A private investigator or detective looks for clues relating to a crime or offense through obtaining evidence for court cases or private clients. They conduct interviews, check information, perform surveillance by gathering critical information. Private investigators can also investigate cyber-crimes or a fault in a truck accident. They often work with injury lawyers but can be hired by practically anyone that needs them. 

Qualification for becoming a private Investigator

Below are the requirements for aspiring private investigators.

1. Have a high school diploma

Before employing someone to work as a private investigator, most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent.

2. Have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice

Applicants having an associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related discipline are preferred. Those interested in a private investigator job may be eligible for top positions with a bachelor’s degree.

3. Having a military or police background is an added advantage

In most cases, most high-ranking investigators have 20 to 30 years of experience serving in the military or police force under their belt.

4. Obtain license

Private investigators must receive formal credentials in most states before they are eligible to work.

Frequently asked questions on private investigators

1. Can a private investigator arrest someone?

No private investigators are not allowed by law to apprehend someone. All they can do is keep close tabs on individuals, search through their online database to acquire any incriminating information, evidence, or proof of something. 

2. Do private investigators carry a badge?

No, private investigators cannot carry any symbol of authority or metal badge. However, they are usually required to have their licenses while on duty. Additionally, all private investigators need to show their license if anyone requires them to do so.

3. Is it possible for a private investigator to trespass?

Private investigators are permitted to travel anywhere accessible to the public, but they cannot trespass. They’re not allowed to enter a property, residence, or building unless they receive authorization to do so. They may enter a home if the owner permits them when they are looking for information.

4. Are there laws restricting private investigators from wiretapping?

Private investigators can learn a lot by listening in on a conversation, but they must exercise extreme caution when doing so. Because the ability to record audio differs by jurisdiction, private investigators must be familiar with the rules in the state where they are working. Each state has either a one-party or two-party consent. 

One party consents entail a private investigator recording a conversation in which they are participating without informing the other party. However, a Two-Party Consent involves both the private investigator and the person they’re speaking with being aware of the recording.

Conclusion

While the private investigator career is promising, aspiring private investigators should expect competition from ex-law enforcement and military officers who retire early and apply for private investigation positions. It’s also worth pointing out that experience, being tech savvy, and having a law enforcement degree might help aspiring private investigators stand out from the competition.

If you have been involved in a truck accident and you wish to make a claim, the key to winning this kind of case is being able to prove that you were not at fault in a truck accident. It is always best to seek legal support after this kind of event. Truck accident specialist lawyers will be able to tell you if you have a case, build the case and help you to negotiate with insurers or win your case at trial. 

The key to all of this is being able to determine the fault of the accident, and these are the common reasons for these accidents being caused. 

Truck Driver Fault 

In most cases like these it is the truck driver who is found to be at fault, and there are a number of reasons why this takes place. For the most part we see a lack of concentration causing this kind of accident, taking their eyes off the road to check their phone for example. A truck driver may also be impaired because of drugs or alcohol, which would also mean that they were at fault for the accident. In some other situations we may see that a driver has gone over the number of hours which they should work in order to stay safe. If this is proven then the trucking company will also be liable, for allowing the driver to use the truck. 

Passenger Car Driver’s Fault 

 Passenger car drivers are often found to be at fault if they have failed to gauge the speed and the braking distance of a truck. If for example the car pulled out on the truck driver without giving the driver enough prior warning and time to brake, then they will be at fault for the accident. This happens less often than that of the truck driver causing the accident. 

Cargo Load

If there has been a problem with the way that the cargo was loaded onto the truck and this results in the accident being caused, the blame will fall with the trucking company – or whichever company loaded and checked the cargo. 

Split Liability 

There are some situations where we see split liability, which is an accident which has been caused by both parties. These cases however are very tough to prove, unless there is clear evidence such as CCTV footage of the accident taking place. If the driver is at fault, but the case is considered as being split liability, they can still make a claim for any injuries which have been sustained, but so too can the truck driver. 

These are the main causes of a truck accident and the courts will look at how the accident has taken place, based on the evidence presented, in order to ascertain who the guilty party was. This is why it is always a smart move to use a legal professional when making a claim after a truck accident.