIM_NUMBER]
Date of Loss: [DATE_OF_LOSS]
UM/UIM Policy Limits: [UM_UIM_LIMITS]
Tortfeasor: [TORTFEASOR_NAME]
Tortfeasor's Carrier: [TORTFEASOR_CARRIER]
Tortfeasor's Limits: [TORTFEASOR_LIMITS]
Response Deadline: [RESPONSE_DEADLINE]

Dear [ADJUSTER_NAME]:

I. INTRODUCTION AND NATURE OF DEMAND

This firm represents [CLIENT_NAME] ("our client") in connection with a claim for [UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED] motorist benefits under Alabama law arising from a motor vehicle collision on [DATE_OF_LOSS]. This letter constitutes a formal demand for payment of the full UM/UIM policy limits of [UM_UIM_LIMITS].

Our client's damages far exceed the available coverage. Under Alabama law, UM/UIM coverage exists precisely for situations like this - to protect your insured when the negligent party lacks sufficient coverage.

II. ALABAMA UM/UIM LAW

A. Stacking Rules in Alabama

Stacking generally permitted unless validly rejected by insured. Ala. Code 32-7-23

B. Coverage Analysis Under Alabama Law

C. Coverage Trigger

For Uninsured Motorist (UM) Claims:

The tortfeasor qualifies as an "uninsured motorist" under Alabama law because:

• The tortfeasor had no liability insurance at the time of the collision
• The tortfeasor's insurer has denied coverage
• The tortfeasor's insurer is insolvent
• The tortfeasor was a hit-and-run driver who cannot be identified
• The tortfeasor's insurance limits are less than state minimum requirements

For Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Claims:

The tortfeasor qualifies as an "underinsured motorist" under Alabama law because:

• The tortfeasor's liability limits of [TORTFEASOR_LIMITS] are insufficient to compensate our client
• Our client has exhausted/will exhaust the tortfeasor's policy limits
• Our client's damages exceed the available coverage

III. THE COLLISION AND LIABILITY

A. Facts of the Collision

On [DATE_OF_LOSS], at approximately [TIME], our client was [DESCRIBE_CLIENT_ACTIVITY] at or near [LOCATION_OF_COLLISION] in Alabama.

[DETAILED_DESCRIPTION_OF_COLLISION]

B. Tortfeasor's Negligence

The tortfeasor, [TORTFEASOR_NAME], was negligent under Alabama law in the following respects:

• Failure to maintain proper lookout
• Failure to yield right-of-way
• Following too closely
• Excessive speed for conditions
• Distracted driving
• Running red light/stop sign
• Improper lane change
• Driving under the influence
• [OTHER_NEGLIGENCE]

C. Evidence of Liability

The following evidence establishes liability:

1. Police Report
[POLICE_DEPARTMENT] Traffic Crash Report (Report No. [REPORT_NUMBER])

2. Witness Statements
[NUMBER] independent witnesses observed the collision

3. Physical Evidence
Point of impact, vehicle damage patterns, and debris field analysis

4. Expert Analysis (if applicable)
[ACCIDENT_RECONSTRUCTIONIST_NAME] has concluded [SUMMARY_OF_OPINION]

D. Our Client's Freedom from Comparative Fault

Under Alabama law, our client bears no comparative fault for this collision.

IV. OUR CLIENT'S INJURIES AND TREATMENT

A. Injury Summary

As a direct and proximate result of this collision, our client sustained:

Primary Injuries:
- [PRIMARY_INJURY_1]
- [PRIMARY_INJURY_2]
- [PRIMARY_INJURY_3]

B. Treatment Timeline

C. Current Condition and Prognosis

[DESCRIBE_CURRENT_CONDITION_AND_PROGNOSIS]

D. Permanent Impairment

V. DAMAGES

A. Medical Expenses

Past Medical Expenses:

Future Medical Expenses (Present Value):

B. Lost Income

Past Lost Income:

$[TOTAL_PAST_LOST_INCOME]

Future Lost Earning Capacity:

$[FUTURE_LOST_EARNING_CAPACITY] (Present Value)

C. Pain and Suffering / Non-Economic Damages

[DESCRIBE_PAIN_AND_SUFFERING]

D. Damages Summary

VI. SETTLEMENT WITH TORTFEASOR'S INSURER

A. Settlement Status

We [HAVE REACHED/ARE PURSUING] a settlement with the tortfeasor's liability carrier, [TORTFEASOR_CARRIER], for the tortfeasor's policy limits of $[TORTFEASOR_LIMITS].

B. Consent to Settle / Preservation of Subrogation Rights

IMPORTANT: Pursuant to Alabama law and policy terms, we hereby request consent to settle with the tortfeasor's carrier.

Please provide written consent within [NUMBER] days.

VII. DEMAND FOR UM/UIM BENEFITS

A. Calculation of UIM Benefits Due

B. Policy Limits Demand

We hereby demand payment of the full UM/UIM policy limits of $[UM_UIM_LIMITS].

Our client's damages of $[TOTAL_DAMAGES] vastly exceed the combined coverage available. This is a clear policy limits case under Alabama law.

VIII. BAD FAITH WARNING

[CARRIER_SHORT_NAME] owes our client, its own insured, the duties of good faith and fair dealing recognized under Alabama law.

Alabama Bad Faith Standard:

Alabama recognizes a limited tort action for bad faith refusal to pay insurance claims. The insured must prove: (1) an insurance contract; (2) an intentional refusal to pay the claim; (3) absence of any reasonably legitimate or arguable reason for refusal; (4) actual knowledge by insurer of no legitimate reason; and (5) intentional failure to determine whether there was any legitimate or arguable reason. National Security Fire & Cas. Co. v. Bowen, 417 So.2d 179 (Ala. 1982).

Available Remedies for Bad Faith:

Compensatory damages for the tort of bad faith, mental anguish, and punitive damages where conduct is sufficiently egregious

Any attempt to deny, delay, or lowball this claim will be met with a bad faith action.

IX. ARBITRATION CONSIDERATIONS

A. Policy Arbitration Clause

The policy [CONTAINS/DOES_NOT_CONTAIN] an arbitration clause for UM/UIM disputes under Alabama law.

[IF APPLICABLE: Quote arbitration clause and state procedural requirements]

B. Arbitration Demand (If Applicable)

If [CARRIER_SHORT_NAME] fails to accept this demand, consider this letter as notice of our intent to invoke arbitration under Alabama law.

X. RESPONSE DEADLINE

This demand expires at 5:00 p.m. [TIME_ZONE] on [RESPONSE_DEADLINE].

Consequences of Non-Response

If [CARRIER_SHORT_NAME] fails to accept this demand:

1. We will invoke arbitration (if required) or file suit in Alabama
2. We will pursue bad faith damages under Alabama law
3. We will file a complaint with Alabama Department of Insurance, P.O. Box 303351, Montgomery, AL 36130

XI. CONCLUSION

This claim presents clear liability, severe injuries, and damages far exceeding coverage. [CARRIER_SHORT_NAME] has an opportunity to resolve this matter fairly by paying the policy limits to its own insured under Alabama law.

Respectfully submitted,

[LAW_FIRM_NAME]

By: _______________________________
[ATTORNEY_NAME]
[BAR_NUMBER]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], AL [ZIP]
[PHONE]
[EMAIL]

Counsel for [CLIENT_NAME]

ENCLOSURES:
- Policy declarations page
- UM/UIM coverage provisions
- Police report
- Medical records and bills
- Photographs
- Expert reports (if applicable)

CC:
- [CLIENT_NAME]
- [TORTFEASOR_CARRIER] (re: consent to settle)

ALABAMA UM/UIM LAW QUICK REFERENCE