Attorney Gets Jail Time in Staged Truck Crash Scam
A former New Orleans personal injury attorney has been sentenced to 32 months in federal prison for his role in a scheme involving staged crashes with tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles, prosecutors said.
Attorney sentenced in Operation Sideswipe
Danny Patrick Keating Jr., 57, of New Orleans, was sentenced Oct. 15 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. The case stemmed from his involvement in 31 staged collisions.
According to the case, participants known as “slammers” were paid to intentionally cause crashes involving commercial vehicles. Keating then pursued personal injury lawsuits and settlement claims arising from the staged collisions.
Scheme targeted trucking companies
The crashes were designed to create liability claims against trucking companies and other commercial vehicle operators. After the collisions, lawsuits were filed seeking compensation for alleged injuries and damages.
Federal authorities described the conduct as part of Operation Sideswipe, an investigation into organized staged-crash activity and fraudulent injury claims.
Federal fraud charges
Keating’s conviction was based on conspiracy involving the use of mail and wire communications to advance the fraudulent claims. The sentence includes 32 months in federal prison, along with restitution obligations tied to the scheme.
The case highlights the financial and legal exposure created by staged collisions, which can result in fraudulent insurance claims, civil litigation and criminal charges for participants.
