When you’re hurt in an accident that was caused by someone else’s carelessness, your options are pretty clear. But you might be wondering what happens if the roles are reversed–someone sues you after an accident. While our team at Maison Law helps people through the claims process when they file one, we can still explain the process and what your options are. Set up a free consultation today.
What Should I Do If Someone Sues Me After an Accident in California?
It’s pretty scary when someone files a claim against you–especially a lawsuit. And even though there’s a lot of uncertainty, it brings up a key question: what should you do? Here’s a practical way to handle it:
- Don’t ignore it. It sounds simple, but ignoring the lawsuit can be dangerous. California courts can rule against you automatically if you miss deadlines. The first thing you should do is read the papers carefully and mark the response deadline on your calendar.
- Call your insurance. If the accident involved your car, home, or business, your insurance may cover your legal costs. Get ahold of them right away and give them a copy of the lawsuit. They’ll guide you on what’s covered and may even handle the legal side for you.
- Respond by the deadline. In most California lawsuits, you have 30 days to respond from the day you’re served. You’ll either file an Answer (your side of the story) or sometimes a Demurrer (a legal objection). Missing this window can cost you the case without a fight.
- Get evidence together. Once your response is taken care of (and even before), you’ll want to start getting evidence together. This could be:
- Photos or videos of what happened
- Police or incident reports
- Witness names and contact info
- Any messages or emails with the other person
The more organized you are, the stronger your defense can be.
- Watch what you say. Don’t post about the accident on social media or talk directly to the person suing you. Anything you say (or post) could be used against you.
- Consider settling out of court. A lot of these cases never make it to court, even with a lawsuit. Talk to your defense lawyer to see if they can negotiate a settlement that avoids a long, stressful trial. Sometimes settling is the fastest, least painful option.
The key is to act quickly, stay organized, and get professional help. The sooner you respond and gather your evidence, the better your chances of keeping this from turning into a huge headache.
Get Legal Guidance From Maison Law in California
Accidents happen every day in California. Even when it feels overwhelming, you don’t have to go through it alone. If you’ve been injured and aren’t sure what to do next, Maison Law can help you understand your options and guide you through the process—step by step. Reach out to our California personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.
