Insurance Companies and Private Investigators: Unveiling the Tactics

When you’re involved in a personal injury case, the last thing you expect is to be under surveillance. However, insurance companies often hire private investigators (PIs) to dig into your life, hoping to find something that could weaken your claim. In this blog post, we’ll explore why insurance companies use PIs, the legal limits on their surveillance, and how you can protect your rights.

Why Do Insurance Companies Hire Private Investigators?

• Fraud Prevention: Insurance companies claim that PIs help prevent fraudulent claims. While fraud does exist, critics argue that insurers sometimes use surveillance to deny or devalue legitimate claims, prioritizing their profits over justice.
• Flimsy Excuses: Even if you have a valid claim, insurers may find seemingly insignificant details to challenge it. They might use these flimsy excuses to reduce your compensation.

Legal Limits on Surveillance

While insurance companies have the right to hire PIs, there are legal boundaries:

• No Intimidation: PIs cannot intimidate you. Intimidation includes aggressive following or making threats. You have the right to feel safe.
• No Trespassing: PIs cannot trespass on private property. If asked to leave by a landowner, they must comply.
• Public Settings: PIs can observe, videotape, or photograph you in public places. However, they cannot capture images through the open window of a private home.
• Recording Conversations: Florida is known as a two-party consent state. This means that, under state law, all parties involved in private conversations must consent to that conversation being recorded.

Protecting Your Claim

• Social Media Caution: PIs are trained to remain discreet. Avoid making their job easier by posting sensitive information on social media. Refrain from discussing your claim, injuries, or case details online.
• Consult an Attorney: Seek legal advice promptly. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you, protect your rights, and ensure you don’t inadvertently harm your claim.

At Brubaker Injury Law, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of your personal injury case. If you’ve been in an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here for you.