Beware Of The Swoop And Squat Scam

You are an honest person, so why are you reading a blog post about auto insurance fraud?  Auto insurance fraud affects honest people’s insurance claims in several ways.  First, in order to protect themselves from financial losses, insurance companies are on high alert against fraudulent claims, to the point that they treat you like you are lying, even when you are telling the truth.  Second, if someone falsely accuses you of being at fault for an accident, and the insurance company believes them, then your insurance company must pay the claim, and your insurance premiums will increase.  This negative mark on your driving record could also interfere with your ability to get certain jobs that require a good driving record, from rideshare driving jobs to babysitting jobs where your duties include driving the children home from school.  A Columbia car accident lawyer can help you prevent and resolve misunderstandings with insurance companies.

How the Swoop and Squat Scam Works

The swoop and squat scam involves two drivers conspiring to cause an accident and make it look like it was your fault so that they can get a payout from your insurance company.  The driver of the “squat” car drives in front of your car, while the driver of the “swoop” car is behind you or in a different lane.  The swoop car suddenly pulls in front of the squat car, causing the squat car to brake suddenly.  If the scam works, then you cannot stop in time to avoid rear ending the squat car.

The driver of the squat car files a claim with your insurance company, saying that the accident was your fault and that the squat driver braked for good reason.  Once your insurance company pays the claim, the squat driver and the swoop driver split the proceeds.  Meanwhile, you are stuck with your increasing insurance premiums, your vehicle damage, and perhaps even injuries.

What to Do If You Are a Victim of a Swoop and Squat Scam

Not all rear end collisions are the fault of the rear driver.  Unfortunately, insurance companies are not very helpful at guiding you to present evidence that shows that you did everything you could to prevent the collision.  If you were injured, they also try to get you to say things that will justify them paying very little toward your medical bills.  The best thing you can do is not to give a recorded statement to an insurance claims adjuster.  Instead, ask your car accident lawyer to give a statement on your behalf.  Your lawyer will get all the necessary information from you and present it to the insurance companies without being distracted by misleading questions.

Let Us Help You Today

The car accident lawyers at the Stanley Law Group can help you get a fair settlement from the insurance company if you were in a rear end collision where the front driver intentionally caused the accident.  Contact The Stanley Law Group in Columbia, South Carolina or call (803)799-4700 for a free initial consultation.

Source:

4autoinsurancequote.com/swoop-and-squat-auto-insurance-fraud/