In numerous states, particularly those with no-fault insurance laws, staged automobile accidents are on the rise. These accidents are staged by criminals planning to get money out of insurance companies. Some of these have some innocent victims when other do not. Insurance fraud can be a serious issue that raises rates for everyone — and some states are aiming to battle the bulge.
Automobile accidents staged
A vehicle accident that is staged is when an accident is cause to make money. There are quite a couple of schemes. Some contain two or three cars that have been filled with individuals that have a minor accident. All the passengers claim injuries that cost the insurance company thousands of dollars. Others are played with innocent drivers. No matter what the scheme, a staged car accident is usually difficult to stay away from and even more difficult to prove.
Cost of staged car accidents
It can cost a lot for staged car accidents. In injuries, passengers can claim a lot of money. Damage to automobiles can add an additional 15 to 30 thousand dollars per vehicle. The person who is not at fault can also have their insurance costs increased. In insurance states, insurance costs spike. This is just the financial cost — there is also a danger of personal injury and increased vehicular-related death.
Staged accidents rise
It is hard to determine what the number of staged accidents is. It is hard to say they are fraud when they look normal. As reported by the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, thus far this year, Florida has seen over 3,000 staged accidents, New York has had 1,680 and California has seen 1,619. Illinois and Texas are within the top five for staged accidents.
See probably the most common staged accidents
youtube.com/watch?v=JGeIrm5UXN0
More info accessible at these sites:
Coalition against insurance fraud
insurancefraud.org/staged_accidents.htm
