The governor's proposal guts long-standing protections for crash victims and benefits insurance companies at the expense of people harmed by negligent drivers. It would result in more denied claims, less accountability for dangerous driving, and increased blame placed on victims. It will shift financial responsibility from those responsible back onto victims. It does not prevent crashes, improve street safety or guarantee lower insurance premiums. Similar reforms in other states did not reduce insurance costs. Instead, injured pedestrians and cyclists will pay the price.
Southern California Edison is offering Eaton fire victims hundreds of thousands of dollars despite not accepting responsibility for the devastating blaze. Homeowners who lost 1,500-square-foot properties could receive $900,000 to rebuild, $200,000 for settling directly with the utility company and an additional amount for pain and suffering. The January wildfire destroyed more than 9,400 homes and structures in Altadena and killed at least 19 people.
