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California Special Interrogatories

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MOTOR VEHICLE INTERROGATORIES TO DEFENDANTS

Add Case Style

INTERROGATORY NO. 1: State the full name of the defendant answering, as well as your current residence address, date of birth, marital status, driver's license number and issuing state, and social security number, and, if different, give the full name, as well as the current residence address, date of birth, marital status, driver's license number and issuing state, and social security number of the individual signing these answers.

Defendant full name:

Current residence address:

Date of birth:

Marital status:

Driver's license number: Issuing state:

Social security number:

Individual signing these answers, if different:

Full name:

Residence address:

Date of birth:

Marital status:

Driver's license number: Issuing state:

Social security number:

INTERROGATORY NO. 2: State the full name and current residence address of each person who witnessed or claims to have witnessed the occurrence that is the subject of this suit.

Witness 1 name and address:

Witness 2 name and address:

Additional witnesses:

INTERROGATORY NO. 3: State the full name and current residence address of each person not named in interrogatory No. 2 above who was present and/or claims to have been present at the scene immediately before, at the time of, and/or immediately after the occurrence.

Persons present:

INTERROGATORY NO. 4: As a result of the occurrence, were you made a defendant in any criminal or traffic case? If so, state the court, the caption, the case number, the charge or charges filed against you, whether you pleaded guilty thereto and the final disposition.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 5: Were you the owner and/or driver of the vehicle involved in the occurrence? If so, state whether the vehicle was repaired and, if so, state when, where, by whom, and the cost of the repairs.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 6: Were you the owner and/or driver of any vehicle involved in the occurrence? If so, state whether you were named or covered under any policy, or policies, of liability insurance effective on the date of the occurrence and, if so, state the name of each such company or companies, the policy number or numbers, the effective period(s) and the maximum liability limits for each person and each occurrence, including umbrella or excess insurance coverage, property damage and medical payment coverage.

Insurance information:

INTERROGATORY NO. 7: Do you have any information:

(a) That any plaintiff was, within the five years immediately prior to the occurrence, confined in a hospital and/or clinic, treated by a physician and/or other health professional, or x-rayed for any reason other than personal injury? If so, state each plaintiff so involved, the name and address of each such hospital and/or clinic, physician, technician and/or other health care professional, the approximate date of such confinement or service and state the reason for such confinement or service;

(b) That any plaintiff has suffered any serious personal injury and/or illness prior to the date of the occurrence? If so, state the name of each plaintiff so involved and state when, where and how he or she was injured and/or ill and describe the injuries and/or illness suffered;

(c) That any plaintiff has suffered any serious personal injury and/or illness since the date of the occurrence? If so, state the name of each plaintiff so involved and state when, where and how he or she was injured and/or ill and describe the injuries and/or illness suffered;

(d) That any plaintiff has ever filed any other suit for his or her own personal injuries? If so, state the name of each plaintiff so involved and state the court and caption in which filed, the year filed, the title and docket number of the case.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 8: Were any photographs, movies and/or videotapes taken of the scene of the occurrence or of the persons and/or vehicles involved? If so, state the date or dates on which such photographs, movies and/or videotapes were taken, the subject thereof, who now has custody of them, and the name, address and occupation and employer of the person taking them.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 9: Have you (or has anyone acting on your behalf) had any conversations with any person at any time with regard to the manner in which the occurrence complained of occurred, or have you overheard any statements made by any person at any time with regard to the injuries complained of by plaintiff or the manner in which the occurrence complained of occurred? If the answer to this interrogatory is in the affirmative, state the following:

(a) The date or dates of such conversations and/or statements;

(b) The place of such conversations and/or statements;

(c) All persons present for the conversations and/or statements;

(d) The matters and things stated by the person in the conversations and/or statements;

(e) Whether the conversation was oral, written and/or recorded; and

(f) Who has possession of the statement if written and/or recorded.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 10: Do you know of any statements made by any person relating to the occurrence complained of by the plaintiff? If so, give the name and address of each such witness and the date of the statement, and state whether such statement was written and/or oral.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 11: Had you consumed any alcoholic beverage within 12 hours immediately prior to the occurrence? If so, state the names and addresses of those from whom it was obtained, where it was consumed, the particular kind and amount of alcoholic beverage so consumed by you, and the names and current residence addresses of all persons known by you to have knowledge concerning the consumption of the alcoholic beverages.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 12: Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor involving dishonesty, false statement or a felony? If so, state the nature thereof, the date of the conviction, and the court and the caption in which the conviction occurred. For the purpose of this interrogatory, a plea of guilty shall be considered as a conviction.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 13: Had you used any drugs or medications within 24 hours immediately prior to the occurrence? If so, state the names and addresses of those from whom it was obtained, where it was used, the particular kind and amount of drug or medication so used by you, and the names and current residence addresses of all persons known by you to have knowledge concerning the use of the drug or medication.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 14: Were you employed on the date of the occurrence? If so, state the name and address of your employer, and the date of employment and termination, if applicable. If your answer is in the affirmative, state the position, title and nature of your occupational responsibilities with respect to your employment.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 15: What was the purpose and/or use for which the vehicle was being operated at the time of the occurrence?

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 16: State the names and addresses of all persons who have knowledge of the purpose for which the vehicle was being used at the time of the occurrence.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 17: State the name and address of the registered owner of each vehicle involved in the occurrence.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 18: Have you ever had your driver's license suspended or revoked? If so, state whether it was suspended or revoked, the date it was suspended or revoked, the reason for the suspension or revocation, the period of time for which it was suspended or revoked, and the state that issued the license.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 19: Do you have or have you had any restrictions on your driver's license? If so, state the nature of the restrictions.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 20: Do you have any medical and/or physical condition which required a physician's report and/or letter of approval in order to drive? If so, state the nature of the medical and/or physical condition, the physician or other health care professional who issued the letter and/or report, and the names and addresses of any physician or other health care professional who treated you for this condition prior to the occurrence.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 21: State the name and address of any physician, ophthalmologist, optician or other health care professional who performed any eye examination of you within the last five years and the dates of each such examination.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 22: State the name and address of any physician or other health care professional who examined and/or treated you within the last 10 years and the reason for such examination and/or treatment.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 23: Provide the name and address of each witness who will testify at trial and state the subject of each witness' testimony.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 24: Provide the name and address of each opinion witness who will offer any testimony and state:

(a) The subject matter on which the opinion witness is expected to testify;

(b) The conclusions and/or opinions of the opinion witness and the basis therefor, including reports of the witness, if any;

(c) The qualifications of each opinion witness, including a curriculum vitae and/or resume, if any; and

(d) The identity of any written reports of the opinion witness regarding this occurrence.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 25: List the names and addresses of all other persons (other than yourself and persons heretofore listed) who have knowledge of the facts of the occurrence and/or of the injuries and damages claimed to have resulted therefrom.

Answer:

INTERROGATORY NO. 26: Identify any statements, information and/or documents known to you and requested by any of the foregoing interrogatories which you claim to be work product or subject to any common law or statutory privilege, and with respect to each interrogatory, specify the legal basis for the claim.

Answer:

DATED this the day of , 20.

Respectfully Submitted,

_____________________________

_____________________________

Signature

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

This is to certify that I, , have mailed this day, by U.S. Mail, postage fully prepaid, a copy of the above and foregoing interrogatories to:

This the day of , 20.

_____________________________

Signature

Enter text✕

What the California Special Interrogatories Are

California Special Interrogatories are a formal discovery tool used in civil litigation under the California Code of Civil Procedure. They consist of numbered written questions served by one party on another to obtain factual information, admissions, or identification of witnesses and documents. Answers must be signed under penalty of perjury and typically require verification. Special Interrogatories differ from general interrogatories and form interrogatories by their tailored, case-specific questions and are governed by statutory response timing and objection rules in Cal. Code Civ. Proc.

Why Special Interrogatories Matter in California Litigation

Special Interrogatories narrow factual disputes, reveal opposing evidence and refine trial strategy. They produce sworn responses that can be used to impeach testimony, support motions, and limit issues at trial.

Why Special Interrogatories Matter in California Litigation

Who Typically Prepares and Responds to These Interrogatories

Litigation attorneys, paralegals, and party litigants commonly draft and serve special interrogatories to develop facts and preserve sworn statements.

  • Plaintiff counsel seeking admissions and factual detail to support pleadings and motions.
  • Defense counsel using targeted questions to identify weaknesses and prepare defenses.
  • Self-represented litigants who need structured means to request sworn information from the opposing party.

Step-by-step: Preparing and Serving California Special Interrogatories

Follow a clear sequence to draft, serve, and manage responses while preserving objections and privileges.

  • 01
    Draft: Write concise, numbered questions tied to case issues.
  • 02
    Review: Check for privilege, relevance, and proportionality.
  • 03
    Serve: Serve according to court rules and proof-of-service requirements.
  • 04
    Track: Log deadlines, responses, and follow-up meet-and-confer steps.

Configuring an Electronic Workflow for Interrogatories

Set up an e-delivery workflow that captures signing, timestamps, and an audit trail to support admissibility and retention.

Field Configuration
Signer Authentication Email link with optional SMS OTP
Conditional Fields Show follow-ups only when applicable
Reminder Schedule Auto-reminders at 7 and 3 days before deadline
Audit Trail Capture IP, timestamp, and action log

Digital Platforms and Technical Needs

Choose a platform that preserves tamper-evident copies, audit logs, and signer attribution for sworn responses.

  • File formats: PDF or DOCX for stable rendering and redaction capability
  • Integrations: Connect to case management, e-filing, and cloud storage
  • Security: TLS in transit and AES-256 at rest

Typical Online Process for Serving and Responding

An efficient digital process reduces errors and preserves evidentiary metadata for discovery and disposition.

  • Upload Document: Save master interrogatory file as PDF
  • Place Fields: Add signature, date, and verification fields
  • Send to Recipient: Email invite or secure link with instructions
  • Capture Completion: Archive signed PDF with audit trail

Core Elements of a Professional California Special Interrogatories Packet

Include essential components to ensure clarity, compliance, and defensibility in court.

Case Caption

Complete court caption and case number on every page to ensure document association and prevent misfiling during multi-case handling.

Clear Numbering

Sequential interrogatory numbers with cross-reference capability so responses map exactly to the corresponding question without ambiguity.

Concise Questions

Plain-language, single-issue questions reduce objections and focus the opponent’s obligation to provide specific factual answers.

Verification Clause

A signed verification under penalty of perjury (with MM/DD/YYYY date) is required for enforceable answers in California proceedings.

Privilege Log

When asserting privilege, include a narrowly tailored privilege log with document identifiers, dates, authors, and privilege basis.

Service Proof

Attach proof of service showing method, date, recipient, and server to establish the response deadline and proper delivery.

Supporting Documents and Export Options

Prepare companion materials and choose export formats that preserve signatures and metadata for court submission.

Supporting Exhibits

Attach labeled exhibits (A, B, etc.) referenced by question to ensure the responder can identify referenced materials.

Privilege Log Template

Provide a standardized table for asserting privilege without disclosing privileged content unnecessarily.

Proof of Service

Include signed proof indicating date, service method and recipient details consistent with local rules.

Export Formats

Save final files as PDF/A or flattened PDF to preserve appearance and include an audit trail for evidentiary use.

Common Deadlines and Timing Expectations

California statutes and local rules set specific response windows and extension mechanisms for special interrogatories.

Standard Response Time:

30 days from service (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §2030.260)

Extension by Agreement:

Parties may stipulate additional time in writing

Motion to Compel Window:

File after meet-and-confer if response is inadequate

Service by Mail:

Add mailing days per CCP for in-state mail service

Court Calendaring:

Allow extra time for motion briefing and hearing dates

Key Milestones From Service to Resolution

Track milestone dates carefully to preserve remedies and to schedule follow-up actions, motions, and hearings.

01

Serve Interrogatories

Document the service date and method immediately upon delivery.

02

Response Due

Count 30 days from service as the baseline response deadline.

03

Meet-and-Confer

Attempt a good-faith meet-and-confer shortly before moving to compel.

04

Motion to Compel

File if responses are insufficient after meet-and-confer and any stipulated extensions.

Consequences of Improper or Untimely Responses

Motion to Compel: Court-ordered compelled responses and potential discovery sanctions
Monetary Sanctions: Sanctions for failure to cooperate or frivolous objections
Evidence Preclusion: Potential exclusion of evidence or testimony at trial
Adverse Inference: Court may draw negative inferences from noncompliance
Contempt: In rare cases, willful defiance can lead to contempt proceedings
Increased Costs: Additional attorney fees and costs shifted to noncomplying party

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drafting or Responding

  • Overly broad or compound questions that invite objections and make answers ambiguous.
  • Failing to verify answers under penalty of perjury, which can render responses noncompliant.
  • Neglecting to include a clear proof of service showing delivery method and date.
  • Improperly asserting privilege without a privilege log or adequate descriptions of withheld materials.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Snapshot for Handling Interrogatories

Compare baseline pricing and key features relevant to legal workflows. signNow is listed first per vendor-ordering conventions; confirm plan details with each vendor directly.

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Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial, no card Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes (Business Premium) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting

Answers to common procedural and technical questions about preparing, serving, and preserving California Special Interrogatories.


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