Illinois municpalities charge "Crash Tax"
Add Chicago Heights, IL to the list of cities throughout the country charging accident victims a "crash tax" intended to recoup expenses involved from emergency responders. Doesn't matter if you caused that accident or not, if you're on the scene, you could get a bill.
Such was the case with Cary Felmdan. He was on his motor scooter in Chicago Heights, when he was hit from behind. A concerned citizen who witnessed the accident called 911 and a fire truck showed up at the scene of the accident.
Although Feldman was fine and did not require any treatment, he received a bill for $200 from the Chicago Heights Fire Department.
"We're paying taxes for these serviecs." said Fledman. "We don't need to have a second tax."
The term "crash tax" is beeing used acrros the country by motorists who are receiving bills for emergency responders. Drivers are not happy about receiving bills for these services, particularly when the accident is not their fault.
Pending Illinois legislation would allow municipalities to charge upt $250 per hour for emergency respnose.
Karen Yarbrough, an Illinois Representative belives the legislation should be killed. "This is just another way to reach into a consumer's pocket."
Another concern is that people may be reluctant to call 911. In South Carolina, acouple was using a garden hose to put our a fire in their home instead of calling the local fire department. they wanted to avoid getting a bill.
If you receive a bill there is no way to dispute the charge. "They've been harassing me," said Feldman. "They even turned it over to collections without sending a final notice."
Feldman gave in and paid the $200 to avoid any issues with his credit. "So this is what I cal extortion. This is how they get you to pay it," Feldman said.
The person who hit Feldman received a bill but only for $100 since he is a Chicago Heights resident. Insurance won't pay the bill
