The minutes, hours, and days following a devastating accident are often blurry and frightening. Many people are drawn to social media as an outlet to talk about the accident and share their experiences with other people who may have also had similar experiences.
However, this could seriously compromise a personal injury case should you later decide to file a lawsuit against the responsible driver. Here’s why you shouldn’t post on social media after an accident and how veteran New Hampshire and Massachusetts injury lawyers can help you navigate the accident recovery process.
Insurers Will Check Your Social Media Accounts
Auto insurance companies are in the business of claim denial. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be in business at all. The insurance adjuster working on your case will be looking for any viable reason to deny compensation, such as proving the accident was your fault or that you aren’t really as injured as you say you are. It doesn’t even matter if the insurance adjuster is from your own insurance company or not; it is in their best interest to deny the claim and avoid payout.
One place they will usually immediately start looking for evidence they can use against you is your public social media accounts. They will comb your posts, pictures, and even your likes and comments for anything that could suggest your claim is disingenuous.
What Are They Looking For?
Most insurance companies will look for things like:
- Photos of you engaging in activities that an injured person normally wouldn’t be able to
- Photograph or video evidence of you moving about without the medical device(s) prescribed by your doctor
- Posts or comments made by you that could indicate you weren’t feeling unwell or didn’t have to stay home and recover from an injury
- Posts or comments made by you that could indicate you were at fault for the incident
These things are likely to be used against you in an attempt to prove that you weren’t actually injured or that if you were injured, it was an old injury or caused by something other than the accident. If the insurance adjuster can successfully establish that there’s evidence of you acting unhurt or admitting to fault, the insurance company can more easily deny your claim.
Social Media Posts Create a Paper Trail
Your digital footprint is long-lasting, even if you delete posts or scrub your web presence. If an insurance company is watching your social media, they are likely going to be alerted when you make a post. They could then screenshot this post, creating a time-stamped “paper trail” that exists even if you later delete the post from your accounts.
What Not to Post on Social Media After An Accident
Ideally, you can go on a complete social media blackout until your case has been resolved. However, this might not necessarily be realistic. Here are some things you should absolutely avoid posting on your social media accounts:
Photos
- Any photos of you walking, running, climbing, swimming, or playing sports, etc.
- Photos of you playing or being outside with your children (if applicable)
- Pictures of you using equipment or tools
- Pictures of you shopping or dining at restaurants
- Pictures of you at clubs or house parties
- Images of you without medical devices that you have been prescribed for your injuries (e.g., a neck brace or crutches)
Content
- Posts about lifting heavy groceries, going on bike rides, etc.
- Posts about going out and having a good time with friends and family
- Content about how you could be partially or fully to blame for the accident
- Content about how you’re feeling good after the accident or how you are making a lot of progress in your recovery
Even if doing something on this list caused you extreme pain and set back your recovery, it will still be looked at unfavorably by a court. You don’t want to give the insurance company or their attorneys any leeway or evidence that can be manipulated to make you look bad.
Reach Out to Experienced Accident Lawyers Mazow McCullough, PC Now
The steps you take immediately following a devastating accident can significantly impact your future in regards to being able to hold the liable party accountable and obtain restitution for your injuries.
At Mazow | McCullough, PC, we can help you navigate through the difficult process of recovering after a serious accident and pursuing the full and fair compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your legal needs by calling (978) 744-8000 or toll-free at (855) 693-9084.
