If you get into a car accident in New York City, hope you don't need the help of the Fire Department -- because there will likely be a bill attached.
In an effort to raise cash while the city's budget crisis rages, the FDNY is looking to charge motorists when it responds to smashups and other vehicle incidents beginning July 1.
Under the plan, which is expected to raise more than $1 million a year:
* A vehicle fire or "incident with injuries" will set you back $490.
* A vehicle fire without injuries: $415.
* Any other vehicle incident without injuries will cost $365.
The fee schedule is based on time spent at vehicle accident scenes by its personnel, "the apparatus, equipment and supplies they utilize and administrative overhead [direct and indirect] and fringe benefits," according to an announcement in yesterday's City Record.
FDNY spokesman Steve Ritea said insurance companies are likely to pick up the tab in many cases, and there won't be a charge if minor assistance is needed or in cases where there's obviously no fault, such as a tree landing on a car.
The FDNY, which responds to about 14,000 vehicle incidents a year, promised that it "will not deny motorist services based on the status of the billing or payment for such services," according to the announcement.
Republished with permission of The New York Post.
