Hochul Accuses Trial Lawyers of Lying to Block Her Plan to Lower NY Car Insurance Costs

Governor claims trial lawyers are exploiting victims to oppose her auto insurance reform proposals

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:50am

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul is accusing the powerful Trial Lawyers Association of lying about her plan to change the legal definition of 'serious injury' in order to cut down on fraudulent insurance claims and lower car insurance costs for drivers. Hochul claims the trial lawyers are using a handful of accident victim cases to falsely claim her proposals would negatively impact legitimate victims, which her administration says is not true.

Why it matters

New York drivers currently pay the highest car insurance rates in the nation, with insurance fraud estimated to raise premiums by up to $300 per year. Hochul's proposed reforms aim to address the growing problem of staged accidents and fraudulent claims, which have spiked 80% over the past 5 years. However, the influential trial lawyers lobby has been pushing back against the changes, which could impact their profits.

The details

Hochul's plan would change the legal definition of 'serious injury' to reduce frivolous claims, and cap damages for uninsured drivers, those convicted of impaired driving, or those with felony convictions related to the accident. The trial lawyers group presented several victim cases they claim would be negatively impacted, but Hochul's team reviewed the cases and said none would actually be affected by the proposals. The trial lawyers have deep ties to the Democratic-controlled legislature, making Hochul's plan a major sticking point in the state budget negotiations.

  • In 2023, New York State had 1,729 staged crashes, ranking second highest in the nation.
  • From 2023 to 2025, Florida's car insurance premiums reversed from a 25% increase to a 7.4% reduction, while New York's increased 13.1% in 2024 and 11.1% in 2025.

The players

Gov. Kathy Hochul

The Democratic governor of New York who is proposing changes to the legal definition of 'serious injury' in order to cut down on fraudulent insurance claims and lower car insurance costs for drivers.

Trial Lawyers Association

A powerful lobbying group representing trial lawyers in New York that has been pushing back against Hochul's insurance reform proposals, which could impact their profits.

Assemblywoman Jen Lunsford

A Democratic state assemblywoman from Rochester who has appeared with the Trial Lawyers Association to criticize Hochul's plan.

Sabrina Rezzy

A spokesperson for the Trial Lawyers Association who has accused Hochul's office of attacking accident victims and spreading 'blatantly false' claims about the impact of the governor's proposals.

Uber Technologies

The ride-sharing company that has pumped $8 million into a Super PAC supporting Hochul's plan to lower New York's high car insurance costs.

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What they’re saying

“Exploiting victims of serious accidents to peddle false information and misconstrue facts is a new low.”

— Hochul spokesperson

“These claims are blatantly false, just like the fiction being sold to the public that this plan will result in savings. Unlike the paid actors employed by the astroturf groups supporting the governor's pro-insurance agenda, these are real victims who have been seriously injured.”

— Sabrina Rezzy, TLA spokesperson

“Clearly, the governor's office has no problem attacking crash victims – just like her policies do – for the benefit of insurers.”

— Sabrina Rezzy, TLA spokesperson

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.