Case Name: Thomas Snyder, Adm'r of the estate of John W. Snyder, deceased v. Steven Andrew Masschelin et al.
Court: Fairfax County Circuit Court
Jurisdiction: Virginia
Decision Date: 1988-05-04
Citations: 18 Va. Cir. 27
Docket Number: Case No. (Law) 80788
Parties: Thomas Snyder, Adm’r of the estate of John W. Snyder, deceased v. Steven Andrew Masschelin et al.
Judges: 
Reporter: Virginia Circuit Court Opinions
Volume: 18
Pages: 27–28

Head Matter:
CIRCUIT COURT OF FAIRFAX COUNTY
Thomas Snyder, Adm’r of the estate of John W. Snyder, deceased v. Steven Andrew Masschelin et al.
May 4, 1988
Case No. (Law) 80788

Opinion:
By JUDGE THOMAS J. MIDDLETON
This matter comes before the Court for entry of a default judgment against co-defendant, Steven Andrew Masschelin. The Order is rejected.
Plaintiff's decedent was a passenger in an automobile driven by Sharon Smith. Smith's father, William M. Smith, had the vehicle insured under a motor vehicle liability policy issued by the Traveler's Indemnity of America insurance Company (The Travelers). This policy contained an uninsured motorist clause. Plaintiff's decedent was injured as a result of a collision between the car driven by Smith and one driven by the co-defendant Steven Andrew Masschelin, an uninsured motorist.
Plaintiff's decedent filed suit against Masschelin and the Traveler's for the resulting injuries. Both parties were properly served process; however, Masschelin failed to answer within the statutory twenty-one day limitation. The Travelers filed a timely answer and grounds of defense. Plaintiff's decedent now seeks entry of a default judgment against Masschelin for failing to file a timely answer.
The Virginia Uninsured Motorist Statute provides that "[t]he insurer shall then have the right to file pleadings and take other action allowable by law in the name of the owner or operator of the uninsured . . . motor vehicle or in its own name . . . . " Va. Code Section 38.2-2206(f).
Since the insurance company has filed an answer to the Plaintiff's Motion for Judgment, pursuant to the Uninsured Motorist Statute, there can be no default against the defendant, Masschelin. A default issued against the co-defendant would adversely affect the statutory right of the insurance company to properly defend this action.