Five Orlando residents were arrested recently for their roles in an organized insurance fraud ring that staged auto accidents. 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 claims for injuries they supposedly received in the accident. Orlando personal injury attorneys are growing increasingly alarmed about insurance fraud as it has caused insurance premiums in our area to soar and has made it more difficult for them to help clients who have been injured in auto accidents.
After the staged auto accident, participants were told to seek medical treatment for their “injuries” at Orlando’s Silver Hills Health & Rehab and Injury Care Inc. The suspects then filed claims with GEICO, Allstate, Progressive and State Farm Insurance companies to collect payments. Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater spoke out against this and other insurance fraud rings in a recent statement.
He said, “This is the type of scheme that is costing honest Floridians millions of dollars through skyrocketing auto insurance premiums. During these challenging economic times, Florida families cannot afford to spend one more dime on increased insurance costs. It is my mission to stamp out auto insurance fraud and to ensure these cheats who are making money off the backs of Florida drivers serve real time.”
The ringleaders of the insurance fraud group, two 40-year-old Orlando residents, have been arrested on charges of insurance fraud, patient brokering and intentionally staging a motor vehicle crash. Their three accomplices each face a variety of charges, which could result in prison sentences up to 12 years. The Florida Department of Financial Services warns that this group is one of many that stage fake auto accidents in our state and asks Floridians to help them combat insurance fraud. If anyone is approached to participate in insurance fraud or suspects that they were involved in a staged accident, they are asked to contact officials by calling 1-800-378-0445. Anyone tipping off authorities can remain anonymous and may qualify for a reward up to $25,000 if a tip leads directly to an arrest and conviction.
Orlando personal injury lawyer James O. Cunningham is following developments in this case very closely. He has watched auto accident fraud skyrocket in recent years and is concerned about much more than higher car insurance premiums. Criminals who stage auto accidents make it much more difficult for people who are injured in auto accidents to receive compensation from insurance companies from legitimate claims. If you have been injured in an auto accident and would like to speak with an Orlando auto accident attorney, call Mr. Cunningham today at 386-243-4994 to schedule a free consultation.
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a vehicle accident, call at (386) 243-4994.
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