WGK Personal Injury Lawyers | April 29, 2025 | Personal Injury

If you’ve been hurt in an accident and hired a personal injury lawyer, one of the first steps your attorney will take is to send a letter of representation. In Maryland, this letter formally notifies the insurance company or other parties involved that you now have legal representation. It’s a key step in starting your claim, and it helps ensure that you’re not contacted directly by insurers or opposing counsel.

Why Send a Letter of Representation?

This document serves multiple purposes. It protects your rights, sets expectations, and opens the door to gathering evidence and negotiating compensation. Once the letter is received, the insurance company should stop contacting you directly and communicate through your lawyer. That gives your attorney control over the process, helping you avoid common mistakes and pressure tactics.

It also triggers a more formal phase of the personal injury claims process. The insurance company knows you’re serious, and your lawyer can now start requesting documents and other materials to begin building your case.

What Should Be Included in a Maryland Letter of Representation?

Every personal injury case is different, but most attorney letters of representation in Maryland follow a similar format. While there’s no “one size fits all” version, some essential elements are almost always included.

Here’s what a typical letter contains:

  • Client and attorney information: The letter should clearly identify the injured party and include the contact details of the law firm now representing them.
  • Accident or injury details: A brief description of the accident, including the date, location, and nature of the injuries involved.
  • Claim information: It will state that the client intends to pursue a personal injury claim and may include a claim number if it’s already been assigned.
  • Instructions to cease direct contact: The letter directs the insurance company or opposing party to communicate only with the law firm, not the injured person.
  • Requests for documentation: The attorney may request specific documents, like the insurance policy, witness statements, or other records relevant to the case.
  • Preservation of evidence notice: In some cases, the letter asks the opposing party not to destroy or alter any evidence that could relate to the injury.

This letter might also reference applicable Maryland laws or deadlines, depending on the situation.

When is the Letter Sent?

Most letters of representation are sent shortly after the attorney is hired. Timing can be crucial. The sooner the letter is delivered, the sooner your attorney can begin collecting the records and documents they need to build a strong claim.

If your case involves a car accident, workplace injury, slip and fall, or medical malpractice, your lawyer may also send the letter to multiple parties. For example, it might be sent to the employer of the responsible party if they were at work when they injured you.

Contact a Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer for Help With Your Claim

If you’ve been injured in Maryland and aren’t sure how to start your case, a personal injury lawyer can help. They’ll take over communication with insurance companies, send a proper letter of representation, and guide you through the claims process.

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything unless they win compensation for you. They also offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in reaching out to learn about your rights.

Contact the Maryland Personal Injury Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help

For more information contact the Maryland personal injury law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080