New Legislation Targets Staged Accident Fraud in Trucking

In a major move to protect truckers from a growing and dangerous form of fraud, lawmakers have introduced the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act, a new federal bill aimed at making the intentional staging of crashes with commercial vehicles a criminal offense.

The Rising Threat of Staged Accidents

Staged accident fraud isn’t just an insurance scam—it’s a full-fledged assault on America’s trucking industry.  In recent years, a disturbing trend has emerged where individuals, often backed by organized fraud rings, intentionally crash their passenger vehicles into commercial trucks.  Their goal?  To cash in on massive lawsuit settlements.

These staged crashes not only put truck drivers and other road users at risk but also cause lasting financial damage.  “Criminal elements are launching an assault against America’s truckers, in the courtroom and on our roads,” said Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.), one of the bill's co-sponsors.  “Staged accidents take advantage of truckers’ high insurance coverage... saddling them with millions of dollars in inflated damages.”

The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act: What It Does

The bill, introduced by Reps. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) and Brandon Gill (R-Texas), would make it a federal crime to intentionally cause a collision with a commercial motor vehicle.  But it goes further:

  • Establishes criminal penalties for all parties involved in the fraud, including:
    • Drivers who stage the accidents
    • Lawyers who file fraudulent lawsuits
    • Doctors and medical professionals who falsify injuries
  • Targets organized crime networks that profit from these scams
  • Protects trucking companies and their drivers from being exploited through the legal system

This legislation is a direct response to high-profile fraud schemes like the one in New Orleans that began in 2011, resulting in 63 federal indictments—including attorneys alleged to be key players in the conspiracy.

Why the Trucking Industry Is Rallying Behind This Bill

Support for the bill has poured in from across the trucking industry, including the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), and the Truckload Carriers Association.

“When con artists seeking a big payday intentionally collide with commercial motor vehicles, their reckless disregard for safety puts innocent truck drivers and the motoring public at risk,” said Henry Hanscom, ATA’s Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs.

These fraudulent activities don’t just affect individual companies—they ripple through the entire supply chain.  Trucking companies face:

  • Higher insurance premiums due to nuclear verdicts (settlements that exceed $10 million)
  • Legal costs from defending against baseless lawsuits
  • Operational disruptions, as drivers are pulled into legal battles
  • Increased freight costs, which get passed on to consumers

A Step Toward Safer Roads and Fairer Legal Outcomes

“This is not a victimless crime,” said Lewie Pugh, Executive VP of OOIDA.  “Lives are put in danger, livelihoods are destroyed, and small businesses are left holding the bill.”

The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act aims to create a strong deterrent, sending a clear message: manipulating the legal system through staged accidents will no longer be tolerated.

By cracking down on all participants in these scams—from fake crash victims to corrupt professionals—the legislation provides real protections for truck drivers and restores fairness to the courts.

Final Thoughts: What Comes Next

As the bill works its way through Congress, support from the trucking community and public awareness will be critical.  With the backing of major industry groups and lawmakers, the momentum is building to turn this proposal into law.

The trucking industry keeps America moving—it's time we protect the men and women behind the wheel from being targeted by organized fraud.

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