What is the test for joinder in a personal injury action?

To accomplish joinder, actual notice is insufficient. (Ruttenberg v. Ruttenberg (1997) 53 Cal.App.4th 801, 808-809.) "A party cannot be properly joined unless served with the summons and complaint; notice does not substitute for proper service. Until statutory requirements are satisfied, the court lacks jurisdiction over a defendant. [Citations.] Without personal jurisdiction over [Harmer], the judgment . . . is ineffective as to [him]. [Citation.]" (Ibid.)