After a car accident, you might feel shaken and confused regardless of whether or not you caused the accident. In either case, it is imperative that you make your safety, and that of the other person(s) your first priority.
According to a report, almost 4000 car accidents occurred in San Diego in 2015. And most of them happened due to some kind of negligence. While speeding was the reason for the maximum number of accidents, there can also be other causes, such as drunk driving, distracted driving, malfunctioning equipment, etc.
In any case, after an accident, you should always hire a car accident attorney, as they can help you understand your rights and liabilities, and suggest the best possible course of action.
What you do immediately after a staged car accident is crucial for further proceedings in the matter. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident that was done intentionally, you should take some steps to protect your rights.
Know the Types of Staged Auto Accidents
- T-Bone Car Accidents- It is a type of staged accident where the driver waits for another vehicle to pass, and when it does, the driver accelerates and rams into the victim’s car from the side. Since these often happen in intersections, there are likely to be some witnesses at the scene.
- Swoop and Stop- Three vehicles and drivers are involved in this type of collision. One car cuts you off from front, forcing you to brake, while the other one rams into your car from behind. At first glance, it may look like a normal rear-end collision, but only a thorough investigation can establish that the two other drivers were accomplices in it.
- Wave-in and Brake Slam- A wave-in accident occurs when the cars involved in the accident are merging. The scammer will wait for anyone to merge and wave them in. They will then accelerate and push the victim’s car into oncoming traffic. The claim will be made about an unsafe lane change, but only an investigation will reveal the true details.
- Start & Stop- It happens in the rush of traffic. The driver accelerates, and hits the brakes all of a sudden, thus causing the vehicle behind him to rear-end him.
Steps To Take to Protect Yourself In Staged Accidents
If you know you are a victim of a staged car accident, you must take immediate steps and file for a staged accident. You must protect yourself from any fraud claims filed by your insurance company.
Staged accidents are done either to make a claim against you to your insurance company or to harm you physically. Both types are illegal, and you are within your rights to protect yourself and take imminent action. Here are some steps you can take,
- Getting immediate medical care is your first step after an accident. You should seek an immediate medical checkup even if you feel okay.
- Contacting the local police should be your next step. The police officer will investigate the scene of the accident and submit a report that will help you prove that negligence was caused by the other driver who was at fault and was the reason for the accident.
- Identify witnesses and take contact information of all witnesses and passengers on the scene.
- Take pictures and collect evidence of the scene where the accident occurred. Take photos of all the damages caused to your vehicle and keep them as evidence.
Hire a car accident attorney who will represent you. They will represent you and protect you from all fraudulent claims.
