14/10/2018
STAGED TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS
Over recent times, there has been significant media coverage given to the occurrence of fraudulent claims made through incidents which are commonly referred to as staged traffic accidents. According to Insurance Ireland, insurance fraud costs in excess of €200 million every year.
Some of these fraudulent claims emanate from what are termed staged accident. These are premeditated incidents used as a basis for claiming compensation for alleged injuries sustained as a result of the incident. These incidents will usually involve at least one of the following:
· Faked accident
· Faked injuries
· Faked accident
· Fake witnesses
· Fake victims
Most of these accidents involve the perpetrating driver manoeuvring his/her car in a way which causes an accident with an unsuspecting driver. Often times the injured party is the lone occupant of the vehicle, while the perpetrators vehicle may contain a number of witnesses who are party to the accident.
Though these drivers deploy different methods to achieve their objectives , the most common modus operandi, is to suddenly brake in front of an unsuspecting driver so as to cause him/her to rear-end the perpetrators vehicle. Immediately following the incident, the perpetrators and his/her associate will sometimes subject the injured party to abuse and accusations in an effort to intimidate him/her. Unfortunately, in many cases, these threats work and the injured party will admit liability or agree to a settlement.
Though the use of m/vehicles are the most common method used by this claimants, it is not necessary the only modus operandi used. Unsuspecting drivers may also be targeted by pedestrians and cyclists who again, may make allegations that they were hit. An unsuspecting driver reversing out of a parking space, often presents an ideal opportunity for these individuals. They will simply stand in the vicinity of a vehicle as it begins to reverse , and as the vehicle is being manoeuvred out, they will hit the rear of the vehicle in an effort to give the impression that the vehicle has hit somebody or something . As is normal, the law biding driver, will exit his/her vehicle to check what has happened and at this stage will find the perpetrator lying and moaning on the ground and alleging he/she has been hit. Associates of the perpetuator may then arrive and pose as witnesses to the incident. Its an old scam but nevertheless it is still used.
These staged deliberate accidents may be instigated by individuals but in recent times it is apparent that organised criminals are actively involved in these crimes. In order to reduce the risk of being targeted by these persons it is important that:
drivers remain vigilant at all times as these staged accidents may happen anywhere.
· Always keep your distance as it will provide you with adequate time to brake.
· Use of dash-cams can prove very beneficial particularly if an allegation is made against you.
· In the event that your are the victim to this type of scam, it is important that it is reported to An Garda Siochana and to your insurance company.
Remember, its in everybody’s interest that we all do what we can to reduce these type of incidents. In addition to causing premiums to soar, these incidents can have a devastating effect on a victims health and in some cases, particularly with the more vulnerable, lead to victims giving up driving which ultimately curtails their independence and negatively impacts on various aspects of their daily lives.
Though sometimes it may prove difficult to secure evidence that an accident was staged, the most important evidence will relate to the injuries, be they false or exaggerated. Often times it can be much easier to acquire such evidence evidence which ultimately contradicts the allegations and as a consequence result in these type of cases been struck-out or withdrawn in the Courts.
Fortunately, there appears to be a greater appetite by insurers to challenge and combat these fraudulent crimes and if efforts continue and more resources utilised, incidents of this nature will decrease significantly, insurance premium costs should also fall and most importantly drivers will be protected from the trauma and stress caused by these incidents.
