Judge: Lisa R. Jaskol, Case: 22STCV39084, Date: 2024-07-30 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 22STCV39084    Hearing Date: July 30, 2024    Dept: 28

On December 16, 2022, Plaintiffs Alejandro Trejo and Daniel Barajas filed this action against Defendants Henry Nash (“Defendant”) and Does 1-10 for motor vehicle tort and general negligence. 

          On January 24, 2023, Plaintiffs filed a proof of service showing personal service on Defendant of the summons, complaint, and other documents on January 19, 2023. 

          On May 13, 2024, Plaintiffs filed a proof of service showing substituted service on Defendant of statements of damages on April 10, 2024. 

          On May 28, 2024, Defendant filed an answer. 

          On May 29, 2024, the clerk entered Defendant’s default. 

          On June 3, 2024, Plaintiffs filed applications for default judgment.  Also on June 3, 2024, the Court dismissed the Doe defendants without prejudice at Plaintiffs’ request. 

          The Court vacates the default entered on May 29, 2024.  Defendant filed an answer before the clerk entered the default.  Therefore, the default was improper.  For the same reason, the Court also denies Plaintiffs’ applications for default judgment. 

          The Court will schedule a trial setting conference on a date to be determined by the Judicial Assistant.