When you’re healing from a car crash, every action matters – including your actions online. Parties, including insurance companies, can use your social media content as evidence in legal proceedings, potentially affecting your credibility and compensation. Here are the pitfalls to avoid:
Over-sharing details
Mistake: Posting detailed accounts of your accident, injuries or recovery process can harm your case. Insurance adjusters, the police and opposing attorneys often scour social media after a crash to look for inconsistencies or to find incriminating information.
Solution: Limit your posts. Avoid discussing specifics related to the accident, medical treatments or legal proceedings. Instead, you could focus on developments unrelated to your injury.
Contradicting yourself
Mistake: Sharing photos of a fun outing while claiming severe pain or mobility issues can raise doubts. It’s common for people to try and appear happier, healthier or more stable than they really are, but doing so after an accident can have a detrimental effect on any claims you might file.
Solution: Be consistent. If you’re genuinely hurting, avoid posting pictures that suggest otherwise. Refrain from sharing misleading statements or videos that others can misinterpret.
Ignoring privacy settings
Mistake: Public profiles expose your life to prying eyes. Even seemingly harmless posts can be misconstrued.
Solution: Adjust privacy settings. Share updates only with close friends and family, but do not believe that what you do or say is totally private. Assume anything you post could end up in court.
Venting about legal battles
Mistake: Ranting about law enforcement agents, the insurance company or the legal process can backfire. It portrays you negatively.
Solution: Stay professional. Vent privately if needed, but don’t air grievances publicly. You can also work with an attorney to handle the legal complexities and obstacles.
Accepting every friend request
Mistake: Accepting requests from unknown profiles can lead to trouble. Opposing parties may use your connections against you.
Solution: Be cautious. Verify profiles before accepting friend requests and avoid connecting with anyone related to the accident.
Your social media presence matters after a serious car crash. By avoiding these mistakes, you can protect yourself, your legal claim and any damages you stand to receive.
