What Does a Personal Injury Investigator Do? A Complete Guide

When you or your client is involved in a personal injury case, the evidence you gather can make or break the outcome. That's where a personal injury investigator comes in — a licensed professional who specializes in uncovering facts, documenting evidence, and building the foundation for stronger legal claims.

What Is a Personal Injury Investigator?

A personal injury investigator is a licensed private investigator who focuses specifically on cases involving physical injuries — whether from car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, workplace injuries, or other negligent acts. Unlike general private investigators who may work on a variety of cases, personal injury investigators have deep expertise in the types of evidence attorneys and insurance companies need to evaluate injury claims.

In Michigan, personal injury investigators must hold a valid Michigan Private Investigator License issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). This ensures the investigator has met the state's education, experience, and background check requirements.

Key Services a Personal Injury Investigator Provides

Scene Investigation and Documentation

One of the first tasks a personal injury investigator handles is visiting the scene of the incident. Whether it's a car accident on I-96, a slip-and-fall at a retail store, or a workplace injury at a manufacturing plant, the investigator will:

Photograph and video the scene from multiple angles

Measure and diagram the area, noting hazards, signage, lighting, and road conditions

Collect physical evidence before it's altered or destroyed

Document weather and environmental conditions at the time of the incident

Scene evidence is time-sensitive. The sooner an investigator arrives, the more accurate and compelling the documentation will be.

Witness Location and Interviews

Witnesses can provide critical testimony that supports your version of events. A personal injury investigator will:

Locate witnesses who may have seen the incident

Conduct recorded interviews to capture their statements

Obtain signed written statements that can be used in court

Identify expert witnesses when specialized testimony is needed

In many personal injury cases in Michigan, witnesses disappear or become difficult to contact over time. Early investigation ensures their accounts are preserved.

Surveillance

Surveillance is one of the most powerful tools in a personal injury investigator's toolkit. This service is used in two primary ways:

Verifying claims: Surveillance can confirm that an injured party's reported limitations are consistent with their actual daily activities.

Documenting the impact: For plaintiffs, surveillance of the defendant's business or property can reveal ongoing hazardous conditions.

Experienced investigators use covert video surveillance, GPS tracking (where legally permitted), and social media analysis to build a comprehensive activity profile.

Background Research

A personal injury investigator will research the backgrounds of all relevant parties, including:

Prior claims history — Has the claimant filed similar claims before?

Criminal records — Are there credibility concerns?

Property ownership and asset searches — Relevant for determining coverage

Social media investigations — Public posts that may contradict claimed injuries

Medical Record Review Coordination

While investigators don't provide medical opinions, they often coordinate with legal teams to:

Obtain medical records and authorizations

Identify gaps or inconsistencies in treatment timelines

Connect attorneys with medical professionals for independent evaluations

When Should You Hire a Personal Injury Investigator?

The best time to bring in an investigator is as early as possible. Evidence degrades, witnesses relocate, and memories fade. Here are the most common scenarios where a personal injury investigator adds significant value:

Immediately after an accident — Scene documentation is time-critical

When liability is disputed — An investigator can gather evidence to establish fault

When injuries are suspected to be exaggerated — Surveillance can reveal inconsistencies

Before filing a lawsuit — Thorough investigation strengthens your legal position

During litigation — Ongoing evidence gathering supports the case through trial

Why Michigan Attorneys Trust Professional Investigators

Michigan's unique legal landscape — including the no-fault auto insurance system and specific statutes of limitations — requires investigators who understand the state's laws and procedures. A Michigan-based personal injury investigator brings:

Knowledge of Michigan courts and local procedures

Established relationships with law enforcement and medical providers

Understanding of Michigan's no-fault threshold for pain and suffering claims

Familiarity with Michigan's Rules of Evidence for admissibility

Choosing the Right Personal Injury Investigator

When selecting a personal injury investigator in Michigan, look for:

Valid Michigan PI license — Non-negotiable

Experience in personal injury cases — Specialization matters

Professional affiliations — Membership in organizations like MCPI, WAD, or NALI

Detailed reporting — Clear, court-ready reports with organized evidence

Availability and responsiveness — Time-sensitive cases require prompt action

At Priority Investigation, LLC, we have been providing professional personal injury investigation services throughout Michigan since 2009. Our detailed reports, thorough evidence gathering, and commitment to professionalism have made us a trusted partner for attorneys and insurance professionals across the state.

Get Started Today

If you need a licensed personal injury investigator in Michigan, contact Priority Investigation for a free, confidential consultation. We'll discuss your case and explain how our investigation services can strengthen your claim or defense.