Staged Truck Crashes Spike in New Orleans East

Sideswipe accidents involving 18-wheelers tripled over 13 years on a 14-mile stretch of I-10.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:23pm

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An extreme close-up of a cracked and distorted semi-truck side mirror, conceptually representing the aftermath of a staged sideswipe accident.A damaged side mirror from a semi-truck involved in a suspected staged sideswipe accident in New Orleans East.New Orleans Today

A new investigation has uncovered a concerning trend of staged sideswipe accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks on a 14-mile stretch of Interstate 10 in New Orleans East. Between 2004 and 2017, the number of these types of accidents tripled from 69 to over 200, raising suspicions of a coordinated insurance fraud scheme.

Why it matters

These staged crashes not only put innocent lives at risk, but also drive up insurance costs for all drivers in the region. Authorities are concerned that organized crime rings may be behind this growing problem, which has become increasingly prevalent in the New Orleans East area.

The details

The investigation found that the majority of these sideswipe crashes involved 18-wheeler trucks and passenger vehicles, with the passenger vehicle often intentionally sideswiping the truck. Authorities believe the drivers of the passenger vehicles are working with tow truck operators and medical clinics to file fraudulent insurance claims, generating millions in payouts.

  • Between 2004 and 2017, sideswipe accidents involving 18-wheelers on a 14-mile stretch of I-10 in New Orleans East tripled from 69 to over 200.

The players

New Orleans East

A region of New Orleans, Louisiana that has seen a significant increase in staged sideswipe accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks and passenger vehicles.

Interstate 10

A major interstate highway that runs through New Orleans East, where the majority of these staged crashes have occurred.

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What’s next

Authorities in New Orleans are working to crack down on this insurance fraud scheme, including increased enforcement and surveillance on the 14-mile stretch of I-10 where these incidents have been concentrated.

The takeaway

The spike in staged truck crashes in New Orleans East highlights the growing problem of organized insurance fraud schemes that put innocent lives at risk and drive up costs for all drivers. Addressing this issue will require a multi-pronged approach from law enforcement, insurers, and the community.