Spotting "Staged" Car Accidents - What you need to know and do

December 31, 2024, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Staged car accidents are a growing concern for drivers and insurance companies alike. These deliberate collisions are orchestrated by scammers to defraud insurance companies and innocent drivers. In this blog post, we'll explore how to spot a staged car accident and what steps to take if you suspect you're involved in one.

 Common Types of Staged Car Accidents

Scammers use various tactics to stage accidents. Here are three common types to be aware of:

 The "Swoop and Squat" Scam

This scam involves two vehicles working together. One car suddenly cuts off another, causing the second car to slam on its brakes in front of you. Unable to stop in time, you rear-end the car in front, and the scammers claim you were at fault.

To protect yourself from this scam, always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. This extra space can give you more time to react if the car in front suddenly stops.

 The "Drive Down" Scam

In this scenario, a scammer waves you out of a parking spot, then deliberately accelerates into your vehicle as you're exiting. They then claim you caused the collision.

To avoid falling victim to this scam, exercise caution when leaving a parking spot. Don't rely solely on someone else's signal to proceed. When possible, reverse into parking spots to improve visibility when exiting.

 The "Bullet Left Turn" Scam

This scam occurs at intersections. A scammer waves you through to make a left turn, then accelerates into your vehicle. They subsequently claim you turned unsafely and caused the accident.

To prevent this, be wary of accepting the right of way when making left turns. Ensure you have ample space to complete the turn safely, regardless of signals from other drivers.

 Red Flags of a Staged Accident

While it can be challenging to identify a staged accident in the moment, there are several red flags to watch for:

1. Overly eager witnesses: If witnesses appear too quickly or seem unusually prepared with detailed accounts, they might be part of the scam.

2. Minor damage but major injuries: Be suspicious if the other driver claims severe injuries despite minimal vehicle damage.

3. Pressure to use specific services: Scammers may insist on using particular tow trucks, body shops, or medical providers.

4. Inconsistent stories: If the other driver's account of the accident changes or doesn't match the physical evidence, it could be a sign of fraud.

 What to Do If You Suspect a Staged Accident

If you believe you've been involved in a staged accident, take the following steps:

1. Stay calm and prioritize safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.

2. Call the police: Report your suspicions to law enforcement. Their presence can deter scammers and provide an official record of the incident.

3. Document everything: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Record details such as weather conditions, road conditions, and the exact location.

4. Gather information: Collect names, addresses, license plate numbers, and insurance details of all drivers and passengers involved. Also, get contact information from any witnesses.

5. Be cautious with your words: Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident details with anyone except the police and your insurance company.

6. Contact your insurance company: Report the accident promptly, ideally within 48-72 hours. Share your suspicions about it being staged.

7. Be wary of tow trucks: Don't let anyone pressure you into using a specific tow service. You have the right to choose where your vehicle is towed.

 Protecting Yourself from Staged Accidents

While you can't prevent all accidents, you can take steps to reduce your risk of falling victim to a staged collision:

1. Maintain a safe following distance: This gives you more time to react to sudden stops or erratic driving behavior.

2. Be alert at intersections: Exercise caution when making turns, especially left turns.

3. Use caution in parking lots: Be patient when entering or exiting parking spaces.

4. Install a dashcam: Video evidence can be invaluable in proving your innocence in a staged accident.

5. Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy and local traffic laws.

6. Trust your instincts: If something feels off about an accident, it probably is. Don't hesitate to voice your concerns to the police and your insurance company.

 Reporting Suspected Insurance Fraud

If you have information about auto insurance fraud, you can report it anonymously:

• Call the Équité/Crime Stoppers Canada tip line: 1-877-422-TIPS (English) or 1-866-422-4331 (French).
• Submit an anonymous tip via Équité Association.

By reporting suspected fraud, you help combat insurance scams and potentially protect other drivers from falling victim to these schemes.

Staged car accidents are a serious problem that can have significant financial and legal consequences for innocent drivers. By staying vigilant, knowing the common scams, and taking appropriate action when you suspect fraud, you can protect yourself and others from these deceptive practices. Remember, your safety is paramount, so always prioritize it in any accident situation, staged or not. If you are injured in a staged car accident call 911. Once you are safe call us. We'll look out for you.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.