bro i can understand your problem since i had a similar experience but then my case was settled down before it appeared in court. i also had accident in DC area (just a minor accident) but later on that dhoti cab driver made it a big deal and tried to get money from my insurance company showing body injury which was not even true. but since my insurance company did not pay as he claimed he individually sued me for 39,000 dollar. i thought the claim was settled but when i received a call from my insurance company informing that i was sued i was shocked. it was after 7 months from the accident date. but then i never received my legal papers on hand coz i had moved out from my previous add and they did not had the new add except for the insurance company. my insurance company did not gave them my new add and so the paper never reached me. i asked the company whether i should pick the papers but they said i don't have to coz its their responsibility to find my new add. well the dhoti was really stupid to claim 39,000 dollars as their was nothing much damage caused and the car was not towed, neither of us was taken to hospital............comon it was just a minor accident but after all dhoti nai ta paryo. i had not done the body work for my car so i took some of the pictures and send it to the insurance company to notify that it was a minor accident. the laywer from the dhoti side may have thought that they were infact acting as smart assssss so they moved back before appearing to the court and settled for 9,000 dollar which is pretty high too but as long as i did not pay for it i am good. but right now, it is really affecting me as my insurance went up really high coz of that freaking accident. so be careful and talk to the insurance company they can help you out. sorry did not had any clue about how not to appear before court. but i think you should go to court if not it can weaken your case.