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It is natural to use social media to provide updates on your life. Making a simple post with images and a few lines of text is a quick way to update family and friends. If you have carefully crafted your social media channels, it can feel like a safe sharing space. It is important to remember that it can last forever if you post something on the internet.
Often we see even clear pictures or status updates being used against people. If you have been involved in an accident, take a moment to think before you post. Below are some of the most common ways people can damage their injury case by posting on social media.
What Insurance Companies May Look For
Perhaps you have seen movies or television shows where insurance companies or opposing counsel hire investigators. These people are given the task of determining if the victim of an accident is faking or exaggerating their injuries. This doesn’t just happen on TV, and social media is usually the first place these investigators will begin digging. Below are some items that will be on the look to find on your profiles.
Pictures Taken Out of Context
Let’s say, for example, you post a picture of yourself enjoying a family barbeque. Maybe even a simple picture of you smiling or quickly standing up can be incriminating. They say a picture can say 1,000 words but remember not all of those words are taken within the content. Maybe the photo makes it look like you are standing when you are not. Or perhaps what appears to be a smile are you wincing in pain. Insurance companies won’t always give you the benefit of the doubt, so stay on top of what photos of you are online while your case is active.
Updates Where you Admit Fault
Once family and friends find out you have been in an accident, their first question is usually, “what happened?” The question and your answer are almost always innocent, but your response can hurt your injury case. Take, for example, posting a picture of your totaled car after an accident.
Someone replies on the picture saying, “wow, I’m so sorry, are you Ok? What happened?” To save time and answer more than one person at a time, you provide a status update detailing your recollection of what happened during the accident. Even if you feel the other party is entirely at Fault, how you write your response may not make that apparent. Any doubt or admittance can hurt your case in the future.
Take Time to Talk About It
Your injury attorney can also help provide guidance on best practices for social media while you are injured. It doesn’t hurt to bring it up the next time you speak with a legal professional. This is especially important if you are active on social media, an influencer, or someone continuously scrolling Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for fun.
Take a minute to explain to family and friends your situation. Ask them to please keep these matters private and not over-share online.
