Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are all popular forms of social media that many Americans use every day to communicate with others online. After being injured in a car accident, many people want to share their experiences online with friends and family members by posting on their social media accounts.
However, did you know that posting sharing too much on social media could hurt your personal injury case? Here’s how.
Social Media Used Against You
Insurance adjusters and investigators are on a mission to disprove your side of that story. They will be looking for anything they can do deny you compensation for your injuries, and that means looking at your online profiles to find anything inconsistent with your claim.
For instance, you may have been injured in an accident that caused several broken bones and PTSD. However, you are tagged in a photo online that shows you at a concert, seemingly healthy and with no visible injuries. The photo may not the crutches laying on the floor next to you, or that you are still struggling with symptoms related to your PTSD.
This photo could be a way for the defense to show that you are not actually as injured as you claim to be. It may make the judge or jury think you are not pursuing much-needed compensation, meaning you could potentially lose out on a large bulk or even all of your financial recovery.
Remember that privacy settings do not mean that your profile is completely invisible to everyone else. This is a common misconception about social media, and it can be quite easy for the defense to find some way to obtain access to view your social media. The bottom line is that you should not automatically assume that your pages are protected.
What to Avoid Posting
The best way to avoid hurting your case online is to avoid posting altogether, however, this is not something that many people may be able to do. It is then recommended that you avoid posting:
- Photos or videos of you doing activities
- Photos of your injuries
- Check-ins on Facebook
- Anything related to your case
We understand that a car accident can leave you feeling stressed and confused. We are here to tell you that you do not have to go through this process alone. Our Jackson personal injury attorneys are here to provide you with the advice and guidance you need as you go through the claims process.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, contact Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyer at 601-800-5339 to discuss your legal options.
