The ringleader responsible for an estimated $500,000 in claims filed against insurance companies between 2014 to April of 2016 was recently sentenced to 10 years in State prison. Those claims resulted in over $200,000 in payouts. Those payouts and associated costs drive up the cost for all consumers and results in higher premiums.

There were as many as 65 people believed to be involved in this scheme. The Sacramento County District Attorney’s office worked with the Department of Insurance to file charges against 18 people.  To date 9 of the remaining defendants have been sentenced, cases against 6 additional co-defendants are pending and warrants have been issued on 3 others.  3 additional suspects remain at large.

These criminals were responsible for more than just insurance fraud. About 50 percent of these cases involved identity theft, possession of stolen vehicles and even possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  The ringleader owned a tow truck and bought cars, many already damaged through Craigslist.  He then recruited friends and relatives to participate.  Staged accidents were common and these accidents provided the needed information to file claims.  More than 100 vehicles were used in the fraud along with stolen and actual identities.

While many law enforcement agencies no longer respond to take reports on so called non-injury accidents it’s clear that drivers can take steps to protect themselves.  Use your cell phone to take pictures and collect evidence at the scene of the accident whenever possible.  Take pictures of other vehicles including all occupants of the other car. If at any point in time you feel threatened call the police immediately and report that information at once!

We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when they refuse to follow the law. We help with serious issues that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth. We have over 80 years of experience in our plaintiff’s only law firm. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or visit www.gblegal.com We Can Help!