Staged car accidents are becoming more common in Georgia and across the United States. In the article, "Was it Really an "Accident?" Don't Be a Victim of Georgia Car Insurance Scams," Atlanta auto injury attorney Shane Smith discusses how to recognize a staged car accident.
What can you do if you become a victim of car insurance fraud? Call the police after any Georgia car crash. This is especially important if you feel something about the accident is not right.
In any accident, information is your friend. So always carry a camera (or cellphone) and a pencil and paper. Use these to gather information at the scene of the crash.
Use your camera to take pictures of the accident scene. Get photos of the vehicles involved in the crash from every angle and take close-ups of any damage. Take a picture of the license plate and the driver and any passengers in the other vehicle.
Record the other driver's name, address, phone number, license plate number, and car insurance information. If possible, get his driver's license number and vehicle registration information. Write down the make, model, and color of his vehicle. Write a brief description of the other driver, including his ethnicity and an estimate of his height and weight.
Never settle on site with cash, even if you think the accident might be your fault.
Report the accident to your own car insurance company. Let them know if you believe you were set up. They don't want to pay fraudulent insurance claims, so they will investigate.
Always compare your car repair bill with the insurance adjuster's repair estimate. This will help you make sure that you were not overcharged or charged for unnecessary repairs.
One more warning, be careful about how much personal information you give the other driver. Some scam artists will use staged car crashes as a way to steal identity information.
Do you have questions about an Atlanta auto accident? Contact Shane Smith Law and ask to discuss your case with an Atlanta auto injury attorney. The initial consultation is free.