CrashTalk host Mike Harber talks with Greg Coccaro of North State Custom in Bedford Hills, NY. In 2005, the David and Goliath battle began when Progressive Insurance filed suit against North State Custom alleging that Greg Coccaro had attempted to defraud the insurer on a repair. Three years later the trial began. After Progressive presented its case, Greg’s attorneys, Erica Eversman of Vehicle Information Services and Tony Mamo of Medina, O’Brien, Mamo & Garcia, filed a motion for a directed verdict. The judge quickly dismissed Progressive’s claims without hearing from a single defense witness. The judge further dismissed Progressive’s claims with prejudice; they couldn’t bring any new action on the claim.

Greg has subsequently filed suit against Progressive, originally claiming that Progressive steered customers away from his shop. Though Progressive successfully argued to have the specific steering charge removed, several other causes remain, including tortuous interference, engaging in deceptive business practices, and spreading injurious falsehoods about North State Custom.

CrashTalk is a live call-in radio show heard on Seattle's 1090 AM on Saturdays mornings from 8-10 am, or live streaming at www.am1090seattle.com.