Opinion
November 15, 1985
Appeal from the Supreme Court, Erie County, Mintz, J.
Present — Callahan, J.P., Boomer, Green, O'Donnell and Schnepp, JJ.
Order unanimously modified, on the law, and, as modified, affirmed, without costs, in accordance with the following memorandum: The order is modified by dismissing the complaint in action No. 1 against the defendants Hugh Allan and Hugh Allan Associates. On their motion for summary judgment, those defendants met their burden by submitting proof in evidentiary form that they did not own the automobile driven by Chris Allan and that, at the time of the collision, Chris Allan was not acting as their agent or servant. The plaintiffs submitted no proof in opposition and failed to show that "facts essential to justify opposition may exist but [could not] then be stated" (CPLR 3212 [f]). A mere hope that somehow plaintiffs will uncover evidence that will prove their case is not sufficient to defeat a motion for summary judgment (see, Trails W. v Wolff, 32 N.Y.2d 207, 221; Badman v Civil Serv. Employees Assn., 91 A.D.2d 858). Plaintiffs had ample opportunity to develop the facts before defendants moved for summary judgment.