SE Atlanta News

Representatives Mike Collins and Brandon Gill are taking legislative measures to combat a growing concern for truck drivers across the United States by introducing the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act. The proposed legislation aims to classify the intentional staging of crashes involving motor vehicles as a federal crime, reflecting growing worries within the trucking industry about fraudulent activities affecting truck drivers and insurance costs.

"Criminal elements are launching an assault against America’s truckers," stated Rep. Mike Collins. He explained that staged accidents exploit the high insurance coverage of truckers, leading to inflated damage claims and increased premiums for insurers. This situation, he notes, is causing financial strain not just on truckers, but on the entire logistics chain, raising costs linked to transporting goods.

Rep. Brandon Gill expressed his support for the bill by highlighting Texas' critical role as a freight corridor. "We must send a clear message: staging a crash with a commercial vehicle isn’t a payday—it’s a federal crime," he said.

The trucking associations are on board with this initiative. Henry Hanscom of the American Trucking Associations acknowledged the reckless threats posed by fraudulent actions and lawsuits against trucking companies. "ATA commends Congressmen Mike Collins and Brandon Gill for introducing the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act," he noted, emphasizing the necessity for legal measures that address the exploitation of "legal loopholes."

Seth Millican, President of the Georgia Motor Trucking Association, underlined the importance of this legislation for the trucking industry in Georgia, where truckers are crucial for the state’s economy. "The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act will provide desperately needed federal guardrails and accountability structures," he said.

Lewie Pugh of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association also expressed strong support for the proposed legislation. "Staged accidents are not victimless crimes," he said, stressing the negative impacts on truckers and their livelihoods.

Support further came from the Texas Trucking Association. John D. Esparza, the association's President, backed the bill. He stated, "This critical legislation will protect hardworking truck drivers and companies from the growing threat of staged accidents."

The backdrop to this legislative proposal is an observed increase in staged collisions involving commercial vehicles, where con artists cause accidents to file unfounded, often substantial, lawsuits. This practice not only endangers all road users but also burdens insurance systems while squeezing small trucking businesses financially.

The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act seeks to penalize not just the drivers who stage these accidents but also any lawyers, doctors, and other participants knowingly involved in such scams. The bill is supported by several major bodies in the trucking industry, further underscoring its perceived importance.