While car accidents are an everyday occurrence, the consequences of suffering a serious injury in a wreck are anything but routine. Faced with painful injuries, exorbitant costs, and life-altering limitations, it’s understandable if your emotions are running high. However, while taking to social media in search of emotional support might help ease your anxieties, you should resist the temptation to login.
The insurer may comb through your social media pages in search of evidence that could be used to challenge your case. As such, anything you post online could become ammunition in the hands of a claims adjuster, potentially costing you the settlement you need to get your life back on track.
Ideally, you should deactivate your accounts for the duration of proceedings, but we understand that taking this step isn’t possible for everyone. Let’s look at some ways you can protect your case next time you go online:
1. Never Discuss the Accident Online
A tell-all post about this traumatic experience might provide some relief in the aftermath, but these digital confessionals could hurt your case. As the world has evolved to embrace new technology, so, too, have insurers. Claims adjusters may monitor your social media accounts in an attempt to find any pictures, comments, reviews, and even “check ins” that could be used as evidence to dispute your case.
As such, if you discussed the accident online, your comments could be misrepresented to challenge your credibility. You should also avoid discussing anything related to your personal injury case, expenses, treatment, and social activities.
2. Skip the “Check Ins”
Facebook and similar social media platforms allow users to “check in” when they arrive at a new location. Under ordinary circumstances, these broadcasts are an easy way to keep friends and family up to date on your whereabouts and activities.
However, if your claim is pending, these “check ins” will make it trivial for the claims adjuster to keep tabs on your whereabouts. Unfortunately, while you’re recovering, opposing parties don’t expect you to leave your home for any other reason than attending follow-ups or undergoing treatment. As such, if your social media feed shows you bouncing from bar to barbeque and back again, you may face disputes over failure to mitigate damages.
3. Keep Your Pictures Offline
Even in the challenging days after a serious accident, there may be some bright moments. In this modern digital era it’s become second nature for many of us to grab our phones and snap a picture to preserve these happy memories.
However, you should never upload these photographs online as claims adjusters are adept at turning seemingly harmless candid shots into damaging evidence. For instance, pictures of you at the park with your friends a few days after the accident could be used to assert that your injuries are not as serious as you’re claiming because you are still able to enjoy a normal quality of life.
Discuss Your Case with a Car Accident Attorney in Detroit
Were you injured in a serious wreck through no fault of your own? Turn to the car accident attorneys at Seva Law Firm for answers, guidance, and advice. We can review your situation as part of a free case assessment wherein we can weigh the strengths and weaknesses of your case and explain potential outcomes for your claim. Reach out to us at (248) 385-5704 or send us a message using our online contact page HERE to request a consultation.