Let’s face it, accident and injury posts attract a lot of attention and reactions on social media. They are dramatic, evoke emotion in others, and make for an exciting story to tell. A lot of people who were involved in a crash post about it on social media, hoping to garner attention and sympathy, but not realizing how this could jeopardize their insurance claim or personal injury claim.
As any Chicago personal injury attorney will advise you, by all means stay away from social media in the wake of an accident. Here are a few reasons why.
How Insurance Companies Use Social Media to Investigate Claims
Insurance companies routinely monitor claimants’ social media profiles to look for evidence that could deny or reduce a claim. You may not realize it, but anything you post publicly on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter is fair game.
For starters, they check for signs your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. If you post photos of yourself skiing or rock climbing after an accident, it won’t look good. They also look for indications your lifestyle isn’t truly impacted. Mentions of going out with friends or traveling can raise red flags.
Beyond the content of posts, they evaluate your social media activity. If you’re updating constantly after an accident, it may seem odd for someone supposedly seriously hurt. They track who you connect with as well, searching for links to physicians or attorneys that could signal litigation is brewing.
Common Ways Social Media Posts Can Hurt Your Case
What you post on social media can directly contradict what you’re claiming in your personal injury case. Photos of you engaging in physical activities when you’ve alleged severe injuries, for example, can be used to argue that you’ve exaggerated or misrepresented your condition.
Loss of Privacy
Social media platforms rarely keep your information truly private, even if you have the strictest privacy settings enabled. Anything you post could potentially be seen by the other parties involved in your case, like the defendant’s insurance company.
Misinterpretation of Posts
As mentioned, even innocent social media posts unrelated to your injury can be taken out of context. A photo of you smiling at a family event could be portrayed as evidence that you’re not as seriously hurt as you claim. Jokes or sarcasm may be misconstrued as factual statements.
Impact on Credibility
Inconsistencies between your statements regarding your injuries and your social media activity can make you appear less credible. Credibility is crucial in personal injury cases, where so much relies on subjective claims.
Best Practices for Your Social Media Presence After an Accident
When pursuing a personal injury claim, your social media activity can have a significant impact on your case. Here are some best practices to follow:
Limit Posting
Refrain from posting any content related to the accident, your injuries, or the progress of your claim. Anything you share publicly can potentially be used as evidence by the insurance company to deny or reduce your claim.
Avoid Accepting New Connections
Be cautious about accepting friend requests or connection requests from individuals you do not know personally. Unfamiliar connections may have ulterior motives and attempts to access information about your claim. Politely ignore or decline requests from strangers.
Refrain from Posting Photos or Videos
Avoid sharing any photos or videos that depict you engaging in physical activities or social events. Even seemingly innocuous posts can be taken out of context and used to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed. It is best to avoid posting any visual content during an active claim.
Be Mindful of Comments and Interactions
Be cautious about commenting on other people’s posts or engaging in discussions, especially those related to your accident or injuries. Your comments and interactions can also potentially be used as evidence to dispute or diminish the validity of your claim. If discussions relate to your claim in any way, do not participate.
For Help With Your Personal Injury Claim, Contact a Chicago Injury Lawyer
Social media posts and activity can potentially be used against you in court to try and dispute or discredit your personal injury claim. Defense attorneys may scrutinize your profiles and posts to look for any inconsistencies in your story or evidence that contradicts your injuries.
Don’t let your social media activity jeopardize your claim. Call our office today at 312-757-8640 to speak with a top Chicago personal injury lawyer. We can review the specifics of your case and guide you on using social media during your claim process.