Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California
summons/being sued
i got into an accident in 2006 and now i get a summons to be sued and i don't know what to do? i went and got and answer form from torrance civil office. the summons said i need a lawyer, i'm a single mother, and a recovering addict on welfare just got back into school... i have no manoy what can they do to me and how do i respond to the summons?
4 Answers from Attorneys
Re: summons/being sued
Did you have insurance at the time? If so report to them and they will handle.
If not you need to either hire an attorney or prepare an answer and prepare to defend. If they find out your situation, they may eventually drop the case but you still must be prepared to defend.
Re: summons/being sued
Call the auto insurance carrier who insured you back in 2006. They will give you a free lawyer. Were you uninsured? Not to worry. The lawsuit might have been filed too late, and you don't have much if anything to lose, do you? I'm sure you'll at least be able to find a lawyer to look at the lawsuit and give you some basic advice. Recommend you not attempt an answer without consulting a lawyer first.
Re: summons/being sued
If you had car insurance at the time, as required by law, turn it over to them to handle. If you didn't, you'll have to defend this yourself. See if you can find a legal 'clinic' local to you to help you. Check with your court clerk's office to see if they have a list.
Re: summons/being sued
If you had car insurance at the time, as required by law, turn it over to them to handle. If you didn't, you'll have to defend this yourself. See if you can find a legal 'clinic' local to you to help you. Check with your court clerk's office to see if they have a list.