Do I Need a Private Investigator for My Personal Injury Case?
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be wondering: Do I need a private investigator for my personal injury case? While not every claim requires one, a skilled investigator can uncover critical evidence—such as witness statements, accident scene photos, and surveillance footage—that can make the difference between a denied claim and a fair settlement. In this article, we’ll explain when hiring a private investigator can strengthen your personal injury case, how they work with your attorney, and why their findings can be a powerful tool in proving fault and securing compensation.
What Does an Investigator Do in a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury investigator gathers facts and evidence to support your claim. Their work can include:
- Locating and interviewing witnesses who saw the accident happen,
- Taking photographs and videos of accident scenes, vehicles, and conditions before they change,
- Obtaining surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras,
- Analyzing accident reports and other official documents for errors or inconsistencies,
- Researching the at-fault party’s background for prior incidents or safety violations, and
- Reconstructing the accident in collaboration with experts.
This work can uncover critical details that you or your attorney might otherwise miss.
When an Investigator Might Be Needed
While many straightforward claims can be handled without one, an investigator may be particularly helpful in cases where:
- Fault is disputed and you need independent evidence to prove liability,
- Witnesses are hard to find or reluctant to talk without a professional approach,
- The accident scene changed quickly, such as after a weather event or cleanup,
- There is a possibility of fraud or conflicting accounts from the other side, and
- Your injuries are severe, and the potential compensation is high, making the stakes greater.
In these cases, an investigator’s work can be the difference between winning and losing.
Who Hires the Investigator?
In most personal injury cases, your attorney hires and manages the investigator.
This is important because it protects the investigation under the attorney-client privilege, meaning the opposing side can’t easily access what the investigator finds unless your lawyer decides to use it in court.
Additionally, experienced personal injury attorneys often work with investigators they trust and know will gather evidence thoroughly and ethically.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Hiring an investigator is an expense, but in many cases, it’s money well spent.
If an investigator can find the witness who proves fault, obtain video showing the exact cause of your injuries, or uncover key documents, that evidence could substantially increase your settlement or trial award.
If you hire an attorney on a contingency fee basis (common in personal injury cases), the attorney usually covers the upfront costs for an investigator and is reimbursed only if you win.
Contact Justice Through Compensation for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, please know that the law firm of Justice Through Compensation is here to help. Our legal team is skilled, experienced, and passionate in their representation. Let us shoulder the burden of an injury claim or lawsuit while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us today for the quality legal help you deserve.
* Main image at top by freepik