Social media is a staple of our modern society, so much so that posting has become second nature to many of us. If you have been in a car accident, however, you will need to seriously think about whether you should share any of the details surrounding it on your social media profiles.
If you’re unsure whether social media use is safe after your accident, read on to learn what can happen if you choose to use these apps, as well as some best practices for ensuring that you don’t diminish your chances of a successful claim.
Three Reasons to Be Cautious About Posting on Social Media After an Accident
Posting on social media after an accident isn’t always the best idea for a number of reasons.
For one, if you make a public post, the defense attorney has the right to access it at any time. Even if it is private, you need to remember that lawyers are trained in the art of discovery, so it’s possible that some may know of legal ways to circumvent your privacy settings and view your posts anyway.
Secondly, in posting on social media, you may inadvertently be sharing the following:
- Pictures of the accident scene
- Pictures of your vehicle
- Photos of yourself that reveal your condition
- Updates on your mental or physical health status
- Conversations you’ve had with others about the accident
- Location check-ins after the accident
All of these details act as pieces of evidence that the defense can legally use in their case against you.
Lastly, in a similar vein, it is possible for your posts to be used against you. For example, if you claim to be severely injured and then you post about being out and enjoying your life, the defense can take note and use it to make you look like you’re faking your injuries.
Social Media Tips for After a Truck or Car Accident
First of all, do not post any photos, new or old, and ensure that your family members and friends follow suit. As mentioned above, whatever is posted can be used as evidence that you are happy, healthy, and not in any pain or suffering. Therefore, someone may conclude that you don’t need as much compensation as you claim.
Furthermore, refrain from making announcements about the status of your health or injuries. Even telling your family members not to worry through a post can be problematic and used to show that you are just fine after your accident.
It’s important to realize that the aftermath of your accident is not the time to go on a rant about the other driver, the trucking company, insurance companies, or the justice system as a whole. Doing so will only cast you in a negative light and hurt your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
On the same line of thinking, don’t use social media to tell your side of the story. The defense team is likely to try to use it to poke holes in your testimony. If the story you tell on social media conflicts with what you say in the courtroom, they will take notice, and it may hurt your chances of receiving compensation.
Finally, don’t delete what you may have already posted. If your posts are being used as evidence, you don’t want to be found tampering with them.
Sharing Isn’t Always a Good Idea
After being injured in a car accident, the other driver’s insurance company will look for every possible reason to deny your injury claim or at least stop you from getting maximum compensation.
Therefore, if you have been injured in a car accident in Southern Missouri, the best thing you can do is call a personal injury lawyer from our office. Not only will we fully investigate and evaluate your case, but we’ll let you know whether you have a viable claim. If you do, an attorney will advise you of the next steps, including what to do with your social media posts.
Contact a Southern Missouri personal injury lawyer at Privette Law Office today for a free consultation.