Texas City to Charge Car Accident Victims Up to $2,000 for the Cost of First Responders

[marmar]

A Houston suburb in Texas is set to implement a plan to charge drivers the cost of the first responders who come to the scene of car crashes. Missouri City will charge drivers up to a few thousand dollars to respond to crashes, according to a report by KHOU 11 News.

The plan will be instituted starting March 1, and residents of Missouri City are none too happy.

“That really ticks me,” resident Meredith Johnson told the news outlet. And what ticks Johnson even more off is that “drivers involved will be charged even if they don't call for help,” according to KHOU 11.

“I think of how often they show up. I see them show up and everyone's walking around. I'm freaking out,” said Johnson. ................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/texas-city-charge-car-accident-victims-2000-cost-first-responders

[Arugula Latte]

1. Gotta get that pesky Guvmint off yer backs!

[KamaAina]

2. And if the crash occurs on a state highway?

Or right near the city limits? "Must... push... wrecked car... out of... Missouri City... aaaaauuuugggghhh..."

[niyad]

3. this move is intended to fix the budget deficit in that community. as a matter of curiosity, I

wonder how much the governing officials in the community make. don't notice them offering to sacrifice.

and is it even legal to charge people like that? isn't that one of the things for which our taxes are supposed to pay?

note to self: NEVER go through that community.

[lpbk2713]

4. Unless of course said victims are well connected to the local power structure.

That's how it usually works out. If Police/Fire/EMT respond to the scene of an accident involving Joe Jones
and he is known to have a lot of clout the records will be "corrected" and then he won't owe a dime.

[Bandit]

5. Another way to gouge the insurance companies and drive up insurance costs..

But don't worry the wealthy still get their tax cuts....