Detroit Claims Section in Detroit: How to Reach Them

05 After a crash: reports, claims and records

Detroit

Government agency

Takes notarized notice-of-claim forms for injuries or property damage caused by the City, including DDOT buses, city vehicles, potholes and sidewalks. The form must be filed within 45 days of the incident.

What it is

The Claims Section of the Detroit Law Department investigates and tries to settle claims that the City caused someone's injury or property damage. It is meant as a simpler route than a lawsuit.

Why it matters

If a city bus, truck, pothole or broken sidewalk hurt you, the City has a short window to be told. The form says notice must be filed no later than 45 days from the accident, and it must be notarized.

What to know first

The City's own page warns that filing this form does not satisfy the separate notice rules in Michigan's governmental immunity law, which have their own deadlines. Talking to a lawyer early protects both deadlines.

Limits and eligibility

Only for money claims against the City of Detroit for injury or property damage; it does not take complaints about city services, and filing it does not replace the separate pre-suit notice Michigan law requires.

What to have ready

Date, time and exact location of the incident
Photos, witness names and phone numbers
Medical bills or two repair estimates
Your insurance company and policy number

Languages

Claim form available in English, Spanish and Arabic

How to reach them