Social media has changed our culture, how we get our news, and how we interact with friends.
Today, 70% of Americans use social media daily. On social media sites, users share lots of private details with friends and family. But not everything stays private.
That is important for you to know if you have been injured in a car accident, workplace accident, dog bite, or any type of accident resulting in an injury claim. When you file a claim, the insurance company lawyers and representatives will scour your social media for evidence that they can use to try to make you look dishonest.
Keep Your Social Media Accounts Private
Every social media company allows users to set personal privacy settings. You can designate who can view your content in the privacy settings on your social media sites. Several platforms also let you set different privacy settings for different people.
If you don’t properly set your profile or posts to private, then someone could still see some things that you post. This is true even if the social media platform requires your permission before you can get a new friend or follower. It’s good practice, even if you have not been injured in an accident, to keep your social media accounts private.
Social Media Behaviors That May Hurt Your Personal Injury Case
You might think that a post on Facebook or another social media site has no relevance to your injury claim, but it can still come back to bite you. The insurance company may use any statements or postings you make on social media to try to prove you are somehow faking your injuries.
It is best to avoid all social media until your injury claim has settled. If you cannot stay away completely, avoid these types of actions:
- Discussing your accident
- Discussing your injuries
- Accepting new friends or followers that you don’t already know
- Posting photos out with friends
- Posting photos drinking
- Posting photos of you playing sports
- Showing off a new home improvement project
- Discussing or posting details about your injury claim
Make sure that if you spend time with others, even when you are not engaged in any activities, that your friends do not post pictures of you under your name or tag you in any posts. Insurance companies may discover posts from your friends showing you engaged in behaviors that could negatively affect your claim.
Insurance Companies May Use Your Social Media Posts Against You
Insurance companies will check your social media accounts when you file an injury claim. Social media accounts could provide insurance companies with a valuable source of evidence to refute your injury claim and minimize the value of your damages.
Scrolling social media might be a way to pass the time if you have been seriously injured and are stuck at home. But if you post photos and comment, your words could be used against you to show that your injuries are not as serious as they really are.
Maximize the Value of Your Personal Injury Claim
By staying off social media during your injury claim, you give yourself the best chance of getting a full and complete recovery. An insurance company can make it appear that your injuries are not as serious as you claim by using your social media posts. This can hinder your ability to collect compensation and make your claim seem less valuable.
For social media tips and tricks and to speak with an experienced injury lawyer, contact PARRIS today.
