Our attorneys are closely monitoring the Governor’s budget proposals concerning auto accident claims.
Any reform to New York’s insurance system must preserve the rights of legitimately injured auto accident victims to receive necessary medical care and fair and adequate compensation. Measures aimed at addressing staged accidents or fraudulent claims should not come at the expense of people who suffer real injuries through no fault of their own. New York already has criminal laws in place to prosecute false and fabricated claims; the answer is to enforce those laws—not to weaken protections for honest, injured New Yorkers.
New York’s civil justice system exists to ensure accountability and to protect injured individuals from bearing the financial consequences of negligence. We oppose any effort — whether direct or indirect — that would deprive injured victims of meaningful access to medical treatment or the ability to be fully compensated for their losses. Too often, insurance companies and large corporate interests are focused not on fairness, but on paying as little as possible on legitimate claims while maximizing profits. Using “fraud” as a broad brush to justify sweeping restrictions is simply a tactic that harms the “little guy” and shields wrongdoers from responsibility.
As discussions continue and additional proposals are introduced, including any amendments to the Governor’s budget, we will continue to advocate for policies that protect injured New Yorkers while demanding transparency and accountability from insurance companies.