Insurance Companies And Types Of Surveillance

When you file a claim, you likely assume the insurance company will take the information provided and work in good faith to compensate you fairly. Yet in some situations, insurers have a top priority of minimizing payouts, and one way they do that is through surveillance.

For example, if an insurance company suspects that your injuries are not as severe as you claim, they may use surveillance to gather evidence that contradicts you. Should you suspect you’re under surveillance, seek legal counsel immediately. A skilled Orlando personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process and counter unfair tactics. Always speak to an experienced Orlando accident lawyer before speaking to any insurance company.

Common Surveillance Tactics

Insurance companies can deploy various surveillance methods to observe and document your activities, looking for inconsistencies in your injury claim. Here are some of the most common tactics:

• Visual surveillance. Insurers may hire private investigators to follow you and take photos or videos of you in public places. They look for evidence that you are engaging in activities inconsistent with your claim.
• Social media monitoring. Adjusters frequently scour social media platforms for posts, pictures, or comments that contradict an individual’s assertion. A seemingly harmless post about attending an event or taking a short trip could be used to argue that you are not as injured as you say you are.
• Neighbor and employer interviews. Insurers may contact your neighbors, coworkers, or even your employer to gather information about your daily activities and whether they align with your injury statements.
• GPS and drones. In some cases, particularly for high-value claims, insurers may use GPS tracking or drones to observe your movements and routines.

The goal of surveillance is to find any evidence that could discredit your claim and justify reducing or denying your compensation. When an insurer can show that your injuries are exaggerated or that you are more active than you claimed, they can then argue that you do not need as much compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

For example, if you claim that you have a severe back injury that prevents you from working, but surveillance captures footage of you carrying heavy things, the insurance company may use that evidence to challenge your claim’s validity.

How to Protect Yourself from Surveillance

First of all, if your doctor advises you to avoid certain activities, don’t engage in them, even if you feel capable on a good day. Additionally, be mindful of your social media use, avoid posting pictures, videos, or updates that could be misinterpreted by the insurance company. Remember that even an innocent photo of you smiling and dancing at a social event could be taken out of context. Essentially, assume you are being watched.

Consult an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney if you believe an insurer is unfairly scrutinizing your case. An attorney can help you protect your rights, ensure your claim is handled fairly, and challenge any misleading evidence.

Have you been getting push back from an insurance company after a Florida car accident? You don’t have to face them alone. Talk to the attorneys at Israoui Law for the personal attention you deserve. Call 407-381-4529 today.