Four men are facing charges in Miami-Dade County after deputies say they staged car accidents to cash in on fraudulent insurance claims.
The scheme surfaced at N.W. 95th Street and 17th Avenue, where 37-year-old Deniel De Jesus Martinez Vergara reported a crash. Investigators quickly determined the accident was faked.
Martinez Vergara, along with Henry Cabrera Balanta, Javier Ayala Mieres, and a fourth man, was arrested and charged with insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit organized crime, and filing a false police report. Bonds for the suspects ranged from $500 to $2,500.
Personal injury attorney Christopher Alas said staged crashes are an increasing problem in South Florida, fueling fraudulent medical claims and insurance payouts. He warned the scams ultimately drive up premiums for honest drivers.
Alas urged residents to consider uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, noting the policies are relatively inexpensive compared to the financial risks of being hit by an underinsured driver.
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