If you have been in an accident, it is crucial that you are vigilant about what you post in a public forum, including social media. Insurance companies can spy on individuals once a personal injury claim has been filed. If they discover information that undermines your credibility, it could significantly impact the amount of financial compensation you receive.
Why Do Insurance Companies Spy on Personal Injury Victims?
Insurance companies are businesses that are focused on the bottom line. They will do everything possible to limit your compensation. As noted above, one tactic they often use is spying on personal injury victims. They are looking for evidence to refute your claim. Their primary limitation is that they do not have the right to spy on you when you are on private property, such as in your own home.
This is What You Can Expect
However, anything that is public is fair game. Some of the more common methods an insurance company may employ to spy on you include the following:
- Hiring a private investigator to follow you and take pictures and videos of where you go and what you do. For example, you may claim that your back injury sustained in a slip and fall accident has rendered you unable to walk, yet a private investigator may take pictures of you running on a treadmill at the gym.
- Utilizing a GPS tracker on your vehicle to monitor your whereabouts. For example, you claim that your physical pain resulting from your truck accident is so severe that you are unable to leave your house. However, the defendant obtains proof that you are driving around town multiple times per day.
- Regularly monitoring your social media accounts. You may claim that the injuries you suffered in your car accident have significantly decreased your enjoyment of life. However, there are pictures of you on social media where you are dancing and having fun with your friends. This will certainly damage your credibility.
- Interviewing people who interact with you regularly, such as your friends, relatives, neighbors, boss, or coworkers, to see if they can uncover any damaging information about you.
How Can I Protect Myself Against This?
The more seriously you were injured and the more money your claim may be worth, the insurance company will have even more incentive to spy on you. They will work hard to uncover evidence that will enable them to either deny or devalue your claim. You should expect to be spied upon for the duration of your case and conduct yourself accordingly.
First and foremost, you should not lie or exaggerate when you file your personal injury claim. You should be honest with your attorney. Here are some other tips to help you maximize the value of your claim:
- Do not say or do anything that could later be used to call into question the severity of your injuries
- Do not accept social media friend requests from anyone you do not know, do not discuss your injuries on social media, or post any text, pictures, or videos that may undermine your claim. Finally, do not let any friends or relatives tag you in posts that might diminish your credibility
- Hire an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to counsel you
We Can Handle Your Case from Start to Finish
Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Salamati Law can handle all the aspects of your case. We can advise you every step of the way, including investigating and building your case. In addition, we can advocate on your behalf in settlement negotiations or at trial to help maximize your financial compensation. We have been helping personal injury victims here in Los Angeles achieve justice since 1995 and are ready to do the same for you.
Contact Our Team of Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you have questions about an insurance company spying on you after your personal injury claim, call our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Salamati Law today to schedule a cost-free consultation. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, so you will not be charged any legal fees unless you win.
