What happens if the cover sheet is missing or wrong?

The clerk must still file the paper — the rule says so in terms. But the party, their lawyer, or both can be sanctioned for failing to file a required cover sheet. So a defective cover sheet does not stop a case; it creates a separate problem.

Is the case type on the cover sheet what my case is about?

Not exactly. It is a statistical and administrative classification that helps the court assign and count cases. It does not limit what can be alleged in the complaint, and picking one box does not waive anything.

Which box does a car accident go in?

The form has an Auto Tort heading with "Auto (22) — Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death", and a separate entry for uninsured motorist claims subject to arbitration, which the form says to check instead of Auto where it applies.

CM-010, the California Civil Case Cover Sheet

Reviewed by Slick Nick, California licensed attorney · State Bar #324789 · Last updated September 1, 2026

CM-010, "Civil Case Cover Sheet". Unlike the complaint form, this one is mandatory — the form's own footer says so — and the current revision is July 1, 2026. This page explains what it asks for. It does not tell you what to write, and it is not legal advice. The official form.

When it is filed, and what happens if it is not

The rule is that the first paper filed in an action must be accompanied by a case cover sheet, and CM-010 is the one required in civil actions — excluding small claims, and matters filed under the Probate, Family or Welfare and Institutions Codes. It is filed alongside any cover sheet the local court also requires, which in Los Angeles means an addendum as well.

If it is missing, defective or incomplete when the first paper is submitted, the clerk must still file the paper. That is worth knowing, because it is often described as though the filing bounces. It does not. What can follow instead is a sanction against the party, the lawyer, or both.

The Los Angeles addendum filed with it.

Item 1 — the case type

A single primary case type is checked from a long list grouped under headings. The groups that carry personal injury work are these.

Auto Tort. "Auto (22) — Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death", and "Uninsured Motorist (46)", which the form directs you to check instead of Auto where the case involves an uninsured motorist claim subject to arbitration. Uninsured motorist claims.
Other PI/PD/WD — personal injury, property damage or wrongful death not arising from a vehicle. It contains Asbestos (04), Product Liability (24), Medical Malpractice (45), and Other PI/PD/WD (23), which itself lists premises liability with the example "slip and fall", intentional bodily injury, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Non-PI/PD/WD (Other) Tort — business torts, civil rights, defamation, fraud, professional negligence and the like, for claims that are not about physical injury.

Each entry carries a two-digit number in brackets. Those numbers are the court's internal codes, and they are the reason this form exists.

Items 2 to 6

2. Is the case complex?: A yes or no under the complex-case rule, and if yes, a checklist of the factors requiring exceptional judicial management: a large number of separately represented parties, a substantial amount of documentary evidence, a large number of witnesses, coordination with related actions in other courts, and substantial postjudgment judicial supervision.
3. Remedies sought: Check all that apply: monetary; nonmonetary, declaratory or injunctive relief; and punitive.
4. Number of causes of action: A count, specified.
5. Is this a class action?: Yes or no.
6. Related cases: Whether any known related cases exist, with a note that form CM-015 may be used to give notice of them.
Date and signature: Typed or printed name, and the signature of the party or the attorney for the party.

The notice on page 1, in plain terms

The form carries a notice addressed to plaintiffs and others filing first papers, which says the cover sheet must be completed and filed with the first paper, and that failure may result in sanctions. There are separate notices for parties in collections cases and in complex cases. Page 3 is headed "for information purposes only" and is the full list of case types with examples — it is not filled in.

Common questions

What happens if the cover sheet is missing or wrong?: The clerk must still file the paper — the rule says so in terms. But the party, their lawyer, or both can be sanctioned for failing to file a required cover sheet. So a defective cover sheet does not stop a case; it creates a separate problem.
Is the case type on the cover sheet what my case is about?: Not exactly. It is a statistical and administrative classification that helps the court assign and count cases. It does not limit what can be alleged in the complaint, and picking one box does not waive anything.
Which box does a car accident go in?: The form has an Auto Tort heading with "Auto (22) — Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death", and a separate entry for uninsured motorist claims subject to arbitration, which the form says to check instead of Auto where it applies.

Start a case review call

On a case review call, I go through the facts with you: what happened, when, whether you were hurt, whether anyone represents you, and how to reach you. It is not legal advice, and I will not put a value on your claim.

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Sources: CM-010, Civil Case Cover Sheet, Judicial Council of California — the form's own footer gives "Mandatory Form", revised July 1, 2026, authority Cal. Rules of Court, rules 2.30, 3.220, 3.400–3.403, 3.740; Cal. Stds. Jud. Admin., std. 3.10. Item and case-type text read from the published form, retrieved 1 September 2026. Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.220 (cover sheet required with the first paper; the clerk must file the paper even if the sheet is missing or defective; sanctions under rule 2.30).