Some people will do anything to make some quick cash. That is why many drivers resort to staging a car accident to get an unsuspecting victim to either pay out of pocket or through insurance. The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud warns drivers to be wary of these situations and to take appropriate precautions.
You could end up paying out a lot of money and have a blemished record if you do not fight these scammers properly. Even if you know for a fact the car accident was a scam, you should still retain the services of an attorney to be safe. You should also keep an eye out for possible scams to avoid them entirely.
Fake injuries
Some people may overact after an accident and claim to suffer from worse injuries than what actually took place. All parties involved should absolutely see a doctor following a crash to make sure there are no hidden injuries. However, fender benders typically do not result in significant injuries. Pay attention to how the other person acts immediately after the crash compared to when the police show up. Additionally, you should make sure the police report indicates the severity of the crash.
Forced rear-ending
Some drivers may force you to rear-end them by suddenly swerving in front of you and slamming the brakes. Most courts place the blame on the driver who rear-ended the other. It can be tough to defend yourself because you know the other driver swerved in front of you dangerously, but it is your word against theirs. The best way to avoid this is to always maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you so you can react appropriately.
The staged collision
You may encounter a driver who appears to be friendly, and this person waves you into another lane, allowing you to merge safely. However, the other driver uses this opportunity to intentionally ram into you. When the police come, the other driver will say you merged recklessly and deny giving you permission. Always remain vigilant of the other driver. You should also always follow correct “right of way” protocols.
However, the vast majority of car accidents are not staged. If you have suffered injuries in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to learn about your legal options.