August 8, 2022 | By William Mattar, P.C.
Do Car Insurance Companies Hire Private Investigators After An Accident?
We understand how you may be feeling. You’ve just had an accident that wasn’t your fault. You’re dealing with the aftermath, including injuries and finances, when you learn that the at-fault party’s insurance company hired a private investigator to follow you around.
Your head will probably swirl with questions. How could this happen? Is this even allowed? I told the truth, so why are they following me? Let’s examine some of these questions.
Why Are Investigators Following Me?
Some insurance companies hire investigators to attempt to create an argument that injuries are not as bad as they are claimed to be. What exactly are they looking for? Put simply, private investigators hired by insurance companies are looking for anything that can be used to contradict claims about the nature and severity of injuries or damage credibility. There is a silver lining to this, though: Some private investigators will actually support your claim because their observations are consistent with your claims.
Is a PI Allowed to Investigate Me?
As long as the private investigator follows the law and does not commit any acts which unlawfully intrude on your privacy, it is generally permitted. As part of their investigation, they may focus on things easily accessible from publicly available information like:
- Examining your social media profiles
- Following you at a distance in public areas
- Photographing you in public areas
- Examining your public records, including criminal records
- Monitoring your professional profiles and business activity
- Talking to people you know, including friends, neighbors, and co-workers
How Might I Know That I’m Being Watched by a Private Investigator?
If the investigator is good, you may not know. However, if you are being followed you might notice things like:
- A car that seems to appear everywhere that you are.
- Increased questions from people you know.
- Seeing the same stranger wherever you go—one who never interacts with you.
How Will it Affect My Personal Injury Case?
The likelihood that you will be investigated increases if you allege that you sustained serious injuries that warrant significant compensation.
The possibility of a private investigation should not generally deter someone from making a claim for serious personal injuries because that person, an innocent motorist who sustained injury to the negligence of another, has nothing to hide. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate this sometimes-intimidating process and seek compensation for pain and suffering following a car accident.
Hurt in a Car? Call William Mattar, P.C.
If you are looking for an accident attorney who can advocate on your behalf, please do not hesitate to give us a call. While we cannot prevent you from being investigated, we can answer questions you may have about the process and help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact William Mattar P.C. today. We know motor vehicle accident law and we are happy to take a look at your case to see if we can help. (844) 444 - 4444.