Opinion
October 2, 1934.
October 3, 1934.
Present: RUGG, C.J., CROSBY, PIERCE, FIELD, DONAHUE, JJ.
Release. Evidence, Extrinsic affecting writing.
A release of "any and all claims" arising from an automobile accident could not be varied by parol evidence to the effect that the parties to the release orally agreed that it should not apply to a claim of the party, who gave it, for damage to his automobile resulting from the accident; and the release was a bar to that party's right to recover from the other party for such damage.
TORT. Writ in the Municipal Court of the City of Boston dated January 4, 1934.
The action was heard in the Municipal Court by Brackett, J., who found for the plaintiff in the sum of $50. Upon a report to the Appellate Division, judgment for the defendant was ordered entered. The plaintiff appealed.
The case was submitted on a brief.
N. Quint, for the plaintiff.
No argument nor brief for the defendant.
The plaintiff seeks in this action of tort to recover compensation for damage to his automobile caused on August 21, 1933, by the negligence of the defendant. The defendant pleaded a release signed by the plaintiff and his wife reciting the receipt of $650 in settlement of "our disputed claims against Charles E. Gane for injuries received by me on August 21st, 19331 [1933], for six hundred fifty and 00/100 (650.00) dollars which amount we have received and we release the said Charles E. Gane from any and all claims by reason of the said accident." There was testimony to the effect that it was orally agreed that the release did not affect the right of the plaintiff to recover for damage to his automobile due to the accident. There was a finding that such an agreement was made.
The plaintiff was not entitled to recover. The release was explicit. It covered all claims arising out of the accident. Its written terms could not be varied by parol evidence. Brown v. Cambridge, 3 Allen, 474. Goldenberg v. Taglino, 218 Mass. 357. Butler v. Prussian, 252 Mass. 265. Radovsky v. Wexler, 273 Mass. 254. Hirsch v. Fisher, 278 Mass. 492, 495.
Order of judgment for defendant affirmed.