Every year, billions of dollars are paid out in fraudulent auto accident claims. Staged auto accidents are often to blame. A staged accident happens when one or more drivers put an unsuspecting motorist into a position that results in a crash. A fraudulent insurance claim is filed and money is paid out. Drivers like you and I pay for these fraudulent claims with higher insurance rates. So, how you can protect yourself from this kind of fraud?
Staged Auto Accidents – Don’t Become a Victim
It has been said that “knowledge is power only if man knows what facts not to bother with”. So, instead of providing you a bunch of facts and figures that won’t mean anything to you, let’s discuss how you can protect yourself.
The internet is replete with sites that describe different types of staged auto accident scams. This knowledge can make you powerful. To give you a general idea of what is commonly used, here are a few of their scams.
One popular scam is when a driver in another vehicle waves you to ‘go ahead’. They are waving you to perhaps merge into traffic, to turn in front of oncoming traffic or other situations similar to these. The scam is complete when they or another vehicle working in cahoots with them crash into you and then claim that you merged or turned when you shouldn’t have. They will also deny to ever have waived you ahead.
Another version is when someone all of a sudden enters into your lane in front of you and slams on their brakes. At times they may have an accomplice that ‘boxes’ you in, leaving you with no way out. Now you have rear-ended them, your at fault, and the make a fraudulent claim.
There are other versions that have similar aspects but suffice it to say that while the players, their actions and excuses may change, the game is the same. So, how can you protect yourself. Well, you now have basic knowledge of what the scam may look like, so how do you avoid it?
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is your best friend. It is by far the best thing that you can do in order to not fall victim to a staged auto accident. Not being in a hurry, not tailgating, not getting excited when someone cuts you off, all of these defensive driving techniques and others can protect you and more importantly not give the scammers what they want… an opportunity to get you, to stage an accident.
In addition, if the worst happens, be sure to call the police if you have an accident. Make sure you fully document the accident. Take pictures of your car, the other vehicles involved in the accident. With the proliferation of mobile devices, this will be very easy for you to do. Make sure to get the names and contact information of all of the parties involved as well as witnesses, the vehicle license number(s), year, make and model and the insurance information. Write down as much information as you can about the accident. As soon as you are able to, file a claim with your insurance company and agent. They will guide you to repair your vehicle. Your health insurance provider can help you with medical issues and only consult legal counsel that you know personally or a trusted friend has recommended to you.
For additional auto driving guidance and Auto Insurance Solutions, consult with us today by calling 909.466.7876. Part of our commitment is to provide you with the necessary tools to avoid becoming a victim of Staged Auto Accidents, so don’t hesitate to try us out!
