How Social Media Can Damage Your Personal Injury Claim
Following an accident, it is completely normal to want support from family and friends. Many people might turn to Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to share updates about how they are doing; however, attorneys such as our friends at Johnson & Alday, LLC know that what you post online can come back to haunt you if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
Why Social Media Matters
Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys routinely search claimants’ social media profiles. They look for photos, status updates, check-ins, and comments that could be twisted to argue that you are not quite as injured as you are claiming to be, or that your injuries came from something that happened other than the accident. A single post can be enough to cast doubt on your honesty and reduce or even deny your compensation. It is important not to post anything on social media without first speaking to an attorney to better understand your case.
What Adjusters Look For
It is not just pictures of you smiling or on vacation that can be used against you in a personal injury case. Insurers look for anything that they can use, such as:
- Photos of physical activities, like sports or exercise
- Check-ins at social events, restaurants, or bars
- Posts or comments downplaying the pain you are in
- Contradictions between what you have told your doctor and what you have shared online
Even if you have a private profile, you are still not safe. Opposing lawyers can sometimes subpoena social media content during a lawsuit. A car accident lawyer can help you understand what is okay to post and what may be used against you.
How To Protect Yourself After An Accident
While this may sound daunting, it is easy to protect yourself and your rights after an accident, and your attorney will help you do so. Taking these measures can minimize the risk that the insurance company or defense attorney will use your posts against you:
- If possible, avoid posting until your case is settled
- Ask friends and family not to tag you or post photos of you
- Do not accept new friend requests, insures sometimes use fake accounts to access your profile
- Never post about the accident or your injuries
- Think before you comment, even jokes can be taken completely out of context
Social media can feel completely harmless, but when it comes to personal injury claims, it is one of the easiest ways for an insurer to poke holes in your case. While this may seem tedious or unfair, it is an important step to take to safeguard your claim, and it is only until your case is over. Taking these steps can be vital in your pursuit of fair compensation.
If you have been hurt, be extremely careful about what you share online, even if it seems harmless. When in doubt, talk to your lawyer about how to protect your privacy and your right to fair compensation.