If you have been injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, you might have heard that you should refrain from using social media. Personal injury lawyers often tell their clients involved in vehicle accidents to stay off social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others. To find out what harm could come to those who don't obey this request, read on.
It's a Natural Thing
When you combine that natural tendency to use social media with the stress of an accident, accident victims find it difficult not to post. Having to deal with injuries may be isolating and you are likely worried about what is happening to you. You might believe that you need the comfort and support you can get on social media. However, in the case of an accident, you are probably doing more harm than good. Your personal injury lawyer has good reasons for warning you away from social media.
Your Photos Tell a Story
If you say you were injured when you file a claim with the insurer, you should be ready for the at-fault driver's insurer to check out your social media accounts for photos to the contrary. You might, for example, post a photo of yourself at a sporting event or enjoying a day at the lake. The insurer might wonder how you can appear to be uninjured in those photos.
You Don't Have Privacy
You might think your posts are private, but they are not. Not only are some victims' accounts not set to be private, but their accounts can be subpoenaed by the other side. If you get involved in a court case with the other side, they can ask the judge to provide them with access to your private social media accounts if they show a reason.
Why would they do this? Because they don't want to pay you and if they can reduce the compensation you are paid then it's worth it for them. All the at-fault driver's insurer must do is to find instances on social media where you are doing something you claimed to be unable to do. Then, suspicion is thrown on the victim's accounts of the seriousness of an injury.
Your Words Can Haunt You
Anything you post that disputes your injury or accident account can be harmful. For example, you might post something about being sorry that the other driver was hurt. This may seem innocent but not to the other side.
To learn more about the dangers of posting on social media after an accident, speak to a personal injury lawyerz.
