The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act (S. 5058) would make it a federal crime to intentionally engineer a crash involving a commercial motor vehicle, creating new criminal penalties for individuals involved in staged collision schemes. The legislation was introduced by Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL).

The bill would establish penalties not only for individuals who stage collisions but also for attorneys, physicians, and other co-conspirators who knowingly participate in fraudulent efforts to target motor carriers.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) supports the legislation, stating that staged crash schemes have increasingly targeted trucking companies and often involve organized groups coordinating collisions and related legal actions.

The organization said the proposed law would provide law enforcement with additional tools to address these schemes while offering protections to motor carriers and drivers. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Mike Collins (R-GA) and Brandon Gill (R-TX).

“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. The frivolous lawsuits these rapacious individuals file against honest trucking companies contribute to soaring insurance premiums and raise costs for consumer goods,” Henry Hanscom, ATA chief advocacy and public affairs officer, said. “ATA commends Senator Moody for introducing this legislation to close legal loopholes that criminals are exploiting to target America’s hardworking truckers. By establishing clear, enforceable criminal penalties, we can finally put an end to this dangerous and costly practice.”

What this means for the trucking industry

Staged crashes can create safety, legal, and financial challenges for motor carriers, and the proposed legislation aims to increase accountability for those involved in these schemes. If enacted, the bill could give fleets and law enforcement a stronger framework for addressing fraudulent collisions involving commercial vehicles. For fleet leaders, efforts to reduce staged crash fraud could help protect drivers, limit exposure to fraudulent claims, and support broader risk management strategies across trucking operations.