A summons and complaint will often include fictitiously named defendants, referred to as "Doe" defendants. It is common to name 10, 25 or 100 Doe defendants in a lawsuit. The purpose is for the plaintiff to more easily bring in as defendants the parties for whom the plaintiff does not currently know their true identities. These other fictitiously named parties are initially referred to as Doe defendants. The plaintiff can later file an amendment to the complaint to allege the true identities if and when they are ascertained. In an auto related case, the Doe defendants (if any) might be the owner of the vehicle, the manufacturer of involved vehicles, and potentially a public entity in a dangerous condition case.

As for you, you will need to file an answer or other responsive pleading with the court within 30 days after you were served with the summons and complaint.

In a civil action the plaintiff will typically identify "Doe" defendants. This is an abbreviation of the term "John Doe" and represents a fictitious name for persons who may have liability but whose identities are currently unknown to the plaintiff. In a motor vehicle case this might, depending on circumstances include a vehicle owner and/or an employer among others. Identifying "Does 1 to 20" represents an abundance of caution, as in most auto cases it is unlikely there would be that many unknown persons with potential liability.

You need to respond to the summons and complaint promptly, typically you must do so within 30 days of service of the summons and complaint on you. A failure to do so could result in a default judgment being entered against you, including an award of potentially substantial damages. You should notify your auto insurer immediately which will likely result in counsel being assigned to defend you.