By David Goguen , J.D. University of San Francisco School of Law
Updated by Stacy Barrett , Attorney UC Law San Francisco
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Your notification letter should be a simple typed or printed letter that provides only basic information about the accident and requests a response. A notification letter should never get into issues like who was at fault for the accident or the extent of your car accident injuries. You'll have plenty of time to dive into those issues in depth later in the process. For now, just include the fact that you were injured and the date, time, and location of the accident.
If you're sending your letter directly to a car insurance company, ask the company to confirm by return letter who it represents and whether the insurer is aware of anyone else who might be responsible for the accident.
Below are two sample notification letters, using "Maria Jones" as our fictional injured driver.
Maria Jones
123 Pine Street
San Dimas, TX 00000
February 12, 20xx
Henry Parks
45 Webster Avenue
Hollowtown, TX 00000
You and I were involved in an automobile accident on February 9, 20xx at the intersection of 4th Street and Appian Way in San Dimas, Texas. I was injured in the crash, and my car was damaged. Please provide me with the name and address of your insurer and forward this letter to your insurance carrier.
Very truly yours,
Maria Jones
123 Pine Street
San Dimas, TX 00000
February 12, 20xx
Claims Department
Safety Plus Insurance Company
888 Pesky Boulevard
Dallas, TX 00000
Re: Insured, Maria Jones
Policy No. 9HQ-678-B
Date of Accident: February 9, 20xx
Dear Claims Department:
I was involved in an automobile accident on February 9, 20xx at the intersection of 4th Street and Appian Way in San Dimas, Texas. I suffered injuries and vehicle damage in the accident.
The other person involved in the accident was Henry Parks, 45 Webster Avenue, Hollowtown, Texas 12346. He was driving a red 2015 Chevrolet pickup with Texas license plate number B899 324.
At this time, I intend to proceed against Mr. Parks rather than file a claim under my own medical payments or collision coverage. However, I reserve the right to file a claim under either or both of those coverages.
Very truly yours,
Get more tips on resolving an injury claim after a car accident. And for a step-by-step guide to successfully navigating any kind of personal injury case, get How to Win Your Personal Injury Claim by Joseph L. Matthews (Nolo).