Staged Collision on Belt Parkway
New York City resident Ashpia Natasha was on her way to work last Wednesday morning when her life was disrupted by a shocking event. A driver of a gray Honda suddenly cut her off on the Belt Parkway in Queens, and then slammed his vehicle into hers, causing significant damage and leaving Natasha shaken.
The Initial Incident
<p/sweetalertened and confused, Natasha can be heard telling her husband, who was on speakerphone with her, "Oh my God! What is he doing? Babe! Oh my God, I got into an accident. I got into an accident."
Surveillance Footage Raises Suspicion
As Natasha reviewed the footage, she began to suspect that the incident was not an accident at all, but a staged collision. The initial clue was that the people in the Honda covered up the back window, and then the driver exited the vehicle from the passenger side, as if he was trying to avoid being seen.
A Second Person and a Getaway Vehicle
Additionally, another man was seen getting out of the Honda and slowly walking ahead before entering a waiting maroon-colored vehicle. This vehicle sped off, leaving the scene.
Natasha’s Experience and Reaction
Natasha shared her experience, stating that “My first instinct was that I was involved in some kind of road rage. I was kind of in shock. There was a lot going on.” However, in hindsight, she has come to realize that she was the target of an insurance fraud scheme.
Authorities and Preventions
The police did not respond to the scene, which is typical for accidents that do not involve serious injuries. AA recommends the following tips to prevent and handle staged collisions:
- Be alert
- Don’t tailgate
- Know if you’re at risk (if driving a luxury or commercial vehicle)
- Consider a dashcam
Handling Staged Collisions
If you suspect you have been involved in a staged collision:
- Get to safety and get out of traffic, if possible.
- Collect all the information you can, such as photos of the other person’s driver’s license, their vehicle identification number, their insurance policy number, their license plate number, and their vehicle.
Closing Statement
Natasha is now calling for justice and calling on others who may have been victimized by similar scams. “To hear that so many people have reached out to me, telling me something like this happened to them, just to put someone’s life out there at risk, is ridiculous to me, and I’m really hoping to get some justice for this.”
Conclusion
The incident on the Belt Parkway is a shocking reminder of the prevalence of insurance fraud in the world. It is essential for drivers to be vigilant and take steps to protect themselves, including installing dashcams, being aware of their surroundings, and knowing how to handle staged collisions. The NYPD is investigating the incident, and we hope that justice is served for Ashpia Natasha and anyone else who has been targeted by these fraudulent schemes.
FAQs
Q: What are the most common signs of a staged collision?
A: The signs may include suspicious behavior, such as the need to cover the back window, or the driver exiting the vehicle from the passenger side.
Q: What should I do if I suspect I have been involved in a staged collision?
A: Stay calm, get to safety, and gather as much information as possible, including photographs, license plate numbers, and insurance policy numbers.
Q: How can I prevent staged collisions?
A: Be aware of your surroundings, use a dashcam, and do not tailgate.
