Preview
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF QUEENS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- X Index No.: 716085/2022
ILYAS AKSABAEV,
Plaintiff,
DEFENDANT’S VERIFIED
-against- ANSWER
GREENWICH INSURANCE COMPANY, STEADFAST
INSURANCE COMPANY, INDIAN HARBOR INSURANCE
COMPANY, HEREFORD INSURANCE COMPANY, and
LYFT, INC.,
Defendants.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- X
Defendant, GREENWICH INSURANCE COMPANY (“Greenwich”), by its attorneys,
LEWIS, BRISBOIS, BISGAARD & SMITH, LLP, as and for its Verified Answer to the
Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint, alleges the following upon information and belief:
1. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “1”.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted.
4. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, Greenwich denies as stated
each and every allegation contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint
designated as number “4” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact or conclusions raised
therein to the trial court for determination.
5. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, Greenwich denies knowledge
4863-3158-5860.1
1 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation contained within the paragraph of
Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “5” and respectfully refers all questions of
law, fact or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for determination.
6. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, Greenwich denies knowledge
or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation contained within the paragraph of
Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “6” and respectfully refers all questions of
law, fact or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for determination.
7. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “7”.
8. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “8”.
9. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “9”.
10. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “10”.
11. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “11”.
12. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “12”.
13. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “13”.
4863-3158-5860.1
2 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
14. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “14”.
15. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “15”.
16. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “16”.
17. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “17”.
18. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “18”.
19. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “19”.
20. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “20”.
21. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “21”.
22. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “22”.
23. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “23”.
24. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, Greenwich denies knowledge
or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation contained within the paragraph of
4863-3158-5860.1
3 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “24” and respectfully refers all questions of
law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for determination.
25. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, Greenwich denies knowledge
or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation contained within the paragraph of
Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “25” and respectfully refers all questions of
law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for determination.
26. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, upon information and belief,
admitted.
27. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, upon information and belief,
Greenwich admits that on December 26, 2018, plaintiff Ilyas Aksabaev was the operator of the
aforesaid motor vehicle in the County of Queens, State of New York, but denies knowledge and
information as to remaining allegations contained within Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated
as paragraph number “27” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised
therein to the trial court for determination.
28. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, upon information and belief,
Greenwich denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each allegation in Plaintiff’s
Verified Complaint designated as paragraph number “28” and respectfully refers all questions of
law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for determination.
4863-3158-5860.1
4 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
29. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “29” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
30. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “30” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
31. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “31” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
32. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “32” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
33. Denies each and every allegation contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s
Verified Complaint designated as number “33” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact,
or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for determination.
34. Denies each and every allegation contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s
Verified Complaint designated as number “34” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact,
or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for determination.
4863-3158-5860.1
5 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
35. Denies each and every allegation contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s
Verified Complaint designated as number “35” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact,
or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for determination.
36. Denies each and every allegation contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s
Verified Complaint designated as number “36” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact,
or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for determination.
37. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, Greenwich denies each and
every allegation contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as
number “37” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the
trial court for determination.
38. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, Greenwich denies each and
every allegation contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as
number “38” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the
trial court for determination.
39. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, Greenwich denies each and
every allegation contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as
number “39” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the
trial court for determination.
4863-3158-5860.1
6 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
40. Denies each and every allegation in Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as
paragraph number “40” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised
therein to the trial court for determination.
41. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, Greenwich denies each and
every allegation in Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as paragraph number “41” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
42. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, Greenwich denies as stated
each and every allegation contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint
designated as number “42” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised
therein to the trial court for determination.
43. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, Greenwich denies as stated
each and every allegation contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint
designated as number “43” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised
therein to the trial court for determination.
44. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, Greenwich denies each and
every allegation contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as
number “44” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the
trial court for determination.
4863-3158-5860.1
7 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
45. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, Greenwich denies each and
every allegation contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as
number “45” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the
trial court for determination.
46. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, Greenwich denies each and
every allegation contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as
number “46” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the
trial court for determination.
47. The averments in this paragraph constitute conclusions of law to which no response
is required. To the extent a responsive pleading is deemed necessary, Greenwich denies each and
every allegation contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as
number “47” and respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the
trial court for determination.
48. Denies as stated each and every allegation contained within the paragraph of in
Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “48” and respectfully refers all questions of
law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for determination.
49. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “49”.
50. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “50”.
4863-3158-5860.1
8 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
51. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “51”.
52. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “52”.
53. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “53”.
54. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “54”.
55. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “55”.
56. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “56”.
57. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “57”.
58. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “58” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
59. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “59” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
4863-3158-5860.1
9 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
60. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “60” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
61. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “61” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
62. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “62” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
63. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “63” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
64. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “64” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
65. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “65” and
4863-3158-5860.1
10 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
66. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “66” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
67. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “67”.
68. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “68”.
69. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “69”.
70. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “70”.
71. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “71”.
72. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “72”.
73. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “73”.
74. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “74”.
4863-3158-5860.1
11 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
75. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “75”.
76. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “76” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
77. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “77” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
78. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “78” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
79. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “79” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
80. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “80” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
4863-3158-5860.1
12 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
81. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “81” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
82. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “82” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
83. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “83” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
84. Denies knowledge or information to form a belief as to each and every allegation
contained within the paragraph of Plaintiff’s Verified Complaint designated as number “84” and
respectfully refers all questions of law, fact, or conclusions raised therein to the trial court for
determination.
AS AND FOR A FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
85. The Complaint fails to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action against
Defendant Greenwich for which relief may be granted.
AS AND FOR A SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
86. The claims asserted by Plaintiff are or may be barred, in whole or in part, or subject
to dismissal, in whole or in part, by the applicable statute of limitations and/or by any limitations
of action contained in Defendant Greenwich’s policy.
4863-3158-5860.1
13 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
AS AND FOR A THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
87. The claims asserted by Plaintiff are or may be barred, in whole or in part, or subject
to dismissal, in whole or in part, by the doctrines of laches, waiver, unclean hands and/or estoppel.
AS AND FOR A FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
88. The claims asserted by Plaintiff are or may be barred, in whole or in part, to the
extent Plaintiff fails to seek recoverable damages.
AS AND FOR A FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
89. Coverage for the claims for which Plaintiff seeks indemnification and/or recovery
is barred and/or limited, in whole or in part, by the applicable provisions, terms, definitions,
conditions, limitations, endorsements and exclusions of Defendant Greenwich’s policy and/or by
public policy or express provision of law.
AS AND FOR A SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
90. There is no coverage under Defendant Greenwich’s policy for plaintiff’s claims to
the extent that Plaintiff does not qualify as an “insured” as defined within Defendant Greenwich’s
policy.
AS AND FOR A SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
91. The plaintiff has failed to sustain a serious injury, as defined in subdivision (d) of
§ 5102 of the Insurance Law, or economic loss greater than basic economic loss, as defined in
subdivision (a) of § 5102 of the Insurance Law.
AS AND FOR A EIGHTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
92. The injuries and damages allegedly suffered by the plaintiff, if any, (which injuries
and damages are specifically denied by the defendant), were the result of culpable conduct or fault
of third persons for whose conduct the answering defendant is not legally responsible, and the
4863-3158-5860.1
14 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
damages recovered by the plaintiff, if any, should be diminished or reduced in the proportion to
which said culpable conduct bears upon the culpable conduct which caused the damages.
AS AND FOR A NINTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
93. Upon information and belief, whatever damages the plaintiff may have sustained at
the time and place mentioned in the Verified Complaint were caused in whole or in part by the
culpable conduct of said plaintiff. The amount of damages recovered, if any, shall therefore be
diminished in the proportion to which said culpable conduct, attributable to plaintiff, bears to the
culpable conduct which caused said injuries.
AS AND FOR A TENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
94. Upon information and belief, plaintiff’s economic loss, if any, as specified in §
4545 of the CPLR, was or will be replaced or indemnified, in whole or in part, from collateral
sources, and the answering defendant is entitled to have the court consider the same in determining
such special damages as provided in § 4545 of the CPLR.
AS AND FOR A ELEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
95. Upon information and belief, that all risks and danger of loss or danger connected
with the situation alleged in the Verified Complaint were at the time and place mentioned obvious
and apparent, and were known by the plaintiff and voluntarily assumed by him.
AS AND FOR A TWELFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
96. Upon information and belief, that the plaintiff’s injuries, if any, were increased or
caused by the plaintiff’s failure to use and wear a seat belt at the time of the occurrence and, under
the applicable laws, plaintiff may not recover for those injuries which he would not otherwise have
sustained.
4863-3158-5860.1
15 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
AS AND FOR A THIRTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
97. The Complaint fails to name the necessary and indispensable party or parties which
allegedly caused the alleged injuries sustained by the plaintiff.
AS AND FOR A FOURTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
98. The proper forum for this matter is arbitration with an arbitrator assigned by the
American Arbitration Association.
AS AND FOR A FIFTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
99. The plaintiff’s cause of action may not be maintained because of collateral estoppel
and/or res judicata.
AS AND FOR AN SIXTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
100. The plaintiff’s cause of action may not be maintained because of payment and
release obtained from third party tortfeasors.
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
101. Defendant Greenwich reserves its right to amend this answer and assert additional
affirmative defenses once such information is obtained and upon conducting additional discovery
and investigation.
WHEREFORE, defendant, GREENWICH INSURANCE COMPANY hereby
demands judgment dismissing the Verified Complaint, together with the costs and disbursements
of this action, including attorneys’ fees, and for such other, further and different relief as this Court
deems just and proper.
4863-3158-5860.1
16 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
Dated: New York, New York
December 14, 2022
Respectfully submitted,
LEWIS BRISBOIS BISGAARD & SMITH LLP
By: _Patricia Alarcon Demetri
Patricia Alarcon Demetri
Attorneys for Defendants
GREENWICH INSURANCE COMPANY,
INDIAN HARBOR INSURANCE COMPANY
and LYFT, INC.,
77 Water Street, Suite 2100
New York, New York 10005
(212) 232-1300
File No. 37586.3791
TO: GREGORY SPEKTOR & ASSOCIATES
Attorneys for Plaintiff
ILYAS AKSABAEV
One Cross Island Plaza, Suite 203C
Rosedale, New York 11422
(718) 528-5272
GOLDBERG SEGALLA LLP
Attorneys for Defendant
STEADFAST INSURANCE COMPANY
665 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
(716) 566-5466
LAW OFFICE OF DEIRDRE TOBIN, ESQ.
Attorneys for Defendant
HEREFORD INSURANCE COMPANY
Office and P.O. Address
36-01 43rd Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 361-0027 x.7186
4863-3158-5860.1
17 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
ATTORNEY’S VERIFICATION
STATE OF NEW YORK )
) ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK )
PATRICIA ALARCON DEMETRI, being an attorney duly admitted to practice before the
Courts of the State of New York and fully aware of the penalties of perjury, hereby affirms as
follows:
Affirmant is a member of the law firm of LEWIS BRISBOIS BISGAARD & SMITH LLP,
attorneys for defendant GREENWICH INSURANCE COMPANY, in the within action, and is
fully familiar with the facts and circumstances involved in this matter from reviewing the file
regarding the same maintained in the offices of said law firm.
Affirmant has read the foregoing Verified Answer to the Verified Complaint, knows the
contents thereof, and the same are true to affirmant’s own knowledge, except as to those matters
therein stated to be alleged upon information and belief, and as to those matters affirmant believes
them to be true.
This Verification is made by the undersigned because said defendant GREENWICH
INSURANCE COMPANY is a foreign corporation.
The grounds of affirmant’s belief as to all matters not stated to be affirmant’s knowledge
are investigative and other information contained in the file of the said law firm.
Dated: New York, New York
December 14, 2022
Patricia Alarcon Demetri
PATRICIA ALARCON DEMETRI
4863-3158-5860.1
18 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
STATE OF NEW YORK )
) ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK )
MAGGIE BOGDANOWICZ, being duly sworn, deposes and says: that deponent is not a
party to this action, is over 18 years of age and resides in Queens County, New York.
That on the 14th day of December, 2022, deponent served the within document(s) entitled
DEFENDANT’S VERIFIED ANSWER upon:
GREGORY SPEKTOR & ASSOCIATE
One Cross Island Plaza, Suite 203C
Rosedale, New York 11422
GOLDBERG SEGALLA LLP
665 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
LAW OFFICE OF DEIRDRE TOBIN, ESQ.
Office and P.O. Address
36-01 43rd Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101
the attorneys for the respective party(ies) in this action, at the above address(es) designated by said
attorney(s) for that purpose by:
depositing the papers, enclosed in a properly addressed sealed envelope, with postage
prepaid thereon via regular U.S. Mail within the State of New York.
x by electronic service via NYSCEF system
____________________________
MAGGIE BOGDANOWICZ
Sworn to before me this
14th day of December, 2022
Notary Public
JUNE I CRADLE
Notary Public, State of New Yori<
No. 01CR6162747
Qualified in Bronx County
Commilllllon Expln:tl M11rch Hl, 202:3
4863-3158-5860.1
19 of 20
FILED: QUEENS COUNTY CLERK 12/14/2022 04:32 PM INDEX NO. 716085/2022
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 11 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/14/2022
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF QUEENS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- X Index No.: 716085/2022
ILYAS AKSABAEV,
Plaintiff,
-against-
GREENWICH INSURANCE COMPANY, STEADFAST
INSURANCE COMPANY, INDIAN HARBOR INSURANCE
COMPANY, HEREFORD INSURANCE COMPANY, and
LYFT, INC.,
Defendants.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- X
DEFENDANT’S VERIFIED ANSWER
LEWIS BRISBOIS BISGAARD & SMITH LLP
Attorneys for Defendant(s)
Office Address & Tel. No.: 77 Water Street, 21st Floor
New York, New York 10005
(212) 232-1300
Pursuant to 22 NYCRR 130-1.1, the undersigned, an attorney admitted to practice in the courts
of New York State, certifies that, upon information and belief and reasonable inquiry, the
contentions contained in the annexed document are not frivolous.
Signature: /s/
Print Signer’s Name: Patricia A. Demetri, Esq.
Service of a copy of the within is hereby
admitted.
Dated December 14, 2022
4863-3158-5860.1
20 of 20