Legal Question in Civil Litigation in North Carolina

Answering a Civil Summons on my own

I was served a civil summons relating to my being sued in a car accident which occured 3 years ago. According to the summons I have to answer a series of questions attached. These questions anything from my being negligent in the accident to current contact information. My thirty days for responding is nearly up. I am still trying to find a lawyer to handle my case, in the meantime what do I do about answering the summons? I have only two days to comply.


Asked on 4/28/03, 2:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

John Kirby Law Offices of John M. Kirby

Re: Answering a Civil Summons on my own

Yikes. You might be in trouble. You need to primarily forward that information to your insurance company; i.e. your automobile liability insurance company. I would suggest that you contact your local agent NOW. If you do not answer within 30 days, then you will be subject to an "entry of default" and ultimately a "default judgment." I would suggest with all due haste that you contact your insurance company and try to get a lawyer. If all else fails, try to prepare the Answer yourself and (a) mail ("serve") it to the Plaintiff's lawyer and (b) file it with the Clerk of Court (in the appropriate County).

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Answered on 4/28/03, 9:14 pm


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