Sharing details of our daily lives on social media has become second nature. After a car accident, you might want to update friends and family about your experience or recovery process.Â
However, what seems like innocent online activity can quickly become powerful evidence that insurance companies and defense attorneys use to challenge your claim, which is why consulting a Milwaukee car accident lawyer can help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your case.
Insurance Companies Monitor Social Media After Accidents
Insurance companies and their legal teams routinely search for social media posts made by claimants after an accident. They may look for any content that contradicts your claim or suggests your injuries are less severe than stated. Insurers are businesses first and foremost, and they will take any opportunity to protect their bottom lines.
For example, if you post photos of yourself participating in physical activities while claiming to have sustained debilitating injuries, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. They may also look for posts that indicate you were partially or fully at fault for the accident, even if your posts were made in jest or without a full understanding of the implications.
Types of Social Media Posts That Can Harm Your Claim
Various types of social media content can be used against you in a car accident claim. Insurance companies and defense attorneys may scrutinize your posts for any information that undermines your case.
Some examples of potentially damaging social media content include:
- Photos or videos of you engaging in physical activitiesÂ
- Posts about the accident that admit fault or downplay the severity of the incident
- Check-ins or location tags that suggest you were not where you claimed to be during the accident
- Comments or complaints about pre-existing conditions or previous accidents
- Aggressive or confrontational posts about the other party involved in the accident
Even seemingly innocent posts, such as celebrating a night out with friends or enjoying a vacation, can be misconstrued to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. Content posted by other people can also be used against you.
Best Practices for Social Media Usage During Active Cases
To protect your car accident claim, it is essential to be cautious about your social media usage while your case is active. Remember, anything you post online can potentially be used as evidence in your case.
Consider the following tips:
- Set your social media profiles to private and limit access to your content.
- Avoid posting anything related to your accident, injuries, or legal case.
- Refrain from accepting new friend or follow requests from unknown accounts.
- Be mindful of the content posted by friends and family that may tag or mention you. Ask them to avoid posting about you online.
- If you must post, keep your updates general and avoid discussing your accident or recovery.
- Discuss your social media usage with your attorney and follow their guidance.
If you plan on filing a car accident claim, your social media activity is only one of the many factors that you will need to consider. Gathering evidence, dealing with insurers, and navigating the legal process can be daunting. In these situations, trust a Milwaukee car accident lawyer to guide you through your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
After seeking medical care, schedule a free legal consultation with a Milwaukee personal injury lawyer at Cannon & Dunphy S.C. to discuss your case.