5 Ways a PI Can Strengthen Your Personal Injury Case

Personal injury cases live and die on the strength of the evidence. Whether you're an attorney representing an injured client or an insurance company evaluating a claim, a licensed private investigator can be the difference between a strong case and a weak one.

Here are five specific ways a professional PI strengthens personal injury cases in Michigan.

1. Documenting the Scene Before Evidence Disappears

Accident scenes change quickly. Road conditions are repaired, hazardous conditions are corrected, and physical evidence is cleaned up — sometimes within hours of an incident. A private investigator responds quickly to:

Photograph and video the scene in its post-incident condition

Document environmental factors like lighting, signage, road markings, and visibility

Collect measurements and diagrams that reconstruct the incident

Preserve perishable evidence such as skid marks, debris patterns, or damaged property

In Michigan, where weather conditions change rapidly — especially during winter months — scene documentation is critical and time-sensitive. An investigator who reaches the scene early captures evidence that may be gone by the next day.

Real-World Impact

Consider a slip-and-fall case at a Michigan grocery store. By the time the injured party contacts an attorney, the store may have already mopped the floor and fixed the leaking cooler that caused the spill. An investigator dispatched immediately can document the conditions, speak to employees, and preserve evidence before it's altered.

2. Locating and Interviewing Witnesses

Witnesses provide firsthand accounts that corroborate your client's version of events. But witnesses are notoriously difficult to track down, especially as time passes. A PI will:

Canvas the area near the incident to identify potential witnesses

Use database research to locate witnesses who have moved or changed contact information

Conduct professional recorded interviews that capture detailed accounts

Secure signed written statements that are admissible in legal proceedings

Why This Matters in Michigan

Michigan courts place significant weight on witness testimony, particularly in no-fault threshold cases where the injured party must prove a serious impairment of body function. Independent witness testimony that describes the severity of the accident and its immediate impact strengthens the plaintiff's ability to meet this threshold.

3. Conducting Surveillance to Verify or Dispute Claims

Surveillance is one of the most powerful and frequently used tools in personal injury investigations. It serves both sides of the case:

For Defense (Insurance Companies & Employers)

When a claimant reports severe injuries that prevent them from working or performing daily activities, surveillance can document whether those claims are consistent with their actual behavior:

Video documentation of physical activities that contradict reported limitations

Activity logs showing daily patterns, travel, and social activities

Social media monitoring for posts, photos, or check-ins that conflict with claimed injuries

For Plaintiffs (Attorneys Representing Injured Parties)

Surveillance can also support plaintiff cases by:

Documenting the defendant's negligent conditions that caused the injury

Proving ongoing hazards that the defendant failed to address

Establishing patterns of behavior that demonstrate negligence

Michigan-Specific Considerations

Michigan law has specific rules about surveillance admissibility. A licensed Michigan PI understands the legal boundaries and ensures all surveillance is conducted within legal limits, making the evidence admissible in Michigan courts.

4. Uncovering Hidden Information Through Background Research

Background investigations reveal information that the opposing party may not voluntarily disclose. A PI can uncover:

Prior claims and lawsuits — Has the claimant filed similar injury claims before? A history of claims can indicate a pattern.

Criminal history — Relevant convictions can affect credibility in court.

Employment and financial records — Useful for calculating damages or questioning motives.

Social media activity — Public posts often contain information that contradicts formal claims.

Property and asset records — Important for understanding the full picture.

Building Credibility

In Michigan personal injury litigation, credibility is everything. Jurors assess whether a claimant is trustworthy, and background information that reveals inconsistencies or patterns can significantly influence the outcome. Conversely, a clean background reinforces the claimant's credibility.

5. Providing Professional, Court-Ready Reports

Perhaps the most overlooked value a PI provides is the quality of their reporting. A professional investigator delivers:

Detailed written reports with chronological timelines and factual findings

Organized evidence packages including photographs, video, and documents

Chain of custody documentation that ensures evidence integrity

Expert testimony — Many PIs are experienced witnesses who can present findings clearly in depositions and at trial

What Makes a Report "Court-Ready"?

A court-ready report from a licensed Michigan PI includes:

Clear identification of the investigator and their credentials

Factual, objective language — no opinions or speculation

Properly labeled and time-stamped evidence

Documented methodology showing how evidence was obtained

Compliance with Michigan's Rules of Evidence

At Priority Investigation, every report we produce is designed to withstand scrutiny in Michigan courts. Our investigators have testified in proceedings throughout the state, and our evidence packages are formatted for immediate use by legal teams.

The Bottom Line

A private investigator doesn't just gather evidence — they build the foundation of a stronger personal injury case. From the initial scene investigation through trial testimony, a licensed Michigan PI adds value at every stage.

If you're working on a personal injury case in Michigan — whether as an attorney, insurance professional, or individual — contact Priority Investigation for a free consultation. We'll evaluate your case and explain exactly how our investigation services can strengthen your position.