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Billions of insurer and consumer dollars are wasted each year on insurance fraud. Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic, fraudulent claims skyrocketed, including those related to fraudulent car accidents. These types of accidents are also known as staged or fake accidents. Across the nation, auto insurance fraud accounts for up to 14 percent of all auto premiums. As an American consumer and motorist, it’s essential to know what these types of accidents look like and what you can do about them. Any time you are involved in an accident, whether you believe it to be a scam or not, it’s always crucial to call an experienced California car accident attorney.
What is a Staged Accident?
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) implores that drivers know how to spot and handle staged accidents. “Accidents” in which the motorist deliberately or methodically causes a crash with another automobile to receive a fraudulent insurance payout are a big business. Furthermore, the incident’s facts are frequently distorted or exaggerated to cause the innocent and unsuspecting driver to be at fault.
Staged accidents can typically garner anywhere between $2,000-$15,000, although some organized fraud rings work together to scam even more out of consumers and insurance carriers. These organized crimes come with a price tag of hundreds of thousands of dollars in total.
Types of Staged Accidents
There are several common types of staged crashes, which include:
Swoop and Squat
In a swoop and squat, also known as a swoop and squat stop scam, the driver in the car in front of you will suddenly slam on their brakes. Often other motorists involved in the scam will box you in at the same time, making it nearly impossible for you to swerve to avoid a rear-end collision. Instead, you become trapped in a rear-end collision.
The T-Bone Accident
Like the swoop and squat, this scam involves another individual. However, in a t-bone, the accomplice acts as a “witness.” The scammer waits at an intersection for someone to drive by and t-bone into the side of their vehicle. When the law enforcement officers arrive, the co-conspirators provide testimony about the accident, saying you ran a red light. This creates a two-against-one situation between you and your insurer. If there is no witness to back up your claims, you could lose and be blamed for the accident.
Drive Down
When waiting to make a left turn, an oncoming scammer lures you into turning prematurely. The scammer waits and then proceeds to collide with you.
The Wave-In
The wave-in is one of the most blatantly obvious fraudulent car accidents. This can happen in a couple of different ways:
- Two drivers conspire to set up a crash with a victim in a parking lot or side street. One waves to you, signaling that it’s safe to pull out of a parking lot or side street. You think they are being polite and proceed forward, only to be hit by their waiting accomplice.
- A single driver waves you in while you are attempting to switch lanes. You think that it’s safe, so you move over. However, they quickly accelerate while you change lanes and hit you from the side.
Enhanced Damages
The original accident is authentic; however, the not-at-fault driver causes additional damage to their vehicle to increase the claim’s total value.
Panic Stops
Another reason not to drive distracted is these types of fraudulent accidents. In a panic stop, a motor vehicle driver intentionally watches for the driver in the car behind them to become distracted. Once they are distracted, the driver in front slams on their brakes, causing the vehicle to rear-end them.
Sideswipes
In a sideswipe fraud accident, the driver puts themselves in a position to sideswipe another automobile that is in the inner left-turn lane of a double left-turn lane intersection.
Suppose you ever suspect you are part of a staged accident. In that case, it’s imperative that you document all of the details, such as the extent of damage and how many passengers were involved in case false claims are made. You should also remain cautious of any individuals offering advice or services without a request, including post-accident towing services or medical advice. Unfortunately, some professionals can become involved in fraudulent accidents to increase their business.
Stopping Insurance Fraud
Exercising caution while behind the wheel is the best way to avoid insurance fraud in the first place. Maintain a safe distance between you and the driver ahead of you and be on the lookout for signs that they may need to stop suddenly. Unfortunately, following too close to the vehicle in front of you sets you up for an accident— staged or not. Always drive defensively, being as prepared as possible for what other drivers might do.
If you suspect you might be the victim of fleet insurance fraud, don’t leave the accident scene, even if the damage appears minor. Instead, call the local law enforcement authorities, who will make a report of the incident and document both parties’ testimonies, as well as that of any potential witnesses. If possible, get smartphone pictures of both cars at angles that show the damage in clear view.
Get the other motorist’s personal information, including the following:
- Their name and driver’s license number
- A description of their motorist’s appearance
- Address and phone number
- Car insurance information
Were You the Victim of a Fraudulent Car Accident? Call TorkLaw Today
Being in a car accident can be overwhelming and frustrating, especially if you were hit by a negligent driver who made a poor decision or wasn’t paying attention to what they were doing. However, being victimized in a fraudulent car accident scam can be downright infuriating. If you suspect that you fell victim to such an accident, seek the legal representation of TorkLaw right away. We thoroughly investigate every car accident claim. If we find evidence of fraud, we will alert the authorities and insurance companies and continue to fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf. Even if you were victimized in a scam accident, you still deserve compensation for your damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call TorkLaw at 888.845.9696 or contact us online today to schedule a complimentary case review. Our knowledgeable staff is available to take your call 24/7.
