'Smiling' cabby makes $80,000 claim on driver's insurance after minor accident

Jared relates his story in an email:

"Most of us, the working executives are drivers. Every day there is an equal chance for every one of us to get involved in a car accident. Unfortunately for me, I was involved in a car accident with a taxi in July 2008.

"Along the slip road, the taxi in front of me stopped, I too stopped behind him. Seeing that there were no oncoming cars, he started to move off, I too stepped on the accelerator to move off. However, he decided to brake suddenly and I couldn’t stop my car in time.

"The cabby got down from his taxi with a big smile on his face and I was wondering why. I had no prior car accident experience to speak of. The cabby seems like a nice person, he checked on the safety of everyone first.

"But the first sentence I said however will not be too pleasing to anyone’s ear. 'Why did you stop?', I asked.

"After checking no one was injured, we agreed to claim against my insurance policy. As there was a passenger, we took some photos of each other’s vehicle.

"I thought it was just bad luck and I should let the insurance settle everything.

"Finally after two years, I received a claim from the taxi driver. He is claiming against my insurers for $81,240.91 for personal injuries. That does not include the repair fees for his taxi.

"Before this, I checked a couple of times and he mentioned he was not hurt. The most ridiculous part is he claimed that three of his teeth are fractured caused of the accident after a year. He claimed almost $10,000 to fix his teeth. However, in his previous medical report, nothing was mention about this until a year later.

"I hope to share my story with readers so that everyone can be aware of this and not fall prey to profiteers on insurance claims. Insurance is a protection against our liabilities and not a tool for profiteers to capitalise on.

"I have attached some photos to show the seriousness of the accident and you will be wondering why the claims escalates to more than $81,000, and if it includes the car repair, it is almost $90,000. Now, who still dares to drive?" SOURCE