Rugby legend Elton Flatley’s CTP insurer sued after alleged red-light T-bone on the Gold Coast

The CTP insurer of a hero of Australia’s 2003 Rugby World Cup is being sued after the legendary playmaker, who now owns a financial advisory, allegedly ran a red light and caused a collision on the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast man Elton James Flatley during his Wallabies career. Picture: Anthony Weate

A Wallabies legend and his third-party insurer are being sued by a motorist who alleges he was left with lifelong injuries after the former rugby star ran a red light, resulting in a T-bone collision.

The plaintiff, Gold Coast draftsman Gough Greer-Barry, 33, lodged a damages claim in the Southport District Court on April 11 this year, naming Mermaid Waters man Elton James Flatley, 47, and CTP insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd as defendants.

According to his statement of claim, Mr Greer-Barry was driving a Toyota Yaris on November 3, 2021, when he was allegedly involved in a collision with Mr Flatley’s Audi A5.

Elton Flatley depicted in 2022. Picture: File

The plaintiff claims at about 5am on the day in question, he was driving on Markeri St at Broadbeach when he progressed through a green traffic light at the intersection with Sunshine Blvd.

Mr Flatley, who was travelling southbound on Sunshine Blvd, allegedly failed to heed his red traffic light.

“The plaintiff was unable to avoid colliding with the passenger side doors of the Audi,” the statement of claim said.

“The first defendant [Mr Flatley] failed to stop at the red traffic light, keep a proper look out, and did not control his vehicle such as to avoid the collision.”

Allianz has admitted liability, according to the statement of claim.

Mr Greer-Barry alleges he suffered a cervical spine injury, brain and knee damage, and a mental health injury.

Elton Flatley was one of the heroes of Australia’s 2003 Rugby World Cup campaign. Picture: MARK EVANS

Ongoing problems the plaintiff alleges he suffers include ongoing neck pain with cracking and stiffness, knee pain despite surgery, driving anxiety, cognitive issues, frequent headaches, difficulty with prolonged sitting or activity, inability to play AFL, occasional dizziness, disturbed sleep, difficulty concentrating, and reduced capacity to engaged in recreational, vocational, and social activities.

Mr Greer-Barry, who is a “self-employed draftsman in his business ‘Evolution Drafting’ following unsuccessful attempts to return to employment”, is claiming $546,952.06 from Mr Flatley’s insurer, plus interest.

The largest line item in the amount sought is $448,000, relating to future economic loss and future loss of superannuation benefits.

In response to questions, Allianz said that it did not intend to comment as the matter was currently before court.

Elton Flatley captained the Queensland Reds and earnt more than 100 caps for them. Picture: Glenn Barnes

Mr Flatley told this masthead he was unaware of the claim before being contacted and was previously of the belief the matter had been finalised.

He said he had been advised by Allianz not to comment further.

Mr Flatley was capped 38 times for the Wallabies between 1997–2005, including being one of the standout performers at our home Rugby World Cup in 2003, as well as making more than 100 appearances for the Queensland Reds.

After retiring from the game, Mr Flatley commenced a career in the financial services industry, eventually establishing his own advisory, Wealth Insurance Solutions, alongside partner Hayley White.

Originally published as Rugby legend Elton Flatley’s CTP insurer sued after alleged red-light T-bone on the Gold Coast