Senator Anna M. Kaplan Passes Legislation Criminalizing Staged Car Accidents, "Alice's Law"

(Albany, NY) -- The New York State Senate passed legislation today (S2508), sponsored by Senator Anna M. Kaplan (D-Great Neck), that would add two new sections to the penal law to make it a crime to stage, or arrange to have another person cause, an automobile accident and collision with intent to commit insurance fraud. Currently, while insurance fraud is already illegal, there is no criminal penalty available for the crash itself.

Senator Anna M. Kaplan said "Many New Yorkers would be shocked to learn that there is no specific crime associated with staging a motor vehicle accident. By finally criminalizing staged collisions, this legislation will make our roads safer, serving as a powerful deterrent for a crime that puts the safety of the public at risk every day. Additionally, it gives our law enforcement agencies another tool to fight this dangerous crime."

The legislation, (S2508) sponsored by Senator Anna M. Kaplan, establishes a Class E felony for staging a motor vehicle accident when a person intentionally causes a motor vehicle collision, with the intent to commit a fraudulent insurance act. Further, it creates a class D felony for when a person commits the same crime and causes serious physical injury to another person who was not a participant in the crime.

Staged motor vehicle accidents occur when a person intentionally causes a motor vehicle collision and then makes false insurance claims to recover money for fake injuries or damages. This results in increased insurance costs and premiums for drivers across New York State, and has resulted in countless injuries and even deaths.

The bill is named after Alice Ross, who was killed in 2003 as a result of a staged motor vehicle collision.

The bill has already passed the State Assembly, and will ultimately be delivered to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.