NHS nurse staged ‘crash for cash’ scam to receive claim compensation.
The term ‘crash for cash’ refers to people deliberately crashing into other vehicles or submitting false accident claims, says RAC. Their goal is to receive as much money as possible from the fraud.
These scammers do not only receive money they are not entitled to, but they also put people’s lives in danger. Unfortunately, crash for cash scams have become more popular over the years.
In April 2019, The Daily Mail Online has reported another case of a crash for cash scammer.
Nicola Bartlett, a 50-year-old NHS nurse from Bargoed, staged a road accident with the help of local garage owners.
Ms Bartlett then told insurers she sustained numerous injuries in the crash. She managed to receive a compensation of £16,764 after stating that another driver crashed into her car.
However, police suspected her claim might not be legitimate. They decided to launch an investigation into the Easifix garage in Newport, Gwent, which had written off her broken vehicle.
Whilst raiding the garage, the police uncovered CCTV footage. It recorded a Land Rover deliberately driving into a forklift truck.
The investigation exposed that the family-run garage had helped stage 28 fake crashes. Between 2009 and 2011, they collected pay-outs making up £750,000.
The owners managed to obtain £2million by swindling the insurance industry with friends and relatives. The family members would help stage theirs and others fake car crashes to submit false compensation claims.
In 2018, Ms Bartlett was jailed for one year at Cardiff Crown Court. The 50-year-old was one of five people jailed.
After being freed, the ex-nurse appealed to be allowed to return to work but was denied by the medical standards panel. She previously worked in the A&E department at the Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr hospital in Hengoed, South Wales.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council panel presented her with a striking off order, a serious sanction which prevents Ms Bartlett from working as a registered nurse.
This is not the first sign of lack of professionalism from Ms Bartlett. In August 2016, she was dismissed from Aneurin Bevan Health Board for gross misconduct.
So how do you prevent being a crash for cash victim? First, you must look for the signs, says BBC.
If a car in front of you breaks for no reason, leaving you no time to react, they may have done so on purpose. If a driver crashes into you after flashing their light to let you go, they may have done so deliberately.
Fraudsters will always insist the crash was your fault. They might even have their insurance details already written to hand over. Later, your insurers might present you with the other party’s claim, which states excessive costs.
If despite being cautious, you still had an accident and the circumstances are suspicious there are few things you should do.
First, do not admit liability for anything at the scene. For your safety, do not disclose your suspicions to the other driver.
Make sure you write notes about what happened, including description of other drivers involved and what they said.
If possible, take photos at the scene, especially of the damages. Being discreate about it is important.
Do not hesitate to call the police.
Having independent witnesses is ideal, however sometimes scammers can plant witnesses at the scene.
Always report the incident to your insurer, informing them of your suspicions. Also report them to the Insurance Fraud Bureau by calling 0800 422 0421 or through their website, where you can also receive more information on the topic.
Your safety is a priority, so take all the precautions you can.
At Phoenix Legal Solicitors, we advise not to make false accident claims under any circumstances. Doing so can result in legal consequences.
If your accident or injuries are genuine however, you are entitled to compensation. We offer a free consultation to establish if you have grounds to make a claim. Our no win, no fee agreement means you will not pay any upfront legal fees. You will receive 100% of your compensation when the claim is successful.
Fill out a claim form here or call our team on 0151 306 3694 to discuss your circumstances. Alternatively, you can contact us on our social media. Our social media links can be found at the top or the bottom of this page.