How Can You Avoid Being A Victim of A Florida Staged Car Accident?

Palm Beach car crash lawyer David Glatthorn recently read about a 29-year-old woman accused of staging a car accident in November 2010. Rosa Fernandez conspired with another driver to stage an accident in order to file an insurance claim. Fernandez stopped at the stop sign and waited to be hit from behind by the other driver. She and her husband, Julio Fernandez, were treated for injuries at Progressive Rehab Treatment in Lake Worth. The insurance company was billed $26,194.

Staged traffic accidents are on the rise. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, staged accidents increased by almost 50 percent from 2007 to 2009, and Florida has more staged car accidents than any other state. One reason for this is that Florida is a no-fault state and a driver may collect benefits for bodily injury from his own insurance company.

In this case, everyone involved knew the accident was staged. But, many Florida staged accidents involve innocent drivers. How can you avoid becoming a victim of a staged accident in West Palm Beach?

1. Avoid distracted driving. It is easier to place the blame on the innocent driver if the driver appears to be distracted.
2. Avoid tailgating. Many staged accidents occur when the driver in front suddenly slams on his breaks.
3. Always call the police to report an accident. This will make it harder for a stager to intentionally damage his car in order to collect a larger insurance settlement.
4. Use your cell phone camera to document the accident scene. Photograph both vehicles and everyone at the scene.
5. Never use a tow-truck or repair service that just happens to arrive at the scene.

If you believe you may be a victim of a staged car accident, contact a Palm Beach car crash lawyer right away. Call West Palm Beach accident attorney David Glatthorn at 888-340-2620 to schedule a free consultation.