Barkey v. Aviva
Morgan Norma Barkey
Law Firm / Organization
Switzer Litigation
Lawyer(s)

Michael R. Switzer

John Doe
Law Firm / Organization
Not Specified
Aviva Insurance Company of Canada
Law Firm / Organization
McCague Borlack LLP
Lawyer(s)

Siobhan McClelland

·  Case Background: Morgan Norma Barkey (Plaintiff) sued Aviva Insurance Company (Defendant) under her policy's unidentified driver coverage after a rear-end collision at a Starbucks drive-thru. The driver who hit her left without providing identifying information.

·  Defendant's Argument:

  • The Plaintiff could have identified the driver through reasonable due diligence.
  • The Plaintiff failed to report the collision to the police within 24 hours or notify the insurer properly, as required by the policy.

·  Legal Issues:

  • Whether there is a genuine issue requiring a trial on whether the Plaintiff failed to perform due diligence in identifying the other driver.
  • Whether the Plaintiff failed to meet statutory notice requirements under the Insurance Act.

·  Court's Analysis:

  • The Plaintiff's evidence suggested she was in shock and potentially concussed, which could explain her failure to collect the other driver's information.
  • Medical evidence, although procedurally flawed in submission, was considered relevant to the Plaintiff's condition post-collision.
  • The court found that there is a genuine issue for trial regarding the Plaintiff’s ability to identify the other driver and the potential applicability of relief against forfeiture for non-compliance with statutory notice requirements.

·  Outcome:

  • Aviva’s motion for summary judgment was dismissed. The case will proceed to trial to resolve the issues raised. No monetary award was specified in the decision.
Superior Court of Justice - Ontario
CV-21-86702
Insurance law
Plaintiff