According to
this Los Angeles Times article drivers who are at fault in car accidents in at least 50 California cities are now being billed for the cost of the police and firefighters who show up. Called the "crash tax" local governments seek reimbursement from insurance companies for the costs of sending public emergency crews and, if the insurers don't pay, cities may hire collection agents to seek payment from the motorists involved in the accident. The fees can amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For example, this month the Sacramento City Council is scheduled to vote on a crash tax that carries proposed fees that range from $432 for a "scene stabilization" to $2,275 for a helicopter evacuation. Insurers are working against the adoption of, and for the repeal of, crash tax laws.
