What to do if I was summoned to court regarding a car accident but I provided my car insurance carrier of this matter and assumed everything was taken care of?
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What to do if I was summoned to court regarding a car accident but I provided my car insurance carrier of this matter and assumed everything was taken care of?
Should I appear in court or should I provide the plaintiff with all my car insurance carriers at the time information? I don’t understand why I would have to go to court when I am clearly not at fault. I have full coverage insurance than and now, I provided information to the police on the date of the incident and my insurance carrier were made aware of the incident than as well? The accident occurred over 2 years ago.
Asked on July 19, 2014 under Accident Law, Illinois
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
ALWAYS show up to court--if you don't, you will lose by default (like forfeiting a ball game by not showing up). Forward the summons and complaint to your insurer--it's possible the other side did not contact them, which is why they haven't done anything--and ask them about the status of this matter. The other side is NOT required to try to claim through your insurer first; they are legally entitled to file a lawsuit against you, and you in turn would bring your insurer (assuming you have relevant coverage) into the matter.
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