Court Opinion

ID: 9764020
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-29 03:07:58.287654+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:29:52.712687
License: Public Domain

DEL SOLE, Judge,
dissenting opinion:
I dissent from the majority’s view that the insurance policy’s arbitration clause is not binding on the Appellee. Where liability is premised upon a contract, as it is here, the options available to a person seeking benefits under that contract are circumscribed by the provisions which comprise that contract. Appellee argues that she never entered into an arms length contract with the insurance company, and that she should not, therefore, be subject to limitations imposed by that contract. She, and it appears to me, the majority, overlook the fact that the insurance company and the taxi company did enter into such a contract, and it is only because they did that she is able to claim any benefits from the insurer here. The insurance policy lists among the persons who are insured, “anyone else occupying a covered auto.” This clause indicates that the possibility of a third party bringing a claim was within the contemplation of the parties to the contract. Since the plaintiff is an insured, she is subject to the arbitration clause, and, absent express authority otherwise, the arbitration clause should be enforced. The smorgasbord approach to contract provisions is not something which should be encouraged or tolerated. Appellee derives her right to claim benefits from this contract; she cannot claim that right and at the same time, reject those provisions of the contract which are equally valid but in her view unappealing. I would reverse the trial court order denying the insurer’s preliminary objections and would grant those same preliminary objections.