File a police report. This is important even if the other driver is willing to pay for the damage. The police report will document the accident and help protect you if the other driver changes his or her mind about paying.
Contact your insurance company. Even if the other driver plans to pay you for the cost of damages, you should still file a claim with your insurance company. Your insurance company can help you get your car repaired and may be able to recover the cost of damages from the other driver's insurance company.
Send a demand letter to the other driver. This letter should include the following information:
- Your name and contact information
-The other driver's name and contact information
-The date and location of the accident
-Description of the damage to your car
-A demand for payment for the cost of repairs
-A deadline for payment (e.g., 14 days)
If the other driver does not pay, take the following steps:
-File a lawsuit in small claims court. If the other driver still refuses to pay, you can sue him or her in small claims court. To file a lawsuit, you will need to:
Fill out a complaint form and pay a filing fee
Serve the complaint on the other driver
Appear in court for a hearing
-Consider hiring a lawyer. If the case is complex or the amount of damages is significant, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer to represent you. A lawyer can help you with filing your lawsuit and representing you in court.
If you have taken all of these steps and you still cannot recover the cost of damages, you may want to consider filing a complaint with the state attorney general's office or the Better Business Bureau.
