New warnings have been issued to drivers after a rise in the number of claims as victims fall foul of a scam called ‘flash-for-cash’, costing insurance companies millions of pounds a year.
The scam occurs when fraudulent individuals waiting at junctions will flash their lights to seemingly grant right of way to a driver exiting a junction. However, as the flashed driver makes their way out of the junction, the driver who flashed them out will then speed forward deliberately, causing an accident to occur.
Although appearing to offer right of way to the waiting driver, the driver who flashed deliberately causes a collision and then proceeds to hold the victim at fault because they turned across his or her vehicle.
When the matter is taken to court, the apportionment of blame falls to a ‘your word against mine’ situation which is very difficult to prove and often finds the innocent driver at fault.
The Highway Code specifies that drivers should:
“Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. “Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users. Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully.”
A small percentage of victims of this scam have been able to prove their innocence using evidence from a black box accident recording system mounted onto their windscreen. However, the majority of drivers do not have this type of recording system installed and so need to ensure they have the right legal support in place.
The Road traffic Department at Palmers Solicitors can provide specialist advice and representation for individuals involved in road traffic incidents. To find out how we can help you, please visit our website or contact Jeremy Sirrell.