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15 Automobile Accidents - Automobile fraud often involves orga- nized auto accident rings. Staged auto accidents, which are not accidents at all, follow several basic schemes including: • Suddenly stopping for no apparent reason • Intentionally disregarding the right-of-way • Giving up the right-of-way in order to cause an accident • Claims report list passengers who were not in the vehicle at the time of the accident • Witnesses are listed who were not at the scene of the accident • Injuries claimed are excessive compared to vehicle damage • Driver has a temporary vehicle registration • Prior damage to the other vehicle • Contact by an attorney without being solicited If you have been in an auto accident, be cautious of any unsolic- ited referral to a body shop, law office or medical office. Organized accident rings and cappers actively solicit others in the commu- nity to participate in the creation of accidents. Often these ac- cidents only exist on paper (referred to as paper accidents), and no innocent parties are involved. Paper accidents have gained in popularity among fraud perpetrators, as they are less dangerous from a bodily injury standpoint, and there is less likelihood of police involvement. AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOPS Under California Insurance Code §758.5 an insurance company cannot require that an automobile be repaired at a specific repair shop. However, an insurance company can recommend that an automobile be repaired at a specific repair shop under the follow- ing conditions outlined by law: • The consumer specifically requests a recommendation from the insurance company to a repair shop. • The consumer has been informed in writing of the right to select a repair shop of his or her choice. • If the consumer agrees to use the recommended repair shop, the insurance company must restore the damaged vehicle to its condition prior to the accident or loss with no additional cost other than as stated in the policy or as otherwise allowed by law.