I got into a car accident, what do I do?

[gedalyahu]

I got into a car accident almost four months ago. I was driving home from school and the car in front of me braked quickly and, due to the fact that it was raining, I didn't have time to stop. I simply clipped the corner of the car, and some of the paint from my car had scraped off onto it. We called the police and it was noted that the accident was my fault. I accidentally gave the officer an expired copy of my insurance (I had the current one), but he told me not to get it and that it wasn’t a problem. I didn't get a ticket, we exchanged information (I live in Michigan – which is no-fault), and both went home.

Now, four months later, I received a letter in the mail from a law office claiming that I need to contact my insurance company, and that my failure to provide this information to my insurer may result in a lawsuit.

I'm confused. I called my insurance company the day after this happened and informed them about the accident. My insurance agent told me that the woman I got into the accident with would call my insurance company directly, and that they would inform me if she called. So I'm confused why I'm getting a letter telling me to do her work for her? Isn’t it her responsibility to contact my insurance company, not mine?

The letter itself is riddled with grammar issues, says it contains a "traffic crash report" that wasn't in the envelope, and lists the wrong insurance company as mine. I’m assuming they’re simply trying to scare me, as there’s a box at the bottom of the letter that I can tick and return that says “I had no insurance on the date of this accident.” So, I’m assuming they thought I didn’t have insurance. Now, I was told that day that I could contact the city police department for any questions regarding the accident, so I’m assuming she can also contact them and get my correct insurance company?

What am I supposed to do?

[lalla3]

You should always inform your insurance company if you have been in an accident. Don't leave it up to the other person. Being that you have informed your insurance company of the accident, they should be handling it for you now. Make sure you have a Claim number and the Claim Dept is aware of this accident. Send any correspondence you have received to your insurance company and be sure to keep a copy. Also contact your Police Dept and get a copy of the police report, they will let you know how much it cost for this. That's what you pay them for, to handle your accidents for you. Stay on top of this, it could get messy.

[brenn15]

go to the police department and ask for a copy of the police report , its about 5 dollars , then take it to your insurance agent and they will give you the right advice from there

[hob97]

You are supposed to give the letter to your insurance company. It is not her job.

[broehain61]

no law office would send you a letter like that. Show it to your insurance carrier, sound's like a scam to me.

[barend31]

As you know, Michigan insurance laws are quite different than the rest of the country. Your insurance is only liable to the other party for a maximum of $500, and that's only if the other party didn't carry broad form collision coverage.

Simply send the letter to your insurance company and let them deal with it.

By the way, your agent probably didn't notify the claims department, which is required. There's a possibility that only your agent knows about the accident. Call your insurance company's 800 number today, and if a claim isn't filed, get one started.