California town to charge nonresident drivers fees up to $3000 for car accidents

[Liberal_in_LA]

Published: Aug. 16, 2010
Updated: Aug. 17, 2010 12:38 p.m.
Crash in Huntington Beach, pay a fee
By JAIMEE LYNN FLETCHER

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Nonresidents who cause car accidents will now be billed for emergency response services, which may cost upwards of $3,000 depending on the accident.

City Council members at their meeting Monday approved a cost recovery program for emergency services including car accidents, car fires and pipeline and power line damage.

McIntosh added Fullerton, Garden Gove, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana have implemented a similar program.

City officials expect the ordinance would bring in about $100,000 in revenue each year that could go toward equipment replacement costs and other department needs.

However Tully Lehman of the Insurance Information Network of California, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that informs consumers on various insurance issues, said it is likely the city will not receive what they hope for.

"Unfortunately, the reality is most cities are only seeing a third of what was promised," he said.

Fees vary based on services rendered, the most expensive being extraction for someone trapped in their vehicle, which would cost nearly $2,000. A car fire comes with a $750 bill and each fire truck that responds to the scene would cost $405 an hour.

The charges are billed to the driver's insurance company but those driving without coverage will be charged directly.

But Lehman said, in many cases, the money would be coming out of the driver's pocket.

"It's not something that's covered by the auto policy," he said.

http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-262340-car-fire.html

[DJ13]

1. The conservative wet dream of pay as you go government comes to life

[enid602]

2. Huntington Beach

Why can't these costs be paid by revenues generated by these same tourists? Is the city promoting a rapid transit alternative?

[LisaM]

3. What?

What if you're driving through town and a townie runs out in front of you and you end up in an accident? Who pays then?

[Old and In the Way]

4. Interesting....imagine if this catches on and every city/town adopts such an ordinance.

Public transportation will become a pretty damn viable option quickly. I doubt that this will pass muster Constitutionally...if it does, look for the auto companies to be lobbying for legislation to void these types of laws.

[cynatnite]

5. I don't think this will last long. n/t

[zonkers]

6. I expect nothing less than stupidity from HB. Their remodel of downtown HB is unforgivable...

A tacky shopping complex wih a 5 plex right on the water.