If a summons with erroneous address was sent to me, is it valid?
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If a summons with erroneous address was sent to me, is it valid?
While riding my bike 4 years ago I was hit by a car. The driver is suing for damages in a remote court in another state. Summons was sent to an old address that I haven’t lived at in years. Since I live out-of-state, far away from either the site of accident or the courthouse and the summons was sent to the wrong address, do I still need to show up at the hearing? What are my next steps?
Asked on March 29, 2012 under Accident Law, District of Columbia
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Technically the summons and complaint against you that was sent to you at the wrong address could be deemed invalid service, however you somehow received a copy of such. As a matter of law, you are on notice of the lawsuit have would appear to have been validly served with process regardless of the bad address.
With that being said, I suggest that you appear at the hearing and defend yourself. Before you do so, you should consult with an attorney who is a general practice attorney.
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