Over the past several years, New York has seen a surge in staged car crashes, a form of insurance fraud in which someone intentionally causes a crash in order to collect insurance money. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has cautioned drivers statewide to be aware of this phenomenon, noting that driving defensively is the best way to avoid falling victim to a staged crash scam.
Buffalo is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, landing at number 34 in the U.S. News list of best places to live in 2024 and 2025. Because of the city’s recent growth, it’s crucial for drivers to keep their skills and knowledge up to date to protect themselves from insurance fraud scams.
A Rise in Staged Crashes and Insurance Fraud
In late January 2025, the New York DMV published a press release stating that insurance scams increased by 34 percent between 2021 and 2023. According to the Insurance Information Institute, staged crashes inflate the average auto insurance premium by as much as $300 annually, costing consumers millions in increased premiums.
The DMV reported that this type of insurance scam is more common in states with a high number of drivers. New York had the second-highest number of staged crashes in the country in 2023, with more than 1,700 reported deliberate crashes. Many of these accidents involve one vehicle suddenly stopping in front of another driver, setting them up as the cause of a rear-end collision. The DMV urged the public to help reduce fraud by learning to recognize it when it occurs, using preventative measures to avoid becoming a victim, and reporting suspected fraud to New York’s Department of Financial Services.
"Staged accidents are a serious threat to unsuspecting drivers, leading to false claims, legal headaches, and financial losses. We urge motorists to stay vigilant, document everything, and report any suspicious incident. At Richmond Vona, we fight for victims of these scams, ensuring they aren’t wrongfully blamed and get the justice they deserve."
What Is Defensive Driving?
One of the main ways the DMV encouraged drivers to prevent staged crashes is by driving defensively. This can include anticipating other drivers’ actions, not tailgating, reacting quickly, maintaining a safe speed, and not driving distracted. By keeping your eyes and focus on the road and the drivers around you, you have a better chance of stopping a crash before it occurs. For more information on defensive driving, you can take a course approved by the DMV to refresh your knowledge, remove points from your license, and save money on your insurance premiums.
What to Do If You Get Into an Accident with a Staged Driver
If you have been involved in a car accident that you believe was staged, the first step you take should be to call the police and, later, your insurer. At the accident scene, take photos of the damage to all involved vehicles and get all other drivers’ insurance and license information. Do not give any cash to the other driver, and be wary of tow trucks or other people who suddenly appear at the scene that you or the police did not call. Once you’ve gathered all possible information at the scene, contact a New York car accident lawyer.
After being involved in a crash in New York, you may need to file a motorist report with the DMV. You only need to file a report if someone was injured or killed in the accident or if it resulted in over $1,000 in property damage. In those cases, if you fail to file a report, your driving privileges may be suspended. If you suspect that the crash was staged as a form of insurance fraud, report the suspected fraud to the Department of Financial Services online or by calling the insurance fraud hotline at 888-FRAUDNY.
The Importance of Dash Cams as Insurance Fraud Cases Surge
In a time when staged crashes are becoming more prevalent, having a dashboard camera installed in your vehicle can help victims deal with insurers in fighting fraudulent claims, as well as helping police catch the perpetrators involved.
If You’re The Victim of a Staged Crash, We’re Here To Help
If you have been the victim of a staged crash in New York, it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney by your side to handle negotiations with insurers, the police, and other government entities. At Richmond Vona, we believe in the power of justice and the relentless pursuit of our clients’ rights, and our attorneys have the knowledge and skill to navigate even the most complex car accident insurance fraud cases.
As a distinguished law firm in Buffalo, our team of seasoned attorneys brings a wealth of experience, unwavering dedication, and a client-centric approach to every case we undertake across New York. We approach each case with precision, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible results for our clients. With over two decades of combined personal injury experience, Richmond Vona has recovered over $175 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. If you’ve been the victim of a staged crash anywhere in New York, contact us online or call (716) 500-5678 for a free consultation.
