LA driver arrested for auto insurance fraud after intentional collision injured victim
News: 2022 Press Release
LOS ANGELES — Kenneth McDaniel, 32, was arrested yesterday on four felony counts of insurance fraud and assault with a deadly weapon after a Department of Insurance investigation found he allegedly caused a vehicle collision in order to receive an undeserved insurance payout. McDaniel’s alleged actions left a victim with injuries and a totaled vehicle.
The Department began an investigation after being contacted by the California Highway Patrol following an auto accident. On July 30, 2022, McDaniel’s alleged victim was driving and got onto the 405 freeway when McDaniel in his Ram pickup truck crossed over the gore area between the traffic lane and freeway entrance at a high speed and got behind the victim. McDaniel then cut over two lanes and sped past other vehicles to intentionally cut in front of the victim and then abruptly stopped the vehicle for no reason. The entire collision was captured on dash cam on both the front and back of the victim’s vehicle.
The type of alleged scheme in this case is called a swoop and squat and is used to force a victim to remain in their lane so a collision cannot be avoided. These types of intentional collisions are extremely dangerous, not only for those involved, but for anyone on the road. Drivers should be cautious while driving and if anyone believes they have been targeted by this or any other type of auto fraud scheme, contact the Department at 800-927-4357.
The victim’s vehicle was totaled and they suffered soft tissue damage because of the intentional collision. McDaniel’s alleged actions also resulted in a loss of $25,062 for the victim’s totaled vehicle.
McDaniel was booked into the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station and bail is set at $30,000. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting this case.
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Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
