Q: I received a summons for an auto accident that occurred after I sold the vehicle. Do I have to appear in court?
The vehicle was bought and the new owner took ownership. Then he got into an accident.
A: You must not ignore the summons. Turn it over to your insurance company right away, along with a copy of the form you filled out and turned in to the Department of Motor Vehicles when you sold it. Be sure not to miss any court deadlines.
Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer
A:
MORE INFO NEEDED BUT I SUSPECT YOU NEVER TRANSFERRED TITLE WITH THE DMV.
YES, YOU SHOULD APPEAR OTHERWISE EVIDENCE WILL BE PRESENTED AND YOUR SIDE WILL NOT BE REPRESENTED LET ALONE EXPLAIN TO THE COURT THAT YOU NO LONGER OWNED THE CAR.
BRING WHATEVER DOCUMENTATION YOU HAVE THAT YOU SOLD THE CAR.
Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer
A:
Mr. Dorfman is right. I'd just say follow up to make sure that it is covered. You should have transfered title and maybe he didn't record it. If you tansfered the plates to your new car paperwork on that would be good.
Likewise if you kept your car insurance, they should cover you for allegations involving a previously owned vehicle but if they don't you need to be sure to enter an appearance "Pro se" and also file an answer to the complaint within the time allowed. Don't let it go to default, because then even if you are totally not to blame for that crash you will have a hard time avoiding getting stuck with it.
Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer
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A: Yes. You are obligated to go. At court explain to the court you sold the car. Provide name , address and telephone number of the person to whom you sold your car.
Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer
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