New Bill to Make Staged Accidents a Federal Offense

New Bill Would Make Staged Accidents a Federal Crime

A new bill in Congress aims to crack down on staged accidents, a growing threat involving intentional crashes and fraudulent lawsuits.

On April 8, 2025, Representatives Mike Collins from Georgia and Brandon Gill from Texas introduced the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act.

This bill is meant to protect truckers from scam artists. These criminals target trucks because of their high insurance coverage. They cause accidents on purpose, then try to make money by filing fake injury claims.

Why Criminals Target Truckers with Staged Accidents

Trucks carry expensive insurance. Criminals know this. They stage crashes and then sue the trucking company.

These fake claims can cost millions of dollars. They also raise insurance costs for everyone.

“Criminal elements are launching an assault against America’s truckers, in the courtroom and on our roads,” said Rep. Mike Collins.

“Staged accidents take advantage of truckers’ high insurance coverage and make them prime targets for criminals looking for a quick payday,” he continued.

Collins said the bill would stop these scams. It would also punish anyone who helps with the fraud—like lawyers or doctors.

A Clear Message from Texas Regarding Staged Accidents

Rep. Brandon Gill is helping lead the bill. He said the bill sends a strong warning.

“I’m proud to co-lead the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act with Rep. Mike Collins, because protecting truck drivers from criminal fraud is essential to keeping our highways safe and our economy moving,” said Gill.

“With Texas being a critical freight corridor for our entire economy, we must send a clear message: staging a crash with a commercial vehicle isn’t a payday—it’s a federal crime.”

Trucking Groups Say It’s About Time

Many in the trucking industry are backing the bill.

Henry Hanscom, a leader at the American Trucking Associations (ATA), said these crimes are dangerous.

“When con artists seeking a big payday intentionally collide with commercial motor vehicles, their reckless disregard for safety puts innocent truck drivers and the motoring public at risk,” said Hanscom.

“These unscrupulous individuals perpetuate their selfish actions by filing frivolous lawsuits against honest trucking companies, raising costs for consumer goods and contributing to soaring insurance premiums,” he added.

Hanscom said the bill would help stop these fraudsters. “By establishing clear, enforceable criminal penalties that apply to all of the conspirators involved in staged collisions, we can finally put an end to this dangerous and costly practice.”

Georgia Trucking Group Backs the Bill

Georgia’s trucking leaders are also speaking out. Seth Millican, head of the Georgia Motor Trucking Association, said the bill is much needed.

“On behalf of the Georgia Motor Trucking Association, hundreds of family-owned trucking interests, and Georgia’s 74,000+ truckers, we stand in strong support of the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act sponsored by Georgia’s own Congressman Mike Collins,” said Millican.

He explained how important trucking is to the state.

“One in 12 Georgians work in the trucking industry spread across 95,000+ companies. 76% of Georgia communities are completely dependent on truckers to deliver the goods they need, and our industry moves over 363,000 tons of manufactured goods each day in Georgia – 96.9% of total manufactured tonnage.”

Millican said times have been hard for truckers. He listed problems like high insurance costs, low freight volumes, and rising crime.

He called the bill a good step forward. “The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act will provide desperately needed federal guardrails and accountability structures for these growing threats.”

Owner-Operators Also Feel the Pain of Staged Accidents

Lewie Pugh from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) said these scams cause serious harm.

“Staged accidents are not victimless crimes. These are calculated, premeditated assaults that endanger lives, destroy livelihoods, and compromise highway safety,” said Pugh.

He said lawsuits from fake crashes are hurting small trucking businesses.

“To add insult to injury, criminals abuse the legal system for profit through false accusations and lawsuits, which contribute to skyrocketing insurance premiums for small trucking businesses,” Pugh said.

“OOIDA and our 150,000 members support Representative Collins and his commonsense legislation to protect law-abiding truckers from sophisticated criminal fraud schemes that exploit the hardworking men and women behind the wheel.”

Texas Trucking Leaders Agree

Texas also plays a big role in freight transportation. That’s why John D. Esparza, President of the Texas Trucking Association, said his group supports the bill.

“This critical legislation will protect hardworking truck drivers and companies from the growing threat of staged accidents, which jeopardizes road safety and imposes significant financial burdens on the trucking industry,” Esparza said.

“By targeting these fraudulent schemes, this bill ensures fairness and promotes a safer transportation system for everyone.”

The Bill’s Aims Against Staged Accidents

Staged crashes have become more common in recent years. In many cases, drivers in cars hit trucks on purpose. They then team up with lawyers or doctors to create fake claims.

The lawsuits can lead to massive payouts. Some top seven figures.

The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act would do the following:

• Make it a federal crime to cause a crash with a truck on purpose
• Punish everyone involved in the fraud, including co-conspirators
• Go after lawyers, doctors, and others who help carry out the scheme

Strong Support from Trucking Organizations

The bill has received wide support across the trucking world. Backers include:

• American Trucking Associations (ATA)
• Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)
• Truckload Carriers Association
• Georgia Motor Trucking Association
• Texas Trucking Association
• National Tank Truck Carriers
• American Property Casualty Insurance Association

Supporters say the bill will make roads safer. It will also help protect drivers from false lawsuits and rising costs.

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