Canadian hit by driver during cancer ride is told by insurance the charity is liable

Erin Townley was hit by a driver 5 years ago, but the civil case lingers as her insurance company has submitted documents suggesting that third parties, including her father and the cancer charity, might share liability for her injuries. This is despite the fact that the driver responsible for the collision was convicted and imprisoned in 2021.

Frustrated by the prolonged process, Townley expressed her desire for resolution and an end to the uncertainty surrounding her situation.

Insurance policy failed her

“I’m really struggling with many of these people who have been listed, and obviously my father, who rode up onto the scene and who witnessed me covered in my own blood with my arm hanging off of my body,” Townley said to the CBC.”I had an insurance policy that was supposed to be there for me in the event something like this ever happened. It’s proven more difficult than what I understood the policy to be.”

Documents show that B.C. cyclist billed $3,700 after collision was not at fault, but decision was overruled

TD Insurance, the parent company of Townley’s insurance provider, refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation, stating in an email to the CBC that its focus is on supporting customers and providing coverage per their policy.

Ride was in 2018

The legal battle stems from a 2018 charity bike ride organized by a group called People On Bikes. The ride was aiming to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer Canada. Townley, a resident of Calgary, participated in support of her father, the founder of People On Bikes, and to honor her grandmother who succumbed to pancreatic cancer in 2011.

During the ride near Kingston, Ontario, a cyclist hit a pothole. That prompted a van to slow down and provide space for the group. However, a speeding driver passed the van. The motorist then swerved onto the side of the road, and struck several cyclists. This resulted in one fatality and severe injuries for Townley. Jeff Vervaeke, 44 of Waterdown, Ont. was killed.

Driver was uninsured

The driver, Robert Saunders, was convicted in 2021, but was uninsured. Townley filed a 44R claim
(family protection endorsement) against her insurance company, Security National Insurance Company, a TD subsidiary. This clause is designed to protect the client if the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured.

Insurance company alleges charity didn’t protect riders

Security National is contesting Townley’s claim and, in 2022, filed a third-party claim. It named…