Larkin Cracks Down On Auto Fraud Recruiters

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) has introduced legislation in the State Senate (S.7226) that would limit certain businesses from gaining immediate access to motor vehicle accident reports.

"The purpose of this bill is to limit the ability of unauthorized businesses from gaining access to accident and police reports," said Senator Larkin. "We know that there are law firms and medical clinics out there that fish through police and accident reports to identify potential clients. They approach these people and recruit them. Then they either to offer to represent them in court or provide unnecessary medical treatment in order to beef up the personal injury claims before filing an auto insurance claim. This bill tries to stay one step ahead of those who would commit insurance fraud."

The Larkin bill would prevent public access to accident and police reports until thirty days after the report has been filed. It would not limit law enforcement agencies, persons involved in the accident and their attorneys, the insurance companies providing coverage, or authorized businesses that need the reports to operate motor vehicle abstract companies.