A Toronto woman who suffered a serious neck injury after being struck by a getaway vehicle fleeing a jewelry store robbery at Fairview Mall has had her insurance company cover a $40,350 bill from the City of Toronto for damage caused in the crash.
Nancy Buckman, 68, was driving near Don Mills Road and Fairview Mall Drive in December 2024 when a speeding vehicle allegedly fleeing the robbery struck her Subaru Forester as she made a left turn. She briefly lost consciousness and was helped out of her vehicle by a bystander after its undercarriage caught fire.
The collision wrecked her vehicle and caused chest bruising and a lasting neck injury requiring regular physiotherapy. The injuries also forced her to retire early from her 40-year nursing career at Toronto General Hospital, although she has since returned to work part-time.
Nearly two years after the crash, Buckman received a $40,350.11 invoice from the city for replacing a pole damaged in the collision. The city initially gave her until August 22 to pay and warned of possible legal action and licence suspension.
Although the payment deadline was extended, the city maintained that Buckman was responsible based on a police report finding she failed to yield while turning left. After struggling to obtain further clarification and exploring legal options, her insurance company ultimately agreed to pay the bill in full.
The city says such repair costs are routinely billed to vehicle owners, who are encouraged to forward the invoices to their insurers. The Insurance Bureau of Canada notes that Ontario’s fault determination rules generally place responsibility on drivers making left turns in collisions with oncoming traffic, even when circumstances involve criminal activity.
Buckman continues to deal with the physical and emotional effects of the crash. Meanwhile, police say the individuals allegedly fleeing the jewelry store robbery have not been charged.