What to do if you suspect you are involved in a fake car crash/carjacking

In our commitment to keep you informed and prepared, we want to discuss a concerning pattern that has recently surfaced in our beloved Seattle. The local authorities have issued warnings about an unsettling trend that’s putting unsuspected drivers at risk—calculated carjackings disguised as minor traffic accidents.

Here’s what’s happening: individuals with ill intentions are instigating collisions—usually a minor bump from behind. In the confusion and concern typical after a rear-end collision, the driver, thinking it’s just an accident, might step out to assess the situation. That’s when the perpetrator makes a move to hijack the vehicle. It’s a scenario that’s as cunning as it is alarming.

Let’s talk about how to handle such a situation should you ever find yourself in doubt after a sudden jolt on the road:

  1. Keep Your Window Rolled Up: Preserve the sanctuary of your car by keeping the windows up. This barrier provides an additional layer of protection.
  2. Stay Secure Inside Your Vehicle and Dial 911: There’s no place like the safety of your locked car. As you call for help, inform the dispatcher of the situation, your movement, and any details of the suspicious vehicle behind you.
  3. Seek Light and Company: Drive towards a well-lit, crowded area. Here, visibility is your friend and there are more people around to deter ill-intentions.
  4. Be a Detail Detective: If you can, take note of the other vehicle’s details—license plate, make, model, color—or snap a quick photo. This information is invaluable to law enforcement and your legal team.
  5. Wait for the Cavalry: Once you’ve found your public safe well light spot, stand by for the officers to meet you—because reinforcements are always a relief.

To bolster your safety even further, the police advise all drivers to be vigilant about their surroundings. When leaving a spot, take an extra lap or two to shake off any potential tails. If you feel the prick of being followed, steer towards those always-open beacons of safety—police stations, hospitals, or another spot where people are your constant companions.

If you do get caught in a scenario that echoes a script of a thriller movie, try to take mental notes or narrate into your phone everything you can remember about the suspects and their vehicle, especially the direction they high-tail it in. Don’t leave personal valuable goods in the back seat—they’re safer close to you or at home.

In this age of smart devices, consider making your car a bit savvier, too. Tuck an Apple AirTag or other tracking device somewhere inside so if it stolen, you can track your car.

And remember, amidst the chaos, your Elsner Law Firm family is here for you. Should the unthinkable happen and you face injury from a car accident in Seattle, we are only a call away at 206-447-1425. We are dedicated to guiding you through these trials with empathy, expert legal advice, and a vehement pursuit of the justice and compensation you deserve.

Stay safe, stay aware, and always remember—we’re here to help shoulder the burden and light the way to recovery.