Better Call Saul! A Lesson In Automobile Law
One of the most popular characters in the infamous series Breaking Bad was Saul Goodman, such a popular character that fans were excited to hear the news: Saul would be starring in his own spin-off series, Better Call Saul. Fans throughout the country tuned in at the beginning of February 2015 to witness some more of Saul's antics, watching as he orchestrated a fake accident in hopes of squeezing some money out of it. In the world of fictional entertainment, it can sometimes be hard to determine where the creative writing ends and the truth begins, begging the question: How do hit and run cases work in the real world?
A Faked Accident
In the fictional setting of Better Call Saul, the main characters set up a fake car accident: after a young adult jumps onto the front of a moving car, the individual who was "hit" will act to be severely injured, demanding some sort of payment for what are sure to be high hospital bills. While it may have been a humorous clip to watch on television, it unfortunately happens in the real world on a regular basis, ranging from fake personal injury claims to fake automobile damage claims.
Staged accidents involving cars simply to scam you out of your money is fraud, plain and simple. In many cases, scam artists know that the evidence surrounding the situation may not end up holding up with a judge-- and they'll be happy to take your money outside of court as a result. While it may seem tempting to avoid the court process by settling the details one on one, don't fall for this scam!
A Legitimate Hit and Run
If you experience a real accident, hitting a pedestrian or other car, never flee the scene of the incident. The majority of states require that the both parties involved in the accident stop, call emergency services (if needed), and exchange information. Driving off without talking to the other driver or leaving your information may result in a felony charge against you, so don't tempt fate.
If you think you may need additional support or that the incident will extend past payments in insurance, consider talking about your case with a knowledgeable lawyer who can help. An expert will be able to help you navigate the tricky laws surrounding your case to make sure that you don't get scammed or ripped off. It's probably best if you don't call Saul though--he's been known to make some sketchy decisions in the past. Instead, contact Burgess & Perigard or a similar firm.
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