Can Social Media Hurt Your Auto Accident Claim?
Yes, posting about your auto accident or even something that may be potentially related to your condition, or the accident can hurt your auto accident claim. It’s second nature for most people to post about their lives on social media. However, just one post can make it more difficult for you to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. Here’s how posting about your accident on social media can inadvertently hurt your claim.
Insurance Companies Can and Will Use Anything You Say Against You
Insurance companies will investigate claimants seeking compensation from them. They will look at public information sources, including news reports, court records, and your social media posts. They will latch on to anything that can contradict your claim. But while you can’t control all the information the insurance company can find, you can surely control your own social media accounts.
Your social media posts are considered hearsay. This means that the court won’t likely admit them into evidence if your claim goes to trial. However, insurance claims adjusters will use anything, including inadmissible hearsay, to reduce or deny your claim. Social media posts that they will try to twist into admissions during negotiations include the following:
- Posts about the car accident – Insurance adjusters will judge your credibility and will reduce or deny your claim if they spot omissions or inconsistencies in your story. If you post anything about the accident on your social media, they will try to twist your words against you.
- Posts about your physical activities – The claims adjuster will also question the extent of your injuries if they see posts related to any physical activity. Some subjects that you must avoid posting about include outdoor activities like camping, fishing, running, traveling, and exercising. Even something as seemingly simple as walking your dog or around your neighborhood can be used against you when assessing your injuries.
- Photos and videos – Your innocent photos and videos can easily raise questions such as, “Why were you dancing if you’re in pain?” or “Why did you go swimming?” While you may have perfectly good explanations for those questions, avoid posting them in the first place to avoid being these kinds of leading questions.
Seek Legal Advice From a Skilled Cumming Auto Accident Lawyer Now
It’s common for most people to post stuff on social media without considering or thinking about how a lawyer from the liable party or insurance claims adjuster could use their posts against them. Instead of filtering yourself, consider not posting or replying to other people’s posts at all. It’s also a good idea to make your account private and tell your family and friends to avoid tagging you in posts or talking about the accident.
If you or a family member has suffered injuries in an auto accident, you can count on the Cumming auto accident lawyer of Banks, Stubbs & McFarland for legal help. You can learn more about your case and legal rights by calling 770-887-1209 or filling out our online contact form to set up a free consultation with our Cumming auto accident lawyer.