Have you ever been in a car accident, even a minor fender bender? The immediate aftermath can be a whirlwind – the shock, the paperwork, and the nagging worry about medical bills.
It’s natural to reach out to friends and family for support, often sharing updates on social media. Many social media users document their lives online, thinking nothing of it. However, seemingly innocent posts can significantly impact a personal injury claim. Insurance companies scrutinize social media for anything that might weaken your case.
This post, part of our series on how insurance adjusters may devalue or reject claims, identifies five common social media mistakes that can negatively impact your case. Understanding these potential dangers is crucial, so let’s get started.
Mistake #1: Oversharing Immediately After the Accident
Oversharing immediately after an accident is a common mistake. It’s natural to want to update friends and family, especially since platforms like Facebook are so widely used—Pew Research Center reports that 68% of Americans use them.
However, resist the urge to post anything about the incident right away. Emotional distress can lead to impulsive updates, which are often misinterpreted.
An injured person might post, “I’m okay, just a little shaken up,” downplaying their injuries. Later, if medical records reveal more serious issues, this seemingly harmless statement could damage their personal injury claim. It’s best to avoid posting anything about the accident on social media, even after consulting a lawyer.
Mistake #2: Posting About Your Daily Activities
Your overall social media presence matters. Seemingly unrelated posts can also harm your case. Remember, a key part of an injury claim is proving the extent of your injuries. Photos or videos of your activities contradicting your claimed injuries can damage your credibility. Even appearing overly cheerful after an accident can raise red flags.
Someone claiming a back injury after a motorcycle accident who then posts pictures of themselves playing sports creates a major legal issue. Be very cautious about posting anything misconstrued as inconsistent with your claimed injuries, which can impact your ability to receive fair financial compensation.
Mistake #3: Accepting Friend Requests from Unknown Parties
Protecting your privacy is essential. Insurance companies or their representatives may access your social media accounts through fake profiles. They are looking for anything that could weaken your insurance claim and impact your compensation for injuries. This makes your privacy settings crucial. Review and tighten them immediately.
If an insurance adjuster “friended” you to gain access to private posts, that would be a real risk. Therefore, after an accident:
- Never accept friend requests from people you don’t know.
- Always double-check the profiles of new friend requests.
- Limit the information you share publicly.
- Regularly review and update your privacy settings on all social media platforms.
Mistake #4: Deleting Posts (Thinking it Will Make the Problem Go Away)
Think deleting social media content will solve your problems? Think again. Deleting posts doesn’t erase them. Screenshots and cached versions can still exist. More importantly, deleting posts related to your case, even what you think are harmless, can make you appear dishonest. It suggests you’re hiding something.
For example, imagine deleting a post that later contradicts your testimony about a defective product or the accident itself. This could severely damage your case and impact your ability to receive maximum compensation.
After filing a claim, don’t delete anything related to the accident or your activities. If you have any questions, consult our personal injury lawyer in Visalia.
Mistake #5: Discussing the Case Online
Confidentiality is key when dealing with a personal injury claim. Legal matters are sensitive, and anything posted online can be used against you in court. Sharing details of your case can jeopardize your chances of recovering compensation for your physical injury and financial losses.
The following are examples of what not to share:
- Discussing the details of your police report online.
- Mentioning specifics about your insurance policy.
- Sharing information about settlement negotiations.
Keep all discussions about your case private and confidential. Don’t discuss it with anyone other than your attorney. If you have any questions about your case, contact the Farahi Law Firm in Visalia. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help you navigate this process.
Avoid These Social Media Blunders
Protecting your personal injury claim means being mindful of your online presence. Avoid these social media mistakes: oversharing, posting daily activities, accepting unknown friend requests, deleting posts, and discussing your case online. These missteps can negatively impact your claim, especially if you’re dealing with physical pain and an uncooperative insurance provider.
If you’re injured, consult our personal injury lawyer in Visalia. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and help you avoid these common pitfalls. Don’t let social media mistakes devalue your claim. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
