Injured in a wreck? Here are 2 reasons to avoid social media
Your online social life may be an integral part of your life, allowing you to share your experiences and thoughts with people who care about you – but there are times when hitting that “post” button can have unintended consequences, especially when you’re dealing with a car accident claim.
While it may be tempting to share every detail of your ordeal online, here’s why you should strongly consider staying off social media until your case is resolved:
You need to protect the integrity of your case
In the aftermath of a car accident, emotions can run high. You might be angry, frustrated or even looking for support from your online community. However, what you post online can be used against you in court. Insurance companies and their defense often scour social media platforms for any information they can use to discredit claims.
A seemingly innocent post about your day might inadvertently provide them with ammunition to challenge the severity of your injuries or the impact of the accident on your life. Even “check-ins” can be used to say that you’re obviously well enough to go shopping, out to eat or to special events. The less you post, the easier it will be to protect your claim.
Anything you post can be misinterpreted
You can bet that the insurance company investigator will want to look at your social media in hopes that they can find information that seems to contradict your claims. A single photo or a few lines of text can be easily misconstrued to your detriment.
For example, if you post a picture of yourself smiling at a family dinner, it could be taken out of context to suggest that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. You may know that you were in terrible pain the entire evening, but the smile you forced in front of the camera could make people doubt your truthfulness.
Dealing with a car accident claim can be an emotionally taxing experience. Sharing your frustrations and fears online might feel good in the moment, but it can also make the process of settling your claim even more challenging. Seeking experienced legal guidance can help you learn more.