just been served summons for something i never did!

[sukhpreet]

I live in New Jersey.


I've just been served summons for being involved in an auto accident in California. The problem is i've never been to California. One of the defendents' name is identical to mine though.

This is clearly a case of mistaken or stolen identity. What must I do? Can i simply ignore the summons? I feel that i shouldn't have to spend money and undergo the harassment that is "the legal process" for no mistake of mine.

I'd appreciate the advice. Thank you.

 

[KingV]

I wouldn't ignore it.

Best bet is to just call up whatever courthouse is involved and tell them that you're not this person and have never been to CA.

Is there any other particular identifying information other than name and address? A driver's license or social security number, perhaps, that is clearly not yours?

 

[Juan Rodriguez]

It is better to have this taken care of the right way now. If you get a judgment against you even under mistaken identity it will cost alot more to fix than to have your insurance company defend you now for free.

Fax and then mail (certified return reciept) to you insurance company with the proof you were never in CA. They should take care of the rest.

 

[sukhpreet]

this was in 2001

thank you for your responses guys but there's another bit of trouble. This alleged accident was in year 2001 and i didn't even own a car at that time, so no insurance not to mention what a pain it's going to be to prove i was in 2001...anyone else been thru something similar and would like to share their experience. I'd be much obliged.

 

[mikkey5]

How about this........

Find your 2001 tax forms, and make a copy of the W2's and send it to them....

How could you be in CA if you had a full time job in NJ?

Contact your old job, and see if they have a time sheet/old pay stub for you on the date you were supposed to be in CA.