The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA), which represents third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse operators across North America, today expressed strong support for the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act, legislation that would make intentionally causing or arranging a collision with a commercial motor vehicle a federal crime.
U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) is expected to introduce the Senate version of the legislation today, following the introduction of the House version, H.R. 2662, by Reps. Mike Collins (R-GA) and Brandon Gill (R-TX) last year.
Staged collisions are a growing threat to commercial motor vehicle operators, businesses, and the motoring public. In these schemes, criminals intentionally cause crashes with commercial vehicles and then exploit the resulting claims and legal proceedings for financial gain. These dangerous acts can result in serious injuries, drive up insurance costs, increase the cost of moving goods, and place additional financial pressure on businesses throughout the supply chain.
“Staged accidents are not simply fraudulent insurance claims — they are deliberate criminal acts that put drivers, passengers, and the public at risk,” said IWLA President & CEO Jay Strother. “The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act would provide a strong federal deterrent against these dangerous schemes and help protect the hardworking men and women who keep our nation’s supply chain moving. IWLA thanks Senator Moody for bringing this important legislation to the Senate and Representatives Collins and Gill for their leadership in the House. We urge Congress to advance this commonsense measure and ensure those who intentionally stage crashes are held accountable.”
The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act would establish federal criminal penalties for individuals who intentionally cause a collision with a commercial motor vehicle or arrange for another person to do so. Under the legislation, those responsible could face fines and up to 20 years in prison. If the staged collision results in serious bodily injury or death, the legislation would require a prison sentence of at least 20 years.
The legislation would also help address the broader criminal conspiracies behind staged accidents by establishing penalties for those who knowingly arrange or participate in these schemes.
“Criminals who stage accidents are putting lives at risk while imposing significant costs on businesses, insurers, and ultimately consumers,” Strother said. “IWLA supports efforts to strengthen accountability and deter this form of fraud before more innocent people and businesses become victims.”
IWLA represents third-party logistics warehouses and the companies that provide warehousing and logistics services across North America. The association supports policies that promote a safe, efficient, and competitive supply chain while protecting businesses and their employees from criminal activity and unnecessary costs.
