Happy ending for local hero Happy ending for local hero (March 11, 2005)

Insurance company covers cost of life-saving crash

By Jon Wiener

An auto insurance company has agreed to cover the claim of the two men who may have saved its client's life last October.

Mountain View resident Swarnapali Seneviratna was driving her 11-year old son down San Antonio Road when she started having a seizure and drifting into oncoming traffic. Her son took her foot off the gas pedal, intending to put it on the brake, but he couldn't remember which was which.

In came Herm Gilmore to the rescue, swerving in front of her and letting her collide with his Chevy Blazer, leaving it dented and damaged.

Last week, Seneviratna's insurer, 21st Century, announced it would pay for repairs to the truck.

"Upon further review of the factors contributing to this accident, 21st Century decided to pay for the damage," said Larry Krutchik, a spokesperson for the company.

Krutchik said the only argument in the case was between insurance companies. Pointing out that the truck belonged to Matt Samet, he said the company had legal grounds for contesting the claim.

Samet's insurance company, Amica, covered the original claim of nearly $2,500, but maintained that 21st Century was legally responsible.

Gilmore maintained he was in the process of buying the truck, a Chevy Blazer from Samet, who was a passenger at the time. Gilmore, given a plaque for his bravery from the City of Mountain View in late February, also said there was more damage to the truck than originally thought.

"No one is questioning his Good Samaritan-ship," said Krutchik.

Gilmore did not return calls seeking comment for this story.

E-mail Jon Wiener at jwiener@mv-voice.com

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