Suppose a driver accidentally bumped into your car. You were uninjured and didn’t think the impact was that bad. So, you decided to let it go and go about your day as normal. However, when you get home, you look closer at your car and discover damage that would cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair. So, what do you do?
Fortunately, you can still file a liability claim by hiring a car accident lawyer and seeking compensation for the damages. However, you have to send a court summons to the person who caused the accident. Conversely, if you’ve received a court summons for an accident, it doesn’t mean you’re getting sued right away.
In either case, both parties need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities by learning how to handle a Nevada car accident court summons.
What Is a Court Summons?
A court summons is a legal document that puts a defendant on notice that they must appear in court to defend themselves against a civil lawsuit. They can also demand the defendant to answer for a minor criminal charge depending on the circumstances. The document typically contains the name and address of the court, the parties’ names and contact, the complaint, and the case’s docket number.
Understanding the Plaintiff’s Responsibilities in a Nevada Car Accident Court Summons
If you’re the victim of a car accident in Nevada whose claim leads to a court summons issuance, it’s your legal responsibility to prove the other party caused the accident and is responsible for any damage or injury. The judge will require you to present relevant evidence to back your claim, such as a dash cam or CCTV footage, police report, witness testimonies, etc.
Understanding the Defendant’s Responsibilities in a Nevada Car Accident Court Summons
If you’ve received a court summons as a defendant, you should consider having an attorney represent you. Receiving a summons doesn’t mean you’re being sued (yet). However, the last thing you want is to have your testimony contain incriminating statements that lead to a lawsuit. Moreover, even if you feel you’ve received the summons by accident, you still need to respond and appear in court to clear yourself of any charges.
Contact a Nevada Car Accident Lawyer Right Away!
Learning how to handle a Nevada car accident court summons process isn’t too complicated. However, you need to do your due diligence and procure the necessary evidence to prove fault and get the compensation you deserve. On the flip side, you may also need to prepare for your court date if you’re receiving a court summons.
Therefore, it’s highly recommended that you seek quality legal representation to guide you through the legal process in either case.
Bourassa Law Group has an experienced and highly reputable team of Nevada car accident attorneys who will listen carefully to the details of your accident and help you with the court summons and litigation process. So, feel free to contact us for a consultation at 800-870-8910 and let us discuss your case in detail.
