After you’ve been injured, posting about it on your social media accounts may feel natural. After all, it’s on those accounts that you update friends and family about your life, and being injured is certainly major life news.
In reality, your social media posts can actually harm your personal injury case in ways you’ve never even thought of. Before you click “submit” on your daily social media haunts, here are four major social media mistakes you need to avoid making during your case.
Posting pictures that contradict your claim
The insurance company or other party in your case can use any photo you post that appears to contradict your injury claim. If, for instance, you’re claiming a serious foot injury, posting a photo that shows you dancing on that foot just fine will harm your case. This is still true even if your photo was staged to look a certain way and doesn’t actually reflect your reality.
Do not post any photos which could impact your case. When you are in doubt, it’s best to avoid posting a photo altogether.
Disclosing your daily activities
Some social media platforms, including Facebook, allow you to “check in” at destinations or show your current location. These disclosures also show up on your accounts and are visible to anyone with access.
As with photos, your location history can appear to go against your injury claim. A person with an injury claim which states they have limited mobility, for example, may run into trouble if their social media location checks show them taking their weekly yoga class.
Talking about your accident
Avoid sharing any details about your accident on social media. Tell loved ones and friends what happened in a private way, such as during a phone call or an in-person visit.
You simply can’t assume your private posts are going to stay that way. If you accidentally say something online which could impact your claim, it’s always possible your comments will make their way to the insurer on the other side of your case.
Comments your social media followers make on your accounts about your case can do harm, too. Make sure your friends, family members and other followers know you do not want any discussion of your accident, your injuries, your case or your potential settlement on social media. Even an innocent comment from a well-meaning friend about how well you seem to be doing with your injury could be used by the defense to claim that you are exaggerating. A family member posting about how much money you may receive can paint you in a bad light, making it seem as if you’re overstating your injuries just to get money.
Accepting unfamiliar friend requests
Insurance companies want to settle your case for as little as possible using the fastest route available. They will use many tactics to achieve these goals. One of these tactics is using fake profiles to gain access to your social media accounts. Once you’ve given them access to your private posts, they can use your comments and photos to damage your claim.
Never accept a friend or follower request from a person you don’t know. It is very possible the requesting account is not a long-lost friend, relative or new fan but an investigator for the defense.
It is, unfortunately, easy for truly injured people to make mistakes during their personal injury cases which lower their compensation. Don’t try to handle the insurance company all on your own. Guy Levy Law will support and guide you throughout your case so you’re not ensnared in a trap set by the defense.
