Car accidents are not uncommon in Middletown, Connecticut. When they happen, they leave those involved in a frightened state. Also, the consequences may follow them all their lives. So, no one wants to be in a car crash.
However, not every traffic collision is an “actual” accident. Some are staged car accidents, and anyone who does not know might believe they were in a real crash. The person might also believe they were totally or partially to blame for the occurrence.
This article looks at what staged car crashes are about and what to do if you find yourself in one. If you get involved in a crash where you are not at fault, contact our Middletown personal injury lawyers at Injured CT for help immediately.
What Is a Staged Car Accident?
Staged auto collisions are crashes set up by people looking to commit accident insurance fraud or file a fraudulent personal injury lawsuit against the falsely-accused fault driver. In these occurrences, a driver intentionally causes a crash and makes it look like the other motorist’s fault.
Staged car accidents take on different forms but involve one or more of the following elements:
- A fake vehicle collision
- Fake injuries
- A fake accident report
- Fake victims
- Fake eyewitnesses
Some of these occurrences are perpetrated by one person. However, at a higher level, it could be the work of an organized criminal enterprise taking advantage of unsuspecting drivers in Middletown.
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Where do Staged Car Accidents Occur?
Fraudsters properly plan out these accidents. As a result, you may hardly come across a staged car accident in Middletown. Most accident fraudsters target urban areas because several cars are on the road.
They also look at more affluent or suburban communities. They believe people in these areas have auto insurance liability coverage or the means to pay a judgment sum from a personal injury lawsuit. Also, accident fraudsters target new cars, commercial vehicles, and rentals.
This class of vehicles often has expensive insurance coverage. Women and the elderly are not exempted from these occurrences. Crash fraudsters target them the most because they believe they are less aggressive than men and younger people.
What Are the Types of Staged Car Accidents?
You need to know the types of crashes staged by scammers to avoid falling prey to them. Below, we discuss the different types of staged auto collisions.
T-Bone Collision
Here, the scammer waits for the target driver to drive into an intersection and then deliberately crashes into the vehicle’s side to cause a T-bone or side-impact collision. The fraudster would have one or two witnesses waiting. These eyewitnesses will support the scammer’s claim that the innocent driver ran a red light or was speeding, leading to the collision.
Swoop and Stop
In a swoop and stop staged car accident, the driver in front will suddenly stop their vehicle. Usually, a motorist at the victim’s back boxes them in and keeps them from swerving to avoid a rear-end collision. So, when the innocent party rear-ends the scammer at the front, they get blamed for the occurrence.
Wave-In
Wave-ins are common during lane changes or when a driver tries to make a turn. Here, the accident fraudster “waves in” the unsuspecting driver, indicating it is safe for them to change lanes. Then the scammer speeds up and allows the victim to strike their car. Next, the fraudster will deny waving the innocent motorist in, claiming they made an unsafe lane change.
Start-and-Stop
This scam often happens in heavy or slowed traffic. The driver at the front accelerates their vehicle to entice the person at the back to do the same. Then the motorist will slam their brakes, causing the car behind to hit them as they try stopping.
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What to Do After a Staged Car Accident
If you suspect you were in a staged crash, be alert. Look around the scene and note anyone who suddenly shows up as a witness, mechanic, tow company, or doctor. Note this person if it appears the other driver called them to the scene.
Next, document everything going on around you. It’s advisable to start from the events before the collision. Also, call the police, get medical treatment, and take photos and videos. Having a dashcam comes in handy in this type of accident. Lastly, contact a lawyer and have them look over the facts.
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Contact Expert Middletown Auto Accident Lawyers
At Injured CT, our lawyers have the experience to help you determine if you were in a staged crash and get compensation from the fraudulent driver. Contact us today for a free case review.
Call or text (855)-285-3425 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form