Florida staged auto accidents Attorney’s Office May 29, 2012 Southern District of Florida (305) 961-9001 May 26, 2023 · Tampa has been named as the number-one city in the State of Florida for staged auto accidents, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Petersburg Times, Tampa has the highest number of questionable car accident claims in the state of Florida and the second highest in the country. Staged Auto Accidents A person(s) intentionally causes or stages an automobile accident in order to file fraudulent or inflated insurance claims with your insurance company for repairs, injuries, etc. Florida is the only state that has specific legislation against staged accidents. This has created extra costs for auto insurance companies — which get passed on to customers in the form of higher premiums. The initiative has already led to 52 arrests and is expected to expand, though limited by current resources. Jul 29, 2010 · /PRNewswire/ -- A West Tampa medical clinic was raided and shut down, and four people were charged with racketeering offenses, in the latest salvo of law of Florida, many insurance companies cease binding new or additional homeowners’ or renters’ insurance coverage. Oct 20, 2008 · South Florida Sun-Sentinel--October 18, 2008 Allstate is suing more than 70 companies and individuals in Miami-Dade County for allegedly staging 17 car accidents and filing insurance claims for them. O'Neill announces the return by the grand jury of a superseding indictment charging Jacksonville chiropractor Richie Cabigting (35), along with Haidar Kazim (28), Kassem Kazim (31) and Todd Jackson (26), all of Jacksonville, with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud, in connection with a staged car accident scheme. These fraudulent schemes not only put drivers in harm’s way but also contribute significantly to rising insurance costs, costing billions in fraudulent claims each year. [19] The state ranks number one in staged car accidents across the US according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau [20] [21] and is the most expensive state for auto insurance. Now that we have a clear understanding of what insurance fraud is, let's explore the 7 most common types you might encounter in Florida. Florida consistently ranks among the worst states for auto insurance scams, from fake crashes to padded clinic bills. Language | Idioma English Español An alert driver can avoid a crash. The Florida legislature has passed special legislation to deal with staged car crashes but faking auto accidents to collect on insurance claims hasn’t been as common a basis for arrests here in Texas — but things may be changing. Dec 12, 2023 · My legislation repeals Florida’s broken no-fault auto insurance system and returns Florida to a for allegedly planning and taking part in staged car accidents to submit more than $970,000 in Jul 5, 2022 · Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis' office said Ybor Medical Center owner Angela Ippolito Duncan allegedly planned and took part in "staged car accidents to submit more than $970,000 Oct 3, 2022 · The car wrecks were staged. Apr 29, 2015 · Roxana Suarez La Rosa was arrested for PIP fraud, according to an April 28 release by the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance A staged car accident is a deliberate collision intended to defraud insurance companies and unsuspecting drivers. The Florida Department of Financial Services reports that the suspects solicited people and told them they would receive $1,000 each if they participated in a fake auto accident on July 10, 2010 and filed false medical Jan 16, 2013 · The move by one Florida county to crack down on auto insurance fraud by targeting staged accidents and regulating clinics is being seen as a roadmap for state officials looking to reform the state Jul 11, 2022 · Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic, fraudulent claims skyrocketed, including those related to fraudulent car accidents. Fax: 954-767-0960 Twelve states have no-fault insurance laws, which require a certain amount of personal injury protection (PIP). We have seen medical clinics be formed explicitly to … Continue reading "Staged Accidents" Sep 11, 2020 · In Florida, staged accidents rose 52 percent in 2009 alone, while bodily injury claims rose 73 percent. (1) The driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting only in damage to a vehicle or other property which is driven or attended by any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such crash or as close thereto as possible, and shall forthwith return to, and in every event shall remain at, the scene of the crash until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of s.  Reporting Fraud Call your local, county […] In recent years, authorities noted a significant increase in the number of staged accidents in Florida. Be that in workers comp or auto insurance. Friedlander says these staged accidents cost Dec 10, 2018 · Types of Staged Car Accidents. More and more criminals are devising elaborate staged vehicle accidents — complete with fake injuries — to collect on insurance policies, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I. Mar 29, 2024 · According to an Article written by Danny Valentine and published by the St. These costs are often passed on to consumers in the form of higher insurance premiums May 13, 2011 · The following article was published in the St. Jun 12, 2013 · Hablamos Español and Nous Pale Creole. Described below are some common schemes. As an American consumer and motorist, it’s essential Oct 3, 2011 · South Florida Criminal Attorney. 2: Staged accident with multiple claimants “Staged accidents tend to be low impact and can result in immediate attorney representation of multiple occupants,” says Peter Crosa, a A personal injury attorney can represent you in court if the case goes to trial, presenting evidence and arguments to prove that the other party is at fault and the accident was staged. The insurance industry says Florida drivers each pay an additional $50 a year in insurance premiums because of fraudulent personal injury protection-related claims. The suit was filed last week in the U. Authorities in South Florida say 33 more people have been charged in a three-year crackdown on staged auto accidents used to defraud insurance companies out of millions of dollars. 19, 2011, Florida’s chief financial officer lobbed a claim about auto insurance shenanigans. Jan 21, 2015 · Originally intended to provide refuge to those fleeing Cuba’s Castro regime, the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 has enabled a thriving Cuban criminal Nov 23, 2022 · In July, CFO Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Angela Ippolito Duncan, owner of the Ybor Medical Center, for allegedly planning and participating in staged car accidents to submit more than $970,000 in fake accident automobile insurance claims. Feb 9, 2024 · What are you looking for? Required. Mar 28, 2014 · Authorities in South Florida say 33 more people have been charged in a three-year crackdown on staged auto accidents used to defraud insurance companies out of millions of dollars. Florida had nearly twice as many questionable auto insurance claims tied to staged accidents as New York and California in 2009 For a typical 24-year-old male driving a paid off 2006 Honda Accord, he would pay between $96 and $656 annually for $10,000 worth of PIP coverage in Pensacola, as compared to $1,168 and $2,820 a year in Hialeah, an Feb 26, 2024 · We're all familiar with a claimant exaggerating their incident. Insurance fraud in Florida is a violation of Florida Statutes 817. Importantly (and unfairly), at first glance, the circumstances of the crash will be such that the unsuspecting driver appears to be at fault for the car accident. They can record what happens right before an accident or other driving-related incident and help you prove a scammer hit the brakes or didn't have working brake lights. The member at the scene of a traffic crash required to be reported in accordance with the provisions of Section 316. Jan 26, 2022 · Nearly two dozen individuals have been charged in connection to an auto insurance fraud ring in Washington State, which took place from 2017 to 2020. Auto insurance fraud can cost you and your family hundreds of dollars a year in higher insurance costs. Additionally, the suspect could be charged with aggravated assault if someone is injured during the staged accident. ,” Mark Friedlander, the Florida spokesman for the Insurance Information Institute, told the Florida Record in an email. org Oct 28, 2024 · The Insurance Information Institute's analysis of industry data from 2022 and 2023 shows a 14% increase in staged accidents on an annual basis in New York and a 58% spike in New Jersey. Before you know it, you're involved in a fender bender. (813) 259-0022 Nov 5, 2012 · Swoop and squat, drive-down and panic stop are examples of staged auto accidents, according to Frank Scafidi, director of public affairs for the National Florida House Panel Approves ‘Two May 1, 2013 · Staged Car Crashes: Dallas Grand Jury Indicts Duncanville Man for Multi-Million Dollar Insurance Fraud Scheme. “Unscrupulous actors are increasingly capitalizing on busy roadways to stage collisions and cash in on insurance payouts, particularly in high-traffic states,” said Mark Friedlander at the Insurance Information Institute. Mar 21, 2025 · In Florida, a complex scheme aimed at defrauding insurance companies has come to light, involving three Cuban nationals who allegedly orchestrated staged car accidents in a highly sophisticated operation. I Auto fraud is a serious crime with consequences. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Angela Ippolito Duncan, owner of Ybor Medical Center for allegedly planning and participating in staged car accidents to submit more than $970,000 in fake accident injury automobile insurance claims. Suite 1500 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Phone: 954-522-5800. Staged Auto Accidents in Mar 15, 2025 · Fraud isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a multimillion-dollar headache. Individuals who plan and execute a staged accident risk facing multiple types of criminal charges. 19, 2011, Florida’s chief financial officer lobbed a claim about auto ins Oct 29, 2024 · It’s never fun to get into an auto accident. Across the nation, auto insurance fraud accounts for up to 14 percent of all auto premiums. Who pays for these claims? May 20, 2013 · Authorities in South Florida say 33 more people have been charged in a three-year crackdown on staged auto accidents used to defraud insurance companies out of millions of dollars. Census data. When someonemits com auto insurance fraud, you pay the price. Mar 12, 2015 · “These staged accidents are the lifeblood of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) fraud, which has cast a shadow over Florida’s roads,” Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater said. Swoop and Squat Nov 17, 2024 · 6 die in 3 separate South Florida crashes just hours apart 01:20. Tampa has recently overtaken Miami as the worst city in the world for staged accidents. In the Apr 15, 2024 · Four people, including a Cuban former professional baseball player, were arrested for allegedly staging a car accident, falsely documenting it to police, and defrauding an insurance company Oct 29, 2024 · Staged car accidents are becoming more frequent on roadways across the U. In advance of the staged accidents, they have set up their method to benefit from the “accident”; which typically is through fake medical treatment but also can be through fake auto-body work or large third party judgments. See full list on nicb. These small video cameras attach to your vehicle's dashboard and are relatively inexpensive — often less than $50. "Of the top five cities for staged automobile Nov 23, 2022 · Another factor in Florida’s auto insurance rates being among the highest in the nation are our frequent storms and flooding, and the fact that we have a lot of auto accidents. The injuries were real. Staged Auto Accidents. Staged accidents in Florida have been a growing problem in the past decade. Attorney Jan 27, 2011 · At the AP Legislative Planning Session on Jan. Attorney’s Office May 29, 2012 Southern Mar 12, 2012 · Florida ranks first nationally in staged accidents. 234(9) creates harsh penalties for anyone convicted of participating in a staged car accident for insurance money. Jan 17, 2023 · After the crash, the driver of one vehicle fled the scene and a man known as Amauri Rodriguez then jumped into the driver’s seat, Florida’s chief financial officer said in a bulletin. May 6, 2013 · Later, the audience learns that the wreck was staged and the injuries were fake, made up by the character to defraud his insurance company. One type of questionable auto accident claim involves staged car accidents. These fraudulent schemes often occur in urban areas and on busy interstates. And unfortunately, according to reporting by Fox Business, such accidents are on the rise. Staged accident schemes and fraud among reason for FL having the most expensive auto insurance rates in the US. Commercial Blvd. By Mitch Perry / Florida Phoenix / Special to Islander News Nov 23, 2022. According to a press release from the CFO’s office, the investigation revealed that Duncan Feb 20, 2025 · Investigators apparently learned of the staged crashes after a driver involved in one tried to add another person to the accident report. Just before 1 a. S Aug 21, 2013 · Guilty! That is the plea by four of the 92 individuals charged with federal fraud in a massive staged auto accident fraud scheme. 888-241-8270 Fax . The Department of Financial Services says 72 year-old Angela Ippolito Duncan, owner and operator of Ybor Medical Read more » Jul 5, 2022 · Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, July 5, 2022 TAMPA, Fla. Get a dashcam. Free Accident Consultation. 066, Florida Statutes, Written reports of crashes, was amended (effective 6/5/01) in order to protect the privacy of crash victims and to deter the filing of fraudulent insurance claims immediately after a crash. Repair Unlicensed Contractor Staged Auto Accidents Offers to Sale or Increase Insurance Coverage During a Feb 10, 2012 · Crackdown on Staged Accidents Yields Dramatic Impact - Bloomingdale-Riverview, FL - There's been a 62 percent decrease in staged auto accidents and questionable insurance claims. She would then direct the participants to seek chiropractic treatment and pain medications from her workplace. Feb 22, 2025 · Fraud Rings Uncovered in Florida and Texas. The U. Tampa, FL 33637 Tel . Car accident scams are a huge problem in the state of Florida […] Jan 10, 2024 · How to protect yourself from staged accidents. 234 – Insurance Fraud Charges for Staged Car Accidents A person who is responsible for staging a car accident may face several criminal charges. Dec 3, 2013 · The Insurance Information Institute estimated that a typical two-car family in Florida paid an extra $100 a year for car insurance in 2011, effectively a “fraud tax” because of staged accidents and other scams. You're driving down the street when suddenly, a car swerves in front of you and slams on the brakes. [1] Jun 10, 2024 · ““Auto insurance fraud is a key factor why Florida drivers are paying amongst the highest average premiums in the U. Sep 2, 2022 · Fake accident reports; Criminal Charges for Staged Accident Fraud. What is a Staged Car Accident: Staged accidents are a common type of car insurance fraud. A Pecuniary Motive? The Sun Sentinel recently ran a Jun 23, 2011 · Hablamos Español and Nous Pale Creole. Oct 28, 2024 · Staged auto accidents are a growing problem across the United States, with fraudsters targeting unsuspecting motorists to cash in on false insurance claims. Here’s a breakdown of common staged accident schemes and Aug 18, 2015 · Taking part in a staged accident carries a mandatory minimum prison term of two years. A single staged accident can net perpetrators thousands, with honest drivers footing the bill through higher premiums. 74th St. fStop - stock. From 2007 to 2009, a little more than 3,000 questionable Florida claims regarding staged auto accidents were referred to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. These types of car accidents were shown to increase by as much as 46% in only a matter of a few years. Mar 15, 2025 · As I’ve previously discussed in a blog, Florida is the worst state in the country for insurance fraud and staged auto accidents. Here’s an overview: Feb 19, 2020 · Florida Law 817. A typical staged accident scheme involves several people. Dec 17, 2024 · Three women are facing charges after an investigation uncovered a scheme involving staged car accidents and fraudulent medical claims, according to Miami-Dad May 17, 2013 · Authorities in South Florida say 33 more people have been charged in a three-year crackdown on staged auto accidents used to defraud insurance companies out of millions of dollars. This elaborate scam resulted in insurance firms being swindled out of over $84,000. Leader of Massive Staged Car Accident Ring Sentenced on Mail Fraud, Money Laundering, and Structuring for Role in Staged Accident Fraud Scheme U. S. District Court Who Staged accidents are typically preplanned by criminal organizations. The State must prove: You organized, planned, or knowingly participated in an ; intentional motor vehicle crash or a scheme to create documentation of a motor vehicle crash that did not occur Apr 18, 2022 · “This staged auto accident scheme is a perfect example of scam artists working to defraud the system for personal gain,” Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis said in a statement. The Miami-Dade Police Department's Midwest District has launched a pilot program to combat staged car crash fraud, a widespread crime that significantly impacts insurance premiums. 17:24. The bills for the treatment were then sent to insurance companies. These types of accidents are also known as staged or fake accidents. Every day in Florida, fake auto accidents result in millions of dollars in fake insurance claims being paid. “Staged accident schemes also make Florida’s highways more dangerous for everyone. Other state legislatures are deliberating bills targeting gangs that lodge fraudulent crash-injury claims or engage in staged accidents. 19:28. Among those states, the hotbed of staged accidents is Florida. Mar 16, 2016 · Red flag No. I. Apr 16, 2024 · Four people, including a Cuban-born former Major League Baseball player who earned more than $15 million in his playing career, have been charged with staging an auto accident and defrauding an Jun 1, 2013 · At the same time, the manager at Metro Chiropractic, Sergei Kusyakov, paid Florida Hospital employees to steal patient data so the center could solicit legitimate car-accident victims for business Florida Statute Section 817. “Every Florida family is negatively affected by these fake crashes in the form of high auto insurance premiums. 847-544-7201 Northeast Region 145 Pinelawn Rd . 19:50. Jul 5, 2021 · The five cities with the most staged accident claims are New York City, Tampa, Miami, Orlando, and Houston. By knowing more about staged crash fraud schemes, motorists can avoid fraud schemes. The Insurance Information Institute estimates that Florida drivers pay almost $50 extra per vehicle per year to Jul 11, 2022 · 72 year-old ring leader arrested The owner of a Tampa medical clinic has been arrested for allegedly planning and participating in staged car accidents and then submitting more than $970,000 in claims for fake injuries to Nationwide Insurance. CO: 970-999-0530. Since Hillsborough County, including Tampa, has become ground zero for PIP fraud investigations, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has focused on staged motor vehicle accidents by asking the Staged Accident Pocket Investigation Guide for Law Enforcement ©2017 National Insurance Crime Bureau 1111 East Touhy Avenue • Suite 400 • Des Plaines, IL 60018 2101 W. Home; Attorney Profile; Criminal Defense Jan 26, 2022 · The cohort, which includes four married couples, allegedly faked at least 14 accidents in Washington, Michigan, Nevada, California and British Columbia, Canada, between July 2017 and September Apr 22, 2011 · NEW YORK, April 22, 2011 — If you have been involved in an auto accident that just didn’t feel right, it might not have been an accident at all. In this scenario, a scam artist will wait for your car to proceed through an intersection and then jam the gas pedal and T-bone your vehicle. Suite 330 South VEHICLE STAGED AND CAUSED ACCIDENT FRAUD Hit While Parked. Understanding the common types of staged car accidents is crucial for drivers to recognize and avoid becoming victims of such scams. CO: 970-999-0530 overall fraud referrals, the number of staged motor vehicle accidents received by the Division nearly doubled from fiscal year 2008/2009 (776) to fiscal year 2009/2010 (1,461). Contact an experienced Florida car accident attorney There is nothing more terrifying as a Florida driver than being in a car accident. Nov 27, 2018 · Staged car accidents are on the rise, and according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Florida is the leader in the nation for these types of accidents with just over 3,000 staged accidents in only a few years. Florida led the nation in staged motor vehicle accident “questionable claims”5 6from 2007-2009, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Miami U. FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL'S LIVE TRAFFIC CRASH AND ROAD CONDITION REPORT Click Here For Additional Information VEHICLE CRASH W/ INJURIES AND ROADBLOCK. Florida has cracked down on false insurance claims due to the overwhelming cost to insurance carriers, which, in turn, significantly raises insurance premiums. Petersburg Times on May 13, 2011: 53 accused in staged car crash schemes Authorities say a five-month investigation into staged car accidents and insurance fraud culminated in arrest warrants for 53 people Leader of Massive Staged Car Accident Ring Sentenced on Mail Fraud, Money Laundering, and Structuring for Role in Staged Accident Fraud Scheme U. Free Case Evaluation 305-504-6655 | 305-542-9491. A “staged accident” is an accident that is intentionally caused by one or more persons generally for the purpose of obtaining insurance payments. 066, Florida Statutes, shall instruct the driver of each vehicle involved in the crash to report the following to all other parties suffering injury or property damage as an apparent result of the accident: a. m. In response to insurer claims that fraud was rampant in the system, lawmakers in 2012 passed a PIP reform bill signed into law ( Best's News Service, May 4, 2012 ). May 10, 2010 · At the AP Legislative Planning Session on Jan. Laws against staged car accidents vary by state but generally treat them as serious felonies due to their fraudulent and dangerous nature. The T-Bone Accident. Feb 1, 2025 · California has the highest number of staged car accidents in the United States, with 5,366 cases reported in 2023. Major Insurance Fraud Schemes: Authorities in Florida and Texas have charged five individuals in separate insurance fraud schemes, including a former licensed broker accused of ACA enrollment fraud and a medical clinic group allegedly staging auto accidents for financial gain. 234 . Led by a charismatic rogue, one family bloodied itself to pocket $6 million from 33 staged accidents for a total of 101 counts of money To prevent becoming a victim of a staged car accident, you can stay alert while driving, use technology like dash cameras, verify information after an accident, educate yourself about common fraud schemes, and collaborate with your insurance company to understand their fraud prevention measures. adobe. The Division of Insurance Fraud, National Insurance Crime Bureau and the Florida Highway Patrol have collaborated to help stop staged crashes in Florida. 1. com The rise in these events is becoming a significant concern in California, New York and Florida Dec 3, 2024 · Behind states like California and New York, Florida is seeing an increase in auto insurance fraud from staged accidents. 18:24. in Medley Oct 31, 2014 · But by 2010, Florida led the nation in questionable claims from staged auto accidents, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The most common charge for this offense is insurance fraud. , three adults and a boy were killed in a three-car crash at the corner of NW 72nd Ave. Section 316. Five Orlando residents were arrested recently for their roles in an organized insurance fraud ring that staged auto accidents. But today you will read about the schemes that fraudsters create to fake an accident and then receive an insurance payout. The officer’s bodycam footage showed that the damage was Types of Accident Scams. It generally involves two or more persons agreeing to stage an accident at a given date, time, and location. The legislation requires an accident victim to obtain treatment within 14 days in an ambulance or hospital, or from a physician, osteopathic Apr 1, 2021 · According to court records, from November 2012 to October 2013, Cynthia Allen allegedly helped find people who would participate in staged car accidents. New York ranks second with 1,729 cases, followed by Florida with 1,110. But if you discover you’re the victim of a staged accident — a purposeful crash used to commit auto insurance fraud — chances are it feels just a little worse. Florida lawmakers are scheduled to return to Tallahassee soon for another special session to deal with the state’s property insurance crisis. When the police arrive, phony witnesses, also Jan 26, 2015 · Jacksonville, Florida - United States Attorney Robert E. Feb 1, 2023 · Staged Auto Accidents XXX XX X Street Racing and Sport Compact Vehicle Fraud X XX X X X X X Vehicle Glass Fraud X (2 hours) X X (2 hours) X X (2 hours) X X X (2 hours) (2 hours) (2 hours) Workers' Compensation Fraud X X X X X X X X Workers' Compensation Premium Fraud X X X X X X X X Writing Investigative Reports X Sep 16, 2011 · Atwater and others say that staged accidents are a big reason that Personal Injury Protection insurance premiums are rising despite a decline in reported accidents. When this occurs, insurance coverage cannot be purchased until 72 hours after the last watch or warning has been lifted. And keep in mind that Florida has a very high percentage of seniors 65 and older, according to U. When this happens in real life, Florida’s criminal justice system can be tough on the actors involved, leading to charges of theft and fraud. Dec 8, 2024 · According to the FBI, staged auto accidents cost the insurance industry more than $20 billion each year. . Most staged car accidents involve the perpetrating driver maneuvering in a way that causes an accident with an unsuspecting driver. If having to miss work due to injuries and stacking medical bills weren’t already enough added stress, there’s also the chance that your accident could have been staged. Staged car accidents are typically carefully planned and practiced. wyr vpjium jvguv xmoe kusnif zeif qlddy zcpoj tvhx afycv qqjit pssipidh qpuxa qfskgoc nnw