After any kind of motor vehicle accident, the primary goal of an insurance company is to find a way to deny any claims related to the accident or if they cannot get out of paying a settlement, how to reduce the amount of that settlement by as much as possible.
This is often done by unscrupulous insurance companies who take drastic measures to “prove” that an accident victim is faking their injuries, including conducting car accident surveillance following a crash. Here’s what to know and how an experienced car accident lawyer in Massachusetts and New Hampshire can help you.
What Is Car Accident Surveillance?
Insurance carriers do not always conduct car accident surveillance. However, you should assume they will in order to protect yourself and your family from the risk. Typically, an insurance provider will only take such action if they have reason to believe you or someone else related to your case is being deceptive or otherwise false in your claim.
If the insurer expects the matter to go to court, they may be more likely to conduct surveillance. Avoiding surveillance is one of the many benefits of consulting with an accident lawyer right away. This prevents the insurance company from having the right to speak with you and they must go through your attorney for any and all communication with you.
If the insurer decides to attempt to conduct surveillance on you after a motor vehicle accident, they may employ a variety of methods to do so. One of the easiest things they can do is simply check your public social media accounts for what you’re sharing with the internet. Because of this, most personal injury lawyers would advise you to avoid posting anything about the accident or yourself and to encourage friends and family to do the same.
In some cases, an insurer may attempt to conduct video surveillance of you, usually in an effort to film you accomplishing tasks you say you can’t. For example, if you claim to have suffered a debilitating neck injury in the accident but are videotaped spending a day playing golf, this could disqualify your claim. Depending on how likely the insurer thinks it may be that you’re lying, they may even hire a private detective to acquire information on you or about any activities you are engaging in.
Steps to Take to Protect Yourself From Car Accident Surveillance
Make all appointments and follow your doctor’s orders.
Do not miss your doctor’s appointments or fail to follow doctor’s orders. Your insurance company or the insurer of the other driver may be looking for you to skip appointments or stop wearing your neck brace, etc.
Reduce or eliminate your social media usage.
Don’t post on social media about the accident or about things you’re doing in your life. Even something that seems as harmless as you spending the day with your kids outside might be twisted by an insurance company to make it look like you’re not actually injured and can still do normal things.
Maintain basic awareness of your surroundings.
While there’s no need to be hypervigilant, it’s a good idea to just keep a basic awareness of your surroundings. Avoid non-descript vans that show up often in your location and don’t hesitate to call the police if you feel like you are being followed or feel unsafe in any way.
Do not engage in prohibited activities under any circumstances.
If your doctor has told you not to mow the lawn, you shouldn’t mow the lawn even if you feel like you can. If the insurance company gets any footage of you engaging in a prohibited activity, this could cost you your case. Take it easy until you get the formal green light from your physician.
Mazow McCullough, PC Are Veteran Car Accident Attorneys That Can Help
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident in which you were injured and you have filed an insurance claim or need help filing a claim or lawsuit, reach out to experienced car accident attorneys Mazow | McCullough, PC for guidance. Our lawyers are both compassionate and aggressive, helping you to get the medical care and emotional support you need after an accident while zealously exhausting every possible route of compensation.
Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your legal needs or just to ask questions to get more information about how an attorney can help you move forward with either a car accident insurance claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or both. Dial our Salem, MA office at (978) 744-8000 or toll-free at (855) 693-9084.
