The applicant claimed statutory accident benefits, alleging she was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a collision in a mall parking lot.
The insurer denied the claim, asserting she was not in the vehicle.
After hearing evidence from the applicant, the driver, the other driver, and the investigating police officer, the arbitrator found the applicant's evidence implausible and contradictory.
The independent witnesses confirmed no women were in the vehicle.
The arbitrator concluded the applicant was not involved in the accident, dismissed her claims for benefits and a special award, and ordered her to repay interim benefits with interest.
Finding the claim abusive and vexatious, the arbitrator also ordered the applicant to pay the insurer's $1,000 assessment fee.
