New Bill Would Make Staged Commercial Truck Accidents a Federal Crime

On July 22, 2026, Senator Ashley Moody introduced the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act, legislation aimed at strengthening criminal penalties by making the intentional staging of a crash involving a commercial motor vehicle a federal offense. A companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Mike Collins (GA-10) and Brandon Gill (TX-26).

“With more than 450,000 jobs in Florida’s trucking industry, it’s safe to say that truck drivers keep our economy moving. Unfortunately, there are dangerous and reckless fraudsters who would rather put people’s lives at risk for a quick payday than earn an honest living through hard work. Anyone who stages or helps stage a crash involving a commercial vehicle puts lives and livelihoods in jeopardy. These schemes also drive up insurance premiums for everyone. It is unacceptable. This legislation sends a clear message: if you do this, you will be prosecuted,” Senator Ashley Moody said.

If enacted, the bill would:

• Make the intentional staging of a crash involving a commercial motor vehicle a federal criminal offense.
• Establish criminal penalties for individuals who organize or participate in staged crashes.
• Hold attorneys, physicians, and other accomplices accountable if they knowingly participate in this type of fraud.

Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act: Cracking Down on Fraud

Despite the growing number of staged truck crashes, few states have taken action to combat the fraud associated with these incidents, according to Senator Moody’s press release.

One notable example occurred in Louisiana, where, over a five-year period, fraudsters intentionally caused dozens of collisions involving 18-wheelers in order to file fraudulent insurance claims.

As a result of an FBI investigation, personal injury attorney Danny Patrick Keating pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Keating admitted that he paid Damien Labeaud, a government cooperating witness, to participate in staging 31 crashes.

Keating also told investigators that he represented 77 plaintiffs in lawsuits arising from these staged crashes. According to federal authorities, most of the fraudulent collisions occurred in eastern New Orleans and the Gentilly area, often near a truck stop.

Florida is one of the nation’s largest freight transportation hubs. The state supports more than 460,000 jobs in the trucking industry and is home to more than 130,000 trucking companies, making it a critical center for the movement of goods across the country.

In response to this type of fraud, lawmakers have proposed the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act. The legislation would make the intentional staging of a collision involving a commercial motor vehicle a federal crime, establish criminal penalties for those who organize or participate in staged crashes, and hold attorneys, physicians, and other accomplices accountable if they knowingly assist in these fraudulent schemes.

The legislation is supported by organizations including the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Florida Trucking Association (FTA), the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), and the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).