need to make a "BONA FIDE EFFORT TO COLLECT" before I make the claim

[mrwabba]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Oregon

I was involved in a car accident that I was determined to be not at fault, and the other driver had no insurance. I know the other driver won't just pay for the damages outright, but the form that starts the claim says that I had to make a "bona fide effort to collect" prior to starting the claim.

http://courts.oregon.gov/Washington/docs/civil/SmallClaim_Claim.pdf

So do I just need to send the guy a letter saying he owes me X amount for damages to my car, give him so many days to respond, or I'll take him to court? Is there like a standard form for this or do I just make it up? Any help would be great, as this is my first and hopefully last lawsuit.

 

[ecmst12]

Send the letter (via certified mail with return receipt)....just make something up, keep it simple and professional. You can put 10 days in the letter but wait a bit longer then that just to be generous. Then file suit.