How Social Media Posts Can Prevent You From Receiving Compensation After An Accident
In today’s world, it’s not uncommon for most adults to use at least one social media platform. While a simple Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter post about your accident or current activities may seem harmless, what you post may potentially bring your case into question in unexpected ways.
Why Does The Insurance Company Look At My Social Media Pages After I File A Claim?
When you file a personal injury claim, the insurance company will begin to seek reasons to minimize your payout or deny your claim altogether. As part of their investigation, the insurer or investigator may look at your social media pages, profiles, tweets, and even private messages for evidence that hurts your claim, such as proof you made up or exaggerated your injuries. These investigators are paid to look for incriminating things such as photos of you enjoying time spent with friends when you claim lost quality of life as damage. They may even look at your posts, pictures, videos, check-in locations, tagged photos, and other types of social media content for clues. The investigator can and will use anything they find on your profiles against you during an injury claim.
Mistakes On Social Media Can Be Harmful Than You Think
Although social media is great for connecting with others, a dispute over social media evidence will make your case more difficult. What you and your friends say about you on social media may only hinder your chances of getting reasonable compensation for your losses. Some of the most common ways that social media can damage personal injury claims are listed below:
Contradictory Posts. You could post something on social media that contradicts what you said in your claim without realizing it. Let’s say you claim to have a broken arm but then announce on social media that you’re going bowling. If investigators find your post, your injuries will be challenged by the defense and jeopardize your case.
Check-Ins. Checking into or tagging locations on Facebook and other platforms can show that you’re participating in activities that contradict the injuries in your claim. Posts with locations can count as evidence against you.
Photos and Videos. Social media posts can reveal what you’re physically capable of following an injury, leading the insurance provider to believe you exaggerated your injuries or lied on your claim.
Comments From Family and Friends. What other people post about you on social media can contradict your statements about your injuries. Posts about your accident or how much money you can get after an accident can be used as evidence against you to paint you in a negative light.
Tips for Posting on Social Media
There are several do’s and don’ts for using social media as your car accident claim is pending. Here are a few simple tips when it comes to social media mistakes and personal injury claims.
- Do not post anything about your accident.
- Avoid deleting posts once you make them (the adjuster probably already has screenshots)
- Do not post regrets or apologies to anyone involved in the accident.
- Do not post about your injuries or medical care.
- Refrain from posting photos, videos, or tagging your location.
- Tell friends and family not to post or tag you in anything.
- Though it doesn’t make your information impossible to obtain, update your privacy settings to friends only.
- Deactivate any social media accounts until your case is resolved.
Your Fight Against The Insurance Company Begins With Us
Until your personal injury claim has been disputed or denied, you never fully understand the hardship an insurance dispute after an accident can cause. At Goss Law Firm, we know firsthand how insurance companies can use unfair tactics to diminish their policyholder’s claims. This is why our personal injury attorneys in Kansas City fight to protect our clients’ rights every step of the way.
Call us today at 816-839-6452 or complete the contact form below to learn more about how we can help you.
