West Allis To Begin Charging $250 crash fee to non-residents only (2013, insurance)

[NoJiveMan]

Stupidest Wisconsin communities, IMO.

West Allis to begin charging $250 crash fee to non-residents only | CBS 58 | Local News

WEST ALLIS -- A new law passed in the City of West Allis charges drivers a $250 crash fee, if they're at fault and driving a car not registered with a West Allis address. The new fine will have drivers passing through West Allis on alert after the fee kicks in on January 1, 2013.

Are communities in Wisconsin doing this because of recent budget cuts?

[cfbs2691]

W t f?

[Merkin]

not sure if this violates commerce clause

[monkeywrenching]

Originally Posted by Merkin

not sure if this violates commerce clause

I dont think it would violate that, as it is a fine against those non resident drivers that are at fault. I just think that politicians there should take their head out of their butt and get rid of some city employees 1st before doing this.

[NoJiveMan]

I have to wonder if other states are doing this? Also wondering if the reason is due to new budget constraints? These communities claim they don't want to pass the cost onto tax payers, but what are the tax payers paying for if it is described as a public service?

Sometimes, when there is a vehicular accident, a fire truck and ambulance and police respond. How do they figure $250 is going to cover the costs of a fire truck and ambulance response? I'd thought it costs a heck of a lot more than that when considering not only the equipment dispatch, but the wages of the first responders.

[ranger17]

so when a non resident crashes due to poor road conditions, do they "counter sue" the city for not having pavement clean and in good winter driving conditions?
I'm glad they dont have this down in my area though i woudlnt be surprised to see these pop up more and more.

[JoshB]

Guys,
Keep in mind this will probably be paid by your insurance company. As someone who adjusts auto claims, part of my job is to review bills from emergency service providers. That's something we pay if our client is at fault. It's not a long drawn out battle to get us to pay like many would assume. Keep in mind, whether the conditions are ideal or not it's your responsibility to maintain control of your vehicle at all times. I too wonder how $250.00 will cover all services?

[NoJiveMan]

Originally Posted by JoshB

Guys,
Keep in mind this will probably be paid by your insurance company. As someone who adjusts auto claims, part of my job is to review bills from emergency service providers. That's something we pay if our client is at fault. It's not a long drawn out battle to get us to pay like many would assume. Keep in mind, whether the conditions are ideal or not it's your responsibility to maintain control of your vehicle at all times. I too wonder how $250.00 will cover all services?

I also wondered the same thing. It must cost at least a couple of thousand dollars to pay for police, fire, and other accident response vehicles and people.

And not to blow your theory out of the water here josh, but would the 250 bucks be levied as a fine rather than a fee if a driver is found at fault?

Seems these days everybody has their hands out looking to cash in on someone's misfortune, driving a car is getting more and more expensive.

[JoshB]

Originally Posted by NoJiveMan

I also wondered the same thing. It must cost at least a couple of thousand dollars to pay for police, fire, and other accident response vehicles and people.

And not to blow your theory out of the water here josh, but would the 250 bucks be levied as a fine rather than a fee if a driver is found at fault?

Seems these days everybody has their hands out looking to cash in on someone's misfortune, driving a car is getting more and more expensive.

A fine would have to be a state statute or municipal ordinance violation. This would more than likely be rendered as a fee. When they complete the accident report they take down your insurance information and would bill them. The fee would probably be paid under the Property Damage Liability portion of your auto policy.

[amerifree]

What a load of garbage! If locals really feel this is hunky-dorey, then this will only be the beginning of unteathered 'taxation'.
The state is awash in tax payer money, and West Allis feels it's necesarry charge $250 for something no one else does?
Could it be there is no incentive to reign in Local Spending? How about the City Officials and Public Servants cough up a little of their fat salaries and bulging bennies?