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