Legal Question in Personal Injury in Missouri

I was in a car accident last november where I was at fault. I have gone to city court, paid my fines and completed the classes ordered to me and im now being sued by the individual whom I hit for 15,000. I did not have insurance at that time. A family member of mine was served with papers ordering me to court 8 hrs away from where I live and it was schedualed for the next day. I didnt make it and am not sure what I should do next. I am trying to rent a house which will be approved as long as my wages will not be garnished due to this accident. Is it possible and/or probable that my wages will be garnished for this?


Asked on 8/03/11, 10:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Spencer Farris The S.E. Farris Law Firm

Hire an attorney right away!

Your story doesn't make sense to me- you would have been sued in the county where the wreck happened, and I can't think of a place in Missouri that it takes 8 hours to drive to. That being said, if you were served with papers, you have 30 days to respond, and if a default was entered (which probably happened if you didn't show up) you have 30 days to ask the court to set it aside.

As for the garnishment question, it is worse than that. If you have a judgment against you, they will garnish wages, bank accounts and take any assets you have to satisfy the judgment.

You made a mistake by having the wreck, and a mistake by driving without insurance. Don't make the mistake of ignoring a $15,000 judgment against you!

Good luck.

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Answered on 8/04/11, 9:17 am


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