What to do if You are a Victim of a Staged Auto Accident
What is a staged auto accident? This is when a driver purposely causes an auto accident so that they can make a fraudulent insurance claim. If you are the victim of a staged car accident, it may cause your insurance premiums to jump.
This is why it is important to take the right steps after car accident fraud. Do you want to learn more about the steps you should take if you believe you’re the victim of a fraudulent accident?
Keep reading this guide for everything you should do in this situation.
Understand the Types of Staged Accidents
One of the first things you need to do if you believe you were the victim of a staged car accident is to understand the types of staged car accidents. This way, it will be easier to identify what happened in your situation and will make it easier to know what steps to take.
First, there is a swoop and squat staged accident. This is when the driver in front of you is cut off and you rear-end them.
Next, there is something called a drive down. This happens when a driver waves you to merge into their lane and then hits you. Often, they will claim that they never waved you into their lane and that it was your fault.
Another common type of staged accident is a sideswipe. If you drift over slightly in your lane, the driver next to you will intentionally sideswipe you and claim that you drifted into their lane.
The last common type of staged accident is the t-bone. A driver will broadside your car and then claims that you ran a light or a stop sign and hit them.
Insist That the Police Come to the Scene
One of the first steps you need to take if you think that you’re the victim of a staged accident is to insist that the police come to the scene.
Often, these stagers will protest this and will claim that you can settle it between yourselves. However, they will try to convince you that the accident was your fault.
Instead, you need to call the police to the scene. When you call 911, make sure you tell them that you believe that it was a staged accident. This way, the police officers can look for helpful evidence.
Next, you also need to get a copy of the onsite incident report as well as the full police report.
Write Down Important Information
Next, it is vital that you write down as much information as you can about the accident, how it happened, and more.
First, you should write down the information about the other car. This includes their license plate number, how many passengers were in the car, and more.
You also need to gather their contact information, their driver’s license numbers, and more.
You may also want to write down how the other people involved in the accident behave while they wait for the police. Often, they will seem fine until the police come to the scene.
Then they will act injured when the police arrive to make their personal injury claim seem accurate.
Get Contact Information From Witnesses
When you are meeting with the police, you can also ask for contact information from the witnesses of your car accident. You can give this information to the department that is investigating the fraud.
Witnesses may be able to prove that the accident was staged and can provide other helpful insights into what happened.
Document Damage to Both Cars
The most important thing you can do if you believe you were involved in a staged car accident is document the damage to both cars. Make sure you write notes and take photos of both cars, even if it doesn’t seem like there is much damage.
This is because many stagers will file an insurance claim for much more money than the damage was worth.
Having photos of both cars will prove that there was not much damage to either of your cars.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After you gather any important information after your accident, you need to notify your insurance company of the accident. This way, you can get your claim filed as quickly as possible.
You also need to notify your insurance agent that you believe that you were the victim of a staged accident. Most insurance companies have a team that deals with auto accident fraud and can investigate the incident for you.
Hire a Car Accident Attorney
Finally, it is important that you hire a car accident attorney if you believe you were in a staged accident. They are experienced in these types of cases and can help prove your innocence in this case.
A car accident attorney will also help you receive compensation for your injuries or damages to your vehicle.
By having a legal professional on your team, you can feel confident that you will not be taken advantage of.
Are You the Victim of a Staged Auto Accident? We Can Help!
Insurance fraud is something that needs to be taken seriously. If you were the victim of staged auto accidents, it can cost you a lot of money and may even increase your insurance premiums.
By following each of these tips, you won’t be at fault after a staged auto accident.
Are you looking for a car accident attorney to help you through this process? RHINO Lawyers can help! Contact our team today to learn about our services and to get a free case analysis from our auto accident team.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
