Your Questions about Initiating a Car Accident Lawsuit in Ventura, California Answered: How Do I Give Notice to the Driver Who Injured Me that I am Suing?

After a serious car accident in Ventura, a Ventura car accident victim often must deal with medical bills, insurance claims, lost wages, and physical and emotional stress. Moreover, the last thing most Ventura car accident victims want is uncertainty over how to start a lawsuit against the negligent driver that injured them. Yet the legal mechanics, such as how you formally notify (serve) the person who harmed you, are critical to success in a Ventura car accident case. For example, if the plaintiff victim does not give the defendant (the liable party) proper notice, the case may be delayed or even dismissed. In this article we walk through how the notice process works in Ventura car accident lawsuits and why legal help is so important.

The Notice Process in Ventura Car Accident Lawsuits: What is It?

After a Ventura car accident victim files a lawsuit in court, they must notify all named parties that the lawsuit has been initiated. Under the law, service of the notice of a new lawsuit must typically be performed by someone over the age of 18 and who is not a party to the case. That person is often a process server, county sheriff or marshal, or another type of authorized person. The process server delivers the complaint and summons (the document notifying the party that the lawsuit has been initiated against them, and that they must respond within the time limits set by the law) by hand (personal service) or via substituted service (leaving it with someone else at the defendant’s address and mailing a copy), or in some cases via certified mail with acknowledgment. After service is effectuated, the server typically fills out a Proof of Service form, detailing when, where, and how service was completed, and this form is then filed with the court.

The Importance of Legal Help Initiating a New Ventura Car Accident Lawsuit

There is no question that serving all defendants correctly is essential for a Ventura car accident victim’s case to move forward. As such, working with an experienced Ventura car accident lawyer that knows the ins-and-outs of the laws, rules, and the process can be a big help. An experienced Ventura car accident lawyer can file your lawsuit in court, arrange for a reliable process server to ensure the documents are correctly served, and ensure that no step is skipped. They will also know when substituted service or alternative methods are appropriate if a defendant is evading service or can’t be located. If service is challenged or deemed defective, the attorney can correct and/or re-serve properly. In short, your Ventura car accident lawyer can make sure all notice requirements are satisfied so you can focus on healing.

If you were injured in a car accident in Ventura and you are considering or are already pursuing a lawsuit, know that you do not have to go it alone. You can work with an experienced Ventura car accident lawyer who understands how to initiate lawsuits, serve defendants properly, and who will guide your case from beginning to end. The experienced Ventura car accident lawyers at Zavala Law, PC are here to help victims of serious car accidents in Ventura get justice for their injuries and losses. Contact Zavala Law, PC today and speak with a lawyer now.