These days, there are some drivers on the road that will purposely cause and auto crash with innocent motorists. Though your vehicle may only have a small dent, the crooks will often fake injuries and make large claims against your insurance company or their own. There are many organized crime rings who stage these accidents against unsuspecting drivers.
This is, unfortunately, not a victim-less crime. If this happens to you, you will have a claim on your insurance record that can cost you for years. Your insurance company could possibly drop you or raise your premiums by hundreds of dollars. There have been cases where a staged accident has caused deaths as well. Even when death doesn’t occur, the innocent drivers are often injured and terrorized by these schemes. Your life is disrupted as you have to deal with police reports, claim settlement, car repairs, lawyers, and many other problems.
There are things you can do to help fight back against staged auto crashes. Below are some things to help you with that:
- Always allow plenty of space between your car and others. You need plenty of time to stop if the car in front of you suddenly hits their breaks.
- If you see traffic slowing ahead, slowly apply your brakes.
- If you are in a collision, count the number of passengers in the other car. Write down their names, driver’s license numbers, and phone numbers. This way, you can ensure that only the number of people in the car can make a claim. Also write down the license number of the car.
- Pay attention to how the passengers behave. Do they behave differently right after the accident and when the police arrive?
- Use your cell phone to take pictures of the damage to the car, as well as the passengers.
- Even if there is only minor damage, always call the police. Get a copy of the police report and the name of the officer. If the report states there was only a small scratch or dent, the crooks will have a harder time claiming serious car damage or injuries.
- If you witness a wreck, get involved. If it seems like a scam, provide the details needed to help the honest victim.
- Any time you are in a wreck, call personal injury lawyer in Biloxi MS to help you.
Unfortunately, the staged auto crashes cost everyone. It is up to every driver to be diligent to avoid becoming a victim of these criminals.