How Social Media Can Impact Personal Injury Claims

After suffering an injury, it’s natural to feel like social media is a convenient way to share what happened and update people on your progress. However, doing so can jeopardize any personal injury claim you file. The truth is that your social media posts — and even posts from loved ones — can negatively impact the outcome of your case.

Will My Social Media Hurt My Personal Injury Case?

There are no guarantees in personal injury cases. However, it’s possible that your social media posts could damage your claim. Insurance companies often hire investigators to scour claimants’ social media accounts and accounts belonging to their friends and family members. Their goal is to find evidence that contradicts your injury claim.

Let’s say you suffered a broken leg in a car accident and the insurance company sees you posting about participating in a 5K run not long after the injury. The insurer will understandably be suspicious about the validity of your claim.

Your privacy settings don’t provide complete protection, either. The insurance company could still monitor your actions through the accounts of your friends and family. For instance, a friend who tags you dancing in a photo of their birthday party may unknowingly provide the insurer with evidence suggesting your injuries are not as bad as you claim.

After an accident, you should assume the insurance company will check social media to monitor your activities. Protect yourself by refraining from discussing the incident online, and ask your loved ones not to post anything about you while your case is active.

Can Social Media Ever Help a Case?

There may be instances where social media could be helpful, such as if you need to find a hit-and-run driver. Still, leave any decisions about the use of social media up to your personal injury lawyer. The wisest course of action is to assume that using social media will undercut your case.

Best Practices for Social Media Use While Your Case is Pending

The number one best practice for social media use while your case is pending is to simply not use it. However, if you feel that you need to use social media, here are a few tips for protecting your rights:

• Set your profile to private and remove any new contacts you don’t recognize.
• Don’t accept any new friends until after your case’s resolution.
• Never post about your injury or your pending case.
• Avoid posting about your daily activities.
• Make sure your friends and family know not to post anything about you, including old photos you’re in.
• Remember that even if you delete a post, the insurance company can recover it.

How Serious Injury Law Group, P.C. Can Help After an Accident

If you have a personal injury claim in Alabama and need legal assistance, reach out to Serious Injury Law Group for a free consultation. Our personal injury claims attorneys will review your case, explain your legal options, and advise you on the next steps. Call or contact us today to get started.