East Orange, NJ asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Personal Injury, Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for New Jersey

Q: If a judgement was rendered on a matter that I failed to submit an answer, do I have any option to appeal?

I received a summons and failed to provide so answer in the allotted time. A judgment was rendered and I have not satisfied it. The judgement was regarding an accident I got into in 2019, I was uninsured at the time. There were only paint scratches to the other person’s car, but they sued me for over $30,000. I wanted to fight it, but I was going through some things at the time and I was unable to find any representation. Is there anything I can do at this time? Can I still fight the judgment? Is there any way to appeal the judgment?

2 Lawyer Answers
Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Las Vegas, NV

A: Depending on how long ago it was, you may be able to file a motion to set aside based on excusable neglect.

Leonard R. Boyer
Leonard R. Boyer pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Clifton, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: I agree with the answer provided by my learned colleague attorney Selik, But you also need to know that statistically speaking most appeals are NOT successful and it is not a new trial. An appeal is very expensive.

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