MPI sues rural municipality over snowplow collision

MPI sues rural municipality over snowplow collision | Insurance Business Canada

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MPI sues rural municipality over snowplow collision

It is seeking over $30,000 in damages

Insurance News

By
Mika Pangilinan

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has initiated a lawsuit against a rural municipality following a collision involving an improperly certified snowplow.

According to a statement of claim filed in the Court of King’s Bench, the Crown corporation is seeking $38,586 in damages from the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman and the contractor responsible for the snowplow, in addition to court costs. Minitonas-Bowsman is located approximately 500 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg.

The snowplow operator collided with a 2021 Ford Edge Titanium insured by MPI on February 14, 2022, according to the lawsuit.

MPI alleged that the municipality allowed an equipment operator to use a Toromont Cat snow-clearing machine without complete registration. Vehicles must have a valid owner’s certificate and registration card to ensure proper insurance coverage.

According to MPI, the snowplow operator was negligent by driving recklessly and at excessive speed. It also asserted that the operator failed to apply the brakes or steer away from the vehicle.

As a result of the collision, the Ford was severely damaged and had to be scrapped for $12,310, with MPI covering expenses for towing, storage, tear-downs, and the deductible, among other costs.

The municipality has yet to submit a statement of defence. Officials also declined to comment on the ongoing lawsuit, according to the Winnipeg Free Press.

This lawsuit alleged that the damage to the vehicles were caused by defects in repairs made by the company Winitec, which was contracted by the provincial government to mill down the roadway and resurface it with new concrete and/or asphalt.

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