HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-151201HB-00139
LAW OFFICES OF JACOBS & SABA
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone Number: (717) 731-0988
Attorneys for Plaintiff
NATIONWIDE PROPERTY AND
CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
AS SUBROGEE OF JOHN L. PROKOP
(PLAINTIm
VS.
USA TRUCK, INC. AND
VAN ALAN ROBERTS,
(DEFENDANTS)
IN TH~ COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. o.2 - ~glO.,,.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE
YOU HAVE BI~.~N SU~.D IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth
in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and
Notice are served by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and fding in writing
with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that
if you fail to do so, the case may proceed without you, and a judgment may be entered against you
by the court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other claim
or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important
to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE TIHS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TI::.I.EPHONE THE
OFFICE SET FORTH B~T.OW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL I4~.T.P.
CUIVIBERLAND COUNTY
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
1-800-990-9108
01HB-00139
LAW OFFICES OF JACOBS & SABA
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone Number: (717) 731-0988
Attorneys for Plaintiff
NATIONWIDE PROPERTY AND
CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
AS SUBROGEE Olr JOHN L. PROKOP
(PLA NTI )
VS.
USA TRUCK, INC. AND
VAN ALAN ROBERTS,
(DEFENDANTS)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
1. Plaintiff Nationwide Property and Casualty Insurance Company is an Ohio Corporation
with offices at 1000 Nationwide Drive, P.O. Box 2655, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105.
2. Defendant Van Alan Roberts is an adult individual.
3. Defendant USA Truck, Inc. is an Arkansas Corporation with offices at 3200 Industrial
Park Road, Van Buren, Arkansas 72956.
4. At all times relevant hereto, PlaintiffNationwide Property and Casualty Insurance
Company had in effect a policy of motor vehicle insurance covering its insured, John L. Prokop,
for motor vehicle collision coverage.
5. In the occurrence giving rise to this accident occurred on July 21, 2001 at
approximately 11:30 a.m. on an on-ramp to Interstate 81 near Carlisle in Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania.
6. At all times relevant hereto, Defendant Van Alan Roberts, was an agent, servant,
workman or employee of Defendant USA Truck, Inc. and acting within the scope of said
employment or agency relationship.
7. At the date, time and place referred to hereinabove, PlaintiWs insured, John L. Prokop,
was driving a 2000 Buick LeSabre on the on-ramp of Interstate 81.
8. At all times relevant hereto, Defendant Van Alan Roberts was driving a truck behind
Plaintiff's insured on the same on-ramp.
9. At the aforementioned time and place, the Plaintiff' s insured came to a stop at a yield
sign prior to entering Interstate 81 to wait for traffic on the interstate to pass.
10. At the aforementioned date, time and place, Defendant Van Alan Roberts failed to
stop his truck and impacted the rear of the vehicle operated by Plaintiff's insured, John L. Prokop.
COUNT I
Nationwide Property and CasualtW Insurance Company v. Van Alan Roberts
11. Paragraphs one (1) through ten (10) of the Plaintiff's Complaint are incorporated
herein by reference.
12. The collision referred to above was caused by the negligence, carelessness and
recklessness of Defendant Van Alan Roberts in that he:
(a) Failed to be alert and attentive at the wheel;
(b) Drove his vehicle into the rear of the Plaintiff's insured's vehicle;
(c) Followed the Plaintiff's insured's vehicle too closely; and
(d) Failed to take proper evasive action to avoid the collision referred to in the
Plaintiff's Complaint.
13. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant Van Alan Roberts,
the Plaintiff's insured's vehicle obtained damages in the amount of $6,776.15, an amount of which
the Plaintiffwas contractually required to reimburse its insured.
14. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant Van Alan Roberts,
the Plaintiffwas contractually obligated to reimburse its insured a rental expense of $750.00.
15. The amount in controversy is less than the compulsory arbitration limit for this
county, thereby requiting submission to compulsory arbitration.
WHEREFORE, PlaintiffNationwide Property and Casualty Insurance Company, as
Subrogee of John L. Prokop, respectfully requests your Honorable Court to enter judgment
against Defendant Val Alan Roberts in an amount not in excess of $25,000.00, together with
costs, interest and such other relief as is deemed appropriate by this Honorable Court.
COUNT II
Nationwide Property and Casualty Insurance Company v. Van Alan Roberts
16. Paragraphs one (1) through fifteen (15) of the Plaintiff's Complaint are incorporated
herein by reference.
17. Defendant USA Truck, Inc. is vicariously liable for the negligence, careless and
recklessness of its employee or agent, Defendant Van Alan Roberts.
WHEREFORE, PlaintiffNationwide Property and Casualty Insurance Company, as
Subrogee of John L. Prokop, respectfully requests your Honorable Court to enter judgment
against Defendant USA Track, Inc. in an amount not in excess of $25,000.00, together with
costs, interest and such other relief as is deemed appropriate by this Honorable Court.
Date: March 26, 2002
Respectfully submitted,
LAW OFFICES OF JACOBS & SABA
Attorney for Plaintiff
Identification No. 58567
4
01HB-00139
LAW OFFICES OF JACOBS & SABA
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone Number: (717) 731-0988
Attorneys for Plaintiff
NATIONWIDE PROPERTY AND
CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
AS SUBROGEE OF JOHN L. PROKOP
(PLAINTIFF)
VS.
USA TRUCK, INC. ANO
VAN ALAN ROBERTS,
(DEFeNdANTS)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No.
CIVIL ACTION- LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANOEO
VERIFICATION
I, Heather Carricato, verify thot the statements made in the foregoing Plaintiff's
Complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I
understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of Pa.C.S.A. §4904,
relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Dated:
x~'--.-~/Heather Carn~to, Representative of
Nationwide Property and Casualty Insurance Company
NATIONWIDE PROPERTY AND CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY AS SUBROGEE OF
JOHN L. PROKOP,
Plaintiff
USA TRUCK, INC. AND VAN ALAN
ROBERTS,
Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
: NO. 02-1512, CIVIL TERM
: CML ACTION - LAW
:
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
Please enter the appearance of the undersigned as counsel for Defendants, USA
Truck, Inc. and Van Alan Roberts in the above-captioned matter.
Respectfully submitted,
Date:
FARRELL & RICCI, P.C.
Marc T. Levin
Attorney I.D. No. 70294
4423 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 230-9201
Counsel for Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this ~ay of April, 2002, I, Marc T. Levin, Esquire, hereby certify that
I did serve a true and correct copy of the foregoing Entry of Appearance upon all counsel of
record by depositing, or causing to be deposited, same in the U.S. Mail, postage prepaid, at
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Girard E. Rickards, Esquire
Jacobs & Saba
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Marc T. Levin, Esquire
01HB-00139
LAW OFFICES OF JACOBS & SABA
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 50}
Camp Itill, PA 17011
Telephone Number: (717) 7}1-0988
Attorne},s for Plaintiff
NATIONWIDE PROPERTY AND
CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
AS StmROCEE OF JOaN U. PROKOF
(PLAINTIFF)
VS.
USA TRUCK, INC. AND
VAN ALAN ROBERTS,
(DEFENDANTS)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 02 - 1512 - CIVrL T~RM
CIVIL ACTION- LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE TO FILE AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly file the attached Affidavit of Service to the Complaint fded with this Court on or
about March 28, 2002, in the above referenced matter.
Date: A ril2 2 2
Respectfully submitted,
LAW OFFICES OF IACOBS & SABA
Attorney for Plaintiff
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone Number (717) 731-0988
Identification No. 58867
01HB-00139
LAW O~'ICES OF JACOBS & SABA
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone Number: (717) 731-0988
Attorneys for Plaintiff
NATIONWIDE PROPERTY AND
CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
AS SUBRO EE L. PROZOP
(PLAINTIFF)
VS.
USA TRUCK, INC. AND
VAN ALAN ROBERTS,
(OE NOANTS)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 02 - 1512 - CrVlL TERM
CIVIL ACTION- LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
-~'FIDAVIT OF SERVICE
I, Girard E. Rickards, Esquire, attorney for the Plaintiff, do hereby afl'mn that I
received the below attached return receipt of the Complaint sent by Certified Mail, Return
Receipt Requested, which return receipt appears to contain the signature of ..C_.~.~, an
employee or agent of ~ The undersigned understands that the statements
therein am mad~ subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. §4904 relating to unswom
falsification to authorities.
· Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete
~ 4 if Restricted Delive~ la desired.
· Pdnt yoqr.name end addmes on the reverse
~o that we can return the card to you.
· Attsoh this card to the beok of the mellplece,
or on the front if space
USA Truck, Inc.
Attn: Brent Dorrough
3200 Industrial Park Road
Van Buren, AR
C. Slgnatum
D~~t~l? ~Y~ ff YES, en~ ~ add~ ~bw: ~ No
I=1 Insured MSJl
[] F.~3m~ Mail
i-I Return Receipt for MemhandMe
[] C.O.D.
4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee) [] Yes
Attorney for Plaintiff
01HB-00139
LAW OFFICES OF JACOBS & SABA
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone Number:. (717) 731-0988
Attorneys for Plaintiff
NATIONWIDE PROPERTY AND
CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
AS SUBROGEE O1~ JOHN r. PROKOP
(PLAINT m
VS.
USA TRUCK, INC. AND
VAN ALAN ROBERTS,
(DEFENDANTS)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, [~ENNSYLVANIA
No. 02 - 1512 - CtWL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
I, Girard E. Richards, Esquire, attorney for the Plaintiff, do hereby affirm that I
received the below attached return receipt of the Complaint sent by Certified Mail, Return
Receipt Requested, which return receipt appears to contain the signature of C__~.I~, an
employee or agent of ~ The undersigned understands that the statements
therein am made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.$.A. §4904 relating to unawom
I~.C'emplete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete
: Illin 4 if Reetrfcted Deilvery Is desired.
Ii ["~nt your name and address on the reverse
ae that we oan retum the card to you.
~ ,~tach this card to the back of the mailpiece,
er o~ the front if space F~'mlta.
BSA~ruck, Inc.
ittn: YaaA].anRoberts
3200 Iadustrial Park Road
Van Buren, AR 72956
1 6 ZE
C. Signature
if YES, eot~, deliv~y address be~w: [] No
3. Slvi~e Type
[] Registered [] Retum,Receipt for Mercflan~ll
I~] Ir~umd Mall [] C.O.D.
4. Re~t'~ted Delivery? ~ Fee) [] Yes
Date:~
Attorney for Plaintiff
01HB-00139
LAW OFFICES OF JACOBS & SABA
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone Number: (717) 731-0988
Attorneys for Plaintiff
NATIONWIDE PROPERTY AND
CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANy
AS SUBROGEE O1~ JO~IN U. PROKOP
(PLAINTIFF)
VS.
USA TRUCK, INC. AND
VAN ALAN ROBERTS,
(DEFENDANTS)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 02 - 1512 - C~oL TERM
CIVIL ACTION- LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
Girard E. Rickards, Esquire, hereby certifies that he is the attorney for the Plaintiff
herein, and that he caused a true and correct copy of Praecioe to FHe Affidavit of
Service/Affidavit of Servi¢~ to be served by regular first class marl upon:
Marc T. Levin, Esquire
Farrell & Ricci, P.C.
4423 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Dated:
A_vril 23, 2002
Attorney for Plaintiff
NATIONWIDE PROPERTY AND CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY AS SUBROGEE OF
JOHN L. PROKOP,
Plaintiff
USA TRUCK, INC. AND VAN ALAN
ROBERTS,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
NO. 02-1512, CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - I~W
PRAECIPE TO SUBSTITUTE VERIFICATION
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly affix the attached Verification of Brent Dorrough to the Answer with New
Matter of Defendants, USA Truck, Inc. and Van Alan Roberts, to Plaintiffs
complaint which was recently filed with the Court in the above-captioned matter.
Respectfully submitted,
Date: May 24, 2002
Marc T. Levin, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 70294
4423 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 230-9201
Counsel for Defendants
VERIFICATION
I, Brent Dorrough, Risk Management Supervisor of USA Truck, Inc., hereby verify
that the facts set forth in the foregoing Answer With New Matter of Defendants, USA
Truck, Inc. and Van Alan Roberts, to Plaintiffs Complaint are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge, information and belief.
I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18
Pa.C.S. §4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date:
~ V/~rent Dorrough
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this 24t~ day of May, 2002, I, Marc T. Levin, Esquire, hereby certify that I
did serve a true and correct copy of the foregoing Praecipe to Substitute Verification for
Brent Dorrough upon all counsel of record by depositing, or causing to be deposited, same in
the U.S. Mail, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Girard E. Rickards, Esquire
Jacobs & Saba
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Marc T. Levin, Esquire
NATIONWIDE PROPERTY AND CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY AS SUBROGEE OF
JOHN L. PROKOP,
Plaintiff
USA TRUCK, INC. AND VAN ALAN
ROBERTS,
Defendants
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
:
:
..
: NO. 02-1512, CIVIL TERM
:
:
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER WITH NEW MATTER OF DEFENDANTS,
USA TRUCK, INC. AND VAN Al,AN ROBERTS,
TO PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT
AND NOW, come Defendants, USA Truck, Inc. and Van Alan Roberts, by and
through their counsel, Farrell & Ricci, P.C. by Marc T. Levin, Esquire and reply to the
Plaintiffs Complaint as follows:
1. Denied. After reasonable investigation Answering Defendants are without
information sufficient to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the said averments and
accordingly deny the same and demand strict proof thereof at the time of trial ff deemed
material.
2.
3.
4.
Admitted.
Admitted.
Denied. After reasonable investigation Answering Defendants are without
information sufficient to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the said averments and
accordingly deny the same and demand strict proof thereof at the time of trial if deemed
material.
5. Denied. The averments contained in this Paragraph are denied in conformity
with Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
6. Admitted.
7. Denied. After reasonable investigation Answering Defendants are without
information sufficient to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the said averments and
accordingly deny the same and demand strict proof thereof at the ~zne of trial if deemed
material.
8. Denied. The averments contained in this Paragraph are denied in conformity
with Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
9. Denied. The averments contained in this Paragraph are denied in conformity
with Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
10. Denied. The averments contained in this Paragraph are denied in conformity
with Pa.R.C.P. 1029(e).
COUNT I
Nationwide Property mmc] Casualty Insurance Company v. Van Alan Roberts
11. Answering Defendants hereby incorporate by reference their responses to
Paragraphs 1 through 10 of the Plaintiffs' Complaint as if more fully set forth herein at
length.
12. Denied. The averments contained in this Paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no affirmative responses are required. To the extent o~rmative responses may be
required, said averments are specifically and unequivocally denied and strict proof thereof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material. It is specifically and unequivocally
denied that the aforementioned collision was caused by the negligence, carelessness and
recklessness of Defendant, Van Alan Roberts, as follows:
a. It is specifically and unequivocally denied that Answering Defendant
"failed to be alert and attentive at the wheeL" To the contrary, at all times material
hereto, Answering Defendant was alert and attentive at the wheel of his vehicle.
b. It is specifically and unequivocally denied that Answering Defendant
"drove his vehicle into the rear of the Plaintiffs insured's vehicle." By way of
further response, after reasonable investigation, Answering Defendant is without
information sufficient to ar]mit or deny the truth or falsity of the said averment as to
how the accident occurred and, therefore, denies the same and demands strict proof
thereof at the time of trial if deemed material.
c. It is specifically and unequivocally denied that Answering Defendant
"followed the Plaintiffs insured's vehicle too closely." To the contrary, at all times
material hereto, Answering Defendant's vehicle was an appropriate distance away
from the Plaintiffs vehicle.
d. It is specifically and unequivocally denied that Answering Defendant
"failed to take proper and evasive action to avoid the collision referred to in the
Plainti~s Complaint." To the contrary, at All times material hereto, Answering
Defendant was driving properly and appropriately with respect to the Plaintiff.
13. Denied. To the extent this Paragraph is an averment of proximate causation,
it is a conclusion of law to which no affirmative response is required. To the extent an
affirmative response may be required, said averments are specifically and unequivocally
denied and strict proof thereof demanded at the time of trial ff deemed material. By way of
further answer, to the extent this Paragraph is an averment of Plaintiffs alleged damages,
it is denied since, after reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendant is without
information sufficient to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the said averments and,
accordingly, denies the same and demands strict proof thereof at the time of trial if deemed
material.
14. Denied. To the extent this Paragraph is an averment of proximate causation,
it is a conclusion of law to which no affirmative response is required. To the extent an
affirmative response may be required, said averments are specifically and unequivocally
denied and strict proof thereof demanded at the time of trial if deemed material. By way of
further answer, to the extent this Paragraph is an averment of Plaintiffs alleged damages,
it is denied since, after reasonable investigation, the Answering Defendant is without
information sufficient to admit or deny the truth or falsity of the said averments and,
accordingly, denies the same and demands strict proof thereof at the time of trial if deemed
material.
15. Denied. The averments contained in this Paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no affirmative responses are required. To the extent affirmative responses may be
required, said averments are specifically and unequivocally denied and strict proof thereof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material.
WHEREFORE, Answering Defendants respectfully request that judgment be entered
in their favor and against the Plaintiffs and that Answering Defendants be awarded
appropriate costs and fees.
COUNT H
Nationwide Property and Casualty Insurance Company v. Van Alan Roberts
16. Answering Defendants hereby incorporate by reference their responses to
Paragraphs 11 through 15 of the Plaintiffs' Complaint as if more fully set forth herein at
length.
17. Denied. The averments contained in this Paragraph are conclusions of law to
which no affirmative responses are required. To the extent sf~qrmative responses may be
required, said averments are specifically and unequivocally denied and strict proof thereof
is demanded at the time of trial if deemed material.
WHEREFORE, Answering Defendants respectfully request that judgment be entered
in their favor and against the Plaintiffs and that Answering Defendants be awarded
appropriate costs and fees.
NEW MATTER
18. Answering Defendants hereby incorporate by reference their responses to
Paragraphs I through 17 of the Plaintiff's Complaint as if more fully set forth herein at
length.
19. Plaintiff has failed to state a cause of action upon which relief can be granted
against Defendants.
20. Plaintiffs claims are barred and]or limited by the Pennsylvania Motor
Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law.
21. Plaintiffs harm if any, was caused or contributed to directly, proximately
and]or substantially by the careless, negligent and or recldess conduct of the Plaintiff
and]or its employees, agents or servants, and therefore Plaintiffs claims are barred in
whole or in part by the Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence Act.
22. The aforesaid careless, negligent or reckless conduct of Plaintiff and]or its
employee, agents or servants consisted of the following:
a. Failing to operate its motor vehicle under control and in a safe and proper
manner.
b. Failing to keep a careful and diligent watch on the roadway.
c. Operating the vehicle in a careless and reckless disregard for the rights and
safety of others.
d. Foiling to keep a proper lookout for other vehicles.
e. Failing to maintain an assured clear distance between his vehicle and the
vehicles traveling in front of its vehicle.
f. Failing to operate its vehicle at a speed which was reasonable and prudent
given the prevailing conditions and potential hazards.
g. Operating its vehicle in violation of 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3361.
h. Operating its vehicle in violation of 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3310.
23. Plaintiff has failed to mitigate its damages.
24. At all times material hereto, Answering Defendant, Van Alan Roberts,
operated USA Truck, Inc.'s vehicle in a safe appropriate manner and in conformity with the
laws regarding the operation of a motor vehicle.
25. Plaintiffs claims are barred by the applicable statute of limitations.
WHEREFORE, Answering Defendants respectfully request that judgment be entered
in their favor and against the Plaintiffs and that Answering Defendants be awarded
appropriate costs and fees.
Respectfully submitted,
FARRELL & RI~CCI~
Marc T. Levin, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 70294
4423 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 230-9201
Counsel for Defendants
6
VERIFICATION
PURSUANT TO Pa.R.C.P. NO. 1024(c)
Marc T. Levin, Esquire states that he is the attorney for the party filing the
foregoing document; that he makes this affidavit as an attorney, because the party he
represents lacks sufficient knowledge or information upon which to make a verification
and/or because he has greater personal knowledge of the information and belief than that of
the party for whom he makes this affidavit; and/or because the party for whom he makes
this affidavit is outside the jurisdiction of the Court and verification of none of them can be
obtained within the time allowed for the filing of the pleading; and that he has sufficient
knowledge or information and belief, based upon his investigation of the matters averred or
denied in the foregoing document; and that this statement is made subject to the penalties
of 18 Pa.C.S. §4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Marc T. Levi~l, Esquire
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this 28m day of May, 2002, I, Marc T. Levin, Esquire, hereby certify that I
did serve a true and correct copy of the foregoing Answer with New Matter of Defendants,
USA Truck, Inc. and Van Alan Roberts, to Plaintiffs Complaint upon all counsel of
record by depositing, or causing to be deposited, same in the U.S. Mail, postage prepaid, at
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Girard E. Rickards, Esquire
Jacobs & Saba
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Marc T. Levin, Esquir~
NATIONWIDE PROPERTY AND CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY AS SUBROGEE OF
JOHN L. PROKOP,
Plaintiff
USA TRUCK, INC. AND VAN Al JAN
ROBERTS,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PI,EAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
NO. 02-1512, CML TERM
CML ACTION - LAW
PRAECIPE TO SUBSTITUTE VERIFICATION
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly affix the attached Verification of Van Alan Roberts to the Answer with New
Matter of Defendants, USA Truck, Inc. and Van Alan Roberts, to Plaintiffs
Complaint which was recently filed with the Court in the above-captioned matter.
Respectfully submitted,
Date: June 6, 2002
FARRELL & RICCI, P.C.
Marc T. Levin, Es(~uire
Attorney I.D. No. 70294
4423 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 230-9201
Counsel for Defendants
VERIFICATION
I, Van Alan Roberts, hereby verify that the facts set forth in the foregoing Answer
With New Matter of Defendants, USA Truck, Inc. and Van Alan Roberts, to
Plaintiffs Complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and
belief.
I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18
Pa.C.S. §4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authori/ties.
Date: ~:~ ~ ~ ~g) ~ ~~~~~ F v / Van Alan Roberts'~r f'
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this 6th day of June, 2002, I, Marc T. Levin, Esquire, hereby certify that I
did serve a true and correct copy of the foregoing Praecipe to Substitute Verification for
Van Alan Roberts upon sl! counsel of record by depositing, or causing to be deposited, same
in the U.S. Mail, postage prepaid, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Girard E. Rickards, Esquire
Jacobs & Saba
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Marc T. Levin, Esquire
01HB-00139
LAW OFFICES OF JACOBS & SABA
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone Number:. (717) 731-0988
Attorneys for Plaintiff
NATIONWIDE PROPERTY AND
CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
AS SUI~ROGEE O1~ JOI-I~ L. PROKOP
(PLAINTI~)
VS.
USA TRUCK, INC. AND
VAN ALAN ROBERTS~
(DEFENDANTS)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CLrMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 02 - 1512 - CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION- LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF ARBITRATORS
TO THE HONORABLE, ~ JUDGES OF TIlE SAID COURT:
Girard B. Rickards. Esquire
respectfuny represents that:
, counsel for the Plaintiff in the above action,
The above-captioned action is at issue.
Tho claim of the Plaintiff in thc action is $ unliouidated prooerty dama?e.~.
The counterclaim of the Defendant in this action is $
The following attorneys are interested in the case as counsel or are otherwise disqualified to sit
as arbitrators: Girard E. Riekards. Esouire. Attorney for Plaintiff
WHEREFORE, your petitioner prays your Honorable Court to appoint three (3) arbitrators to
whom the case shall be submitted.
Date:~
Respectfully submitted,
By__ABA
-~'"Girard B. Rickards, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
Identification No. 58867
ORDER OF COURT
~ ,200~'~ , in consideraOon of the
attached petition, f-/~~i~ , Esquire, (~'q: ~ ,
Esquire, and ~:~ ~~..~, Esquire, are appoin~-~ ar~trators in the above_
captioned action as prayed for. ~
By the Court,
01HB-00139
LAW OFFICES OF JACOBS & SABA
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone Number: (717) 731-0988
Attorneys for Plaintiff
NATIONWIDE PROPERTY AND
CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
As SVSROGEE OV L. PROKOP
(PLAI TIFE)
VS.
USA TRUCK, INC. AND
VAN ALAN ROBERTS~
(DEFENDANTS)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02 - 1512 - CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION- LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
Girard E. Rickards, Esquire, hereby certifies that he is the attorney for the Plaintiff
herein, and that he caused a true and correct copy of Petition for Aooointment of ArbitraW~ to
be served by regular first chss mail upon:
Marc T. Levin, Esquire
Parrell & Ricci, P.C.
4423 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Dated:
.lune 20. 2002
Girard E. Rickards, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
01HB-00139
LAW OFF
214 Senate
Camp Hill,
Telephone
Attorneys
ICES OF JACOBS & SABA
Avenue, Suite 503
PA 17011
Number: (717) 731-0988
'or
NATIONWIDE P~
INSURANCE AS
I
(m
USA TRUCK,
R
(o~
TO THE [
Ple
Date: /
',OPERTY & CASUALTY
~UBROGEE OF JOHN L.
ROKOP,
~AINTIFF)
VS.
INC. AND VAN ALAN
)BERTS,
~ENDANT)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 02-1512
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE TO DISCONTINUE
ROTHONOTARY:
ase mark the above-captioned case settled, discontinued and ended.
JACOBS & &.arBA~
' Girard EY~i~kards, Esquire
214 Senate Avenue
Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Attorney for Plaintiff
Court I.D.58867
01HB-00139
LAW OFFICES OF JACOBS & SABA
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 503
Camp Hill, P4 17011
Telephone Nu~nber: (717) 731-0988
Attorneys for !
NATIONWIDE PI
INSURANCE AS
!
USA TRUCK,
R
Girard
herein, and th;
regular first cl
Dated: Jar
[OPERTY & CASUALTY
]UBROGEE OF JOHN L.
ROKOP,
,AINTIFF)
VS.
INC. AND VAN ALAN
OBERTS~
~'ENDANT)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 02-1512
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
E. Rickards, Esquire, hereby certifies that he is the attorney for the Defendant
tt he caused a true and correct copy of Praecipe to Discontinue, to be served by
ass mail upon:
Marc T. Levin, Esquire
Farrell & Ricci, P.C.
4423 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
uary 15, 2003
~-"~irard E. l~l~ards, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant
01HB-00139
LAW OFFICES OF JACOBS & SABA
214 Senate Avenue, Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone Number: (717) 731-0988
Attorneys for
NATIONWIDE PROPERTY & CASUALTY
INSURANCE AS SUBROGEE OF JOHN L.
PROKOP,
(PLAiNTiFF)
VS.
USA TRUCK, INC. AND VAN ALAN
ROBERTS,
(OEFESOAST)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
)ENNSYLVANIA
NO. SUBROGATION
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
STIPULATION
And now this 20th day of December 2002, the parties hereby agree that an award
may be entered by the panel of arbitrators in favor of the plaintiff and against the
defendants in the amount of $6,924.04.
Mark T. Levin, Esquire
Farrell & Ricci, P.C.
4423 North From Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Jacobs & Saba
214 Senate Avenue
Suite 503
Camp Hill, PA 17011
LAW OFFICES OF
rlALBRU ._
1013 MUMMA ROAD · SUITE 100 · LEMOYNE, PENNSYLVANia 17043
LOWELL R. GATES (71 7) 731-9600 · FAX: (717) 731-9627
Also Admitted to Massachusetts Bar
MARK E. HALBRUNER
Also Admitted Io New Jersey Bar
CRAIG A. HATCH
CORY J. SNOOK
ALBERT N. PETERUN
Also Admitted to Maryland Bar
STACEY L. NACE
Paralegat/Office Manager
TRACl L. SEPKOVIC
Paralegal
VALERIE LONG
Paralegal
BRANCH OFFICE:
3 WEST MONUMENT SQUARE, SUITE 304
LEWISTOWN, PA 17044
(717) 248-6909
WEB SITE:
www-GatesLawFirm.com
CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS:
December 27, 2002 Lemoyne Office
One Courthouse Square -
Re: Nationwide Property and Casualty Insurance Company
As Subrogee of John L. Prokop, Plaintiff vs. USA Truck, Inc.
and Van Alan Roberts, Defendants
Docket No. 02-1512 - Civil Term
Dear Sudge Hoffer:
The above-referenced case was settled on December 20, 2002, by Stipulation between the
parties and in favor of the plaintiff in the mount of $6,924.04. The original signed Stipulation is
enclosed with this letter.
Also, enclosed please find the pleadings, correspondence and other documents for the
above referenced case. If I may be of additional assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate
to contact me at the address or telephone number listed above.
Best regards.
well R. Gates
LRG:vmr
Enclosures
cc: Mark T. Levin, Esq. (Without enclosures)
Girard E. Rickards, Esq. (Without enclosures)
Nationwide Property and
Casualty Insurance Company
As Subrogee of John L. Prokop,
(Plaintif0
USA Truck, Inc. and Van Alan Roberts,
(Defendants)
In The Court of Common Pleas of
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Docket No. 02-1512-Civil Term
OATH
We do solen~ swear (or affl.?) that .we will support, obey and defend the Consti ·
United Stat d the onstltution ofth~s
_. w~ .... ~cnarge me out/es
~ Date
AWARD
We, the undersigned arbitrators, having been duly appointed and sworn (or affirmed), make the
following award: (Note: If the damages for delay are awarded, they shall be separately stated.)
........ r Date
_, Arbitrator, dissents. (Insert name if applicable.)
Date of Award:. December 20 2002
t
NOTICE OF ENTRY OF AWARD
Now, the ~ay of~.~~_, 2003, at,~2.~_' ~__.M., the above award was entered upon
the docket and notice thereof given by mail to the parties or their attorneys.
Arbitrators' compensation to be
paid upon appeal: $~