While social media sites like Facebook and Instagram allow us to connect with friends and family and share updates about our lives, how you use social media after getting into a car accident can change. If you’re seeking compensation for damages for your injuries by hiring a car accident attorney in Orlando, you don’t want to do anything that may jeopardize your case. After you file a claim after your car accident, outside sources (such as the defendant’s insurance company or legal team) are interested in what you post online. Then, they use what you say and your posts against you to undermine your personal injury case. Below, we discuss the different ways social media can hurt your personal injury case and how to avoid it.
Admitting Fault
One way social media negatively affects your case is by unintentionally making statements that admit you were partially responsible for the accident. This is one tactic defense attorneys and insurance representatives will use to diminish the damages you may be eligible for. Statements like, “I wasn’t paying attention,” “I looked down at my phone for a second,” or “I’m sorry I didn’t do ‘x’ to prevent the accident” could be used by the other driver’s legal team to establish your role in the accident and impact the amount of settlement you may receive.
Sharing Details About the Accident
It’s important to avoid sharing details of the accident on social media, as this could potentially harm your case. Since your posts are public, anything you say can be used against you in court. For example, the other driver’s insurance company might look for inconsistencies between your social media posts and the official accident record to challenge your credibility.
Potential Inaccuracies
The at-fault driver’s accident attorney will attempt to poke holes in your story to show that you don’t remember the details thoroughly and cannot accurately explain what happened. Don’t post car accident details on social media or speculate about what may have happened. If there are any discrepancies between what you say online and the official police record, it could impact your case.
Photos That Inaccurately Portray Your Injuries
A seemingly innocent beach weekend or mountain ski trip could reevaluate how severe your injuries are, at least according to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If you post pictures of yourself engaging in the same activities you did before the accident, the defendant’s legal team could use it as evidence that your injuries aren’t as extreme as previously stated.
Allow Friends to Tag You in Posts
Even if you refrain from posting pictures of yourself participating in activities that may have others question the extent of your injuries, your friends could negatively impact your case by tagging you in posts you may not be aware of. Set strict privacy limits on your account so you can review all posts and photos you’re tagged in before they’re shared.
How Should You Use Social Media After a Car Accident?
Now that we’ve discussed how social media can hurt your case, you are probably wondering how you should use social media after your car accident. While the best option is to refrain from using social media at all, this isn’t always practical. As car accident attorneys in Orlando, we advise avoiding discussing the accident on social media or sharing pictures using the suggestions above.
Getting the Compensation You Deserve for Your Car Accident Injuries
When you file a claim due to a car accident injury, it’s best to stay off social media until the case is resolved. This is the only way to ensure your posts won’t be used against you. Injured in a car accident and not sure what to do next? Contact Brett M. Bressler, our Orlando car accident attorney at 407-599-2002 for a consultation to discuss your case.
