New York Personal Injury News & NYC Legal Current Events

NYFD Wants To Charge Injured Drivers “Crash Tax”

Facing a serious budget crisis, New York City has proposed to instate a so-called “crash tax” that would bill drivers who are involved in car accidents that needs the assistance of the New York City Fire Department. The crash tax would raise an estimated $1.5 million a year, which would help the city escape some of its more serious money issues. However, many say that the tax is unfair and goes against what the fire department stands for: helping people in need.

Those that support the crash tax, such as New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, say that many other cities and states already charge the tax, and that most insurance companies cover the fees. In addition, the responsible party would be responsible for the bill, and if you receive a bill for a fire department response that you were not at fault for, you can forward it to the person who was at fault for the accident.

A spokesperson for the New York Fire Department explained that crashes with fire department response would cost $365 for accidents that don’t involve injuries. An accident that does involve an injury and a car fire would cost $490, while car fires without injuries would cost $415.

City officials say that they do not have to make a new law to enact the crash tax policy, but that they will have a public hearing regarding the charge on January 14. In addition, the new policy would have to go through the regular process of other rules that are passed in New York City.

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