Day filed a personal injury action against Burnett but that action was subsequently dismissed on the basis that Day failed to exercise due diligence in attempting to perfect timely service on Burnett. See Day v. Burnett, 189 Ga. App. 905 ( 377 S.E.2d 734) (1989). Day filed the present action on December 5, 1988, seeking property damage to her automobile and punitive damages.