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Seven individuals have been charged with staging two accidents with tractor-trailers in New Orleans, bringing the number of indictments to 40 in a federal investigation into intentional collisions with trucks.

Program Aired: September 9, 2021. Staged accidents aren't new, but in recent years, perpetrators have begun more actively targeting commercial trucks because they tend to have larger dollar signs associated with them. This issue not only affects the targeted carriers, but is raising insurance rates industry wide and encouraging new criminals to enter the market.

Traffic fatalities grew 10.5% in the first three months of the year even as overall driving declined, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which cited speeding and other risky behaviors that emerged when the pandemic reduced the number of cars on the road.

In the event of a spill, being prepared with a response plan can make all the difference. Learn how to position your company to protect your bottom line and your brand from unnecessary costs, liabilities and damage.

Accident risk lessened as the pandemic eased highway traffic this year. Fleets, however, remain subject to increased litigation and nuclear verdicts. Experts suggest that the wider adaption of advanced technology - including onboard safety systems, in-cab video, and telematics - could not only improve safety but also preserve relevant information in the case of an accident.

A recent study that explored the skyrocketing rise in jury awards against trucking companies went beyond the numbers to seek expert input on what fleets can do to protect themselves.

Four others have been indicted in connection with a sweeping federal investigation into staged accidents with commercial vehicles in the New Orleans area.

Nine more people have been indicted in connection with a sweeping federal investigation into staged accidents with commercial vehicles in the New Orleans area.

The trucking industry is making gains in its fight against the plaintiffs bar and the increasing size of jury verdicts levied against motor carriers, but those in the trenches say the battle is not over.

A federal grand jury in New Orleans has returned a second round of indictments in an ongoing investigation of individuals staging automobile accidents with tractor-trailers, charging 11 people on seven fraud counts in connection with two incidents from 2017.