Why Posting on Social Media After an Accident Can Hurt Your Case
After being in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligent actions, you’re probably in pain from your injuries and in shock from what you’ve experienced. And understandably so. You’ve just gone through a potentially life-altering event.
You may face the upcoming weeks and months dealing with an arduous recovery from your injuries and mental trauma from the accident.
The last thing you’re probably thinking about is what you should and shouldn’t do about your ability to obtain compensation in an insurance claim or lawsuit.
If you weren’t to blame for the accident, you should be compensated for what you’ve suffered and may continue to go through for some time.
While it may be challenging, you must protect your right to be compensated by the person who harmed you. You don’t want to inadvertently do anything that can negatively impact the compensation you may be owed.
Posting on social media sites is one thing you should be mindful of after you’ve been injured in an accident.
How Your Social Media Posts Can Compromise Your Claim
It would be best to avoid posting on social media after a car accident case. Anything you post on social media, including public statements, could be used by insurance companies, defense lawyers, or the party responsible for the car crash to state that you were more responsible for the accident than you claimed, your injuries weren’t as severe as you claimed, or to question the integrity and validity of your claim.
For example, if the insurance company finds that you posted something on social media contrary to what you stated in your claim, the insurance company may use your post to show that your claim wasn’t valid.
Or if you claimed to suffer a severe neck injury in the accident but posted a video of you dancing, the responsible party may use that as evidence that your injury was not as severe as you claimed.
This is why you must be cautious about what you post on social media, as it can significantly impact your car accident injury claim.
The best way to prevent the insurance company from using your social media posts against you is to avoid posting anything at all. Staying away from social media may not be easy, but it’s the best way to ensure you aren’t jeopardizing your personal injury claim.
It is important to be cautious about what you post on social media after a car accident. Limiting private messages and the content you are tagged in can prevent insurance companies from using it against your claim.
However, it is important to note that defense attorneys can still gain access to private messages and even deleted posts. It is recommended to avoid posting on social media entirely following a car accident to avoid any potential legal issues.
Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries
You can pursue compensation for the injuries you sustained in an accident if someone else’s actions entirely or partially caused the accident.
After the accident, one of the first things you should do is hire an attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the process of filing a personal injury claim – and, if necessary, a lawsuit – to help you potentially obtain compensation for your injuries.
Once you hire an attorney, your attorney will investigate the accident to help determine what caused your injuries and who was at fault. Determining who injured you and finding evidence that demonstrates that you were harmed in the accident is vital to the validity and strength of your personal injury lawsuit.
It is important to seek the guidance of experienced car accident attorneys to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our Kentucky car accident attorneys at The Sampson Law Firm today for assistance with your case.
In most cases, you or your lawyer can file a claim with your insurance company to apply your PIP (personal injury protection) benefits to your accident-related medical expenses.
Afterward, you and your attorney can contact the at-fault party’s insurance company. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company for you to get compensation equal to the value of your claim.
The value of your claim is the total of the objective and intangible losses you’ve suffered due to the accident. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation by phone or email to see how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Suppose the insurance company does not agree to compensate you fully and fairly for your injuries. In that case, your attorney may move forward to try to get you the compensation you deserve by filing a lawsuit on your behalf.
Insurance Companies’ Investigation into Your Claim
To understand how your social media posts can hurt your personal injury claim for compensation, it’s helpful to know the true purpose of insurance companies and the tactics they may use to deny you fair compensation for your injuries.
Insurance companies care about their profits and their bottom lines. It’s profits that drive insurance companies when they are handling claims. They aim to reduce the money they must pay in claims while holding on as much profit as possible.
So, when insurance companies investigate accidents after receiving claims for injuries their policyholders have caused, their goal is to limit their financial liability. They want to pay you the least amount of compensation possible. Insurance adjusters (insurance company employees who handle accident investigations and claims) will try to find evidence that they can use to either deny your claim or reduce your compensation.
Kentucky is a pure comparative fault state, meaning that your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault you had in the accident. Insurance adjusters seek evidence that you were more responsible for the accident to reduce how much they may have to pay you or to claim that you aren’t owed compensation. This is why they will be reviewing all your social media accounts. They’ll try to find anything they can use to reduce the value of your claim.
It is important to be careful when posting on social media after a car accident. Insurance companies may use social media profiles as evidence to devalue vehicle accident claims, specifically in cases where a collision causes the accident. Therefore, it’s best to limit what you post or ensure your profiles are private. It’s also important to monitor your friends and followers on social media and not accept requests from people you do not know or trust.
Taking these precautions can help protect your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I post on social media during a lawsuit?
Being cautious when posting on social media during a lawsuit is generally advised. Anything you post online can be used as evidence, so you must be mindful of what you say or share.
It’s best to consult with your attorney about the specific details of your case and any restrictions or guidelines they may have regarding social media usage during a lawsuit. They will be able to provide guidance based on the specific circumstances of your situation.
What not to say after a car accident?
After a car accident, you must be mindful of what you say to avoid potential legal or insurance complications. Here are some things you should not say:
- “It was my fault”: Admitting fault immediately after an accident can have legal consequences and impact insurance claims. It is best to let the authorities and insurance companies determine fault based on the evidence.
- “I’m fine” or “I’m not injured”: If you feel okay initially, injuries may become apparent later. It’s essential to seek medical attention and let professionals evaluate your condition.
- Getting into an argument: Avoid engaging in heated arguments or confrontations with the other driver involved in the accident. Stay calm and wait for law enforcement to arrive.
- Making promises or settlements: Do not make any promises or agreements with the other party involved without consulting your insurance company or legal advisor first.
- Providing too much information: While it is essential to cooperate with authorities and provide the necessary information, avoid giving unnecessary details or speculating about the accident’s cause.
Remember, after a car accident, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, contact the appropriate authorities, gather information, and consult with your insurance company and legal counsel for guidance on how to proceed.
Is it a good idea to take pictures of an accident you got in?
Yes, taking pictures of an accident you were involved in is generally a good idea. These photos can serve as valuable evidence and documentation of the scene, damages, and injuries. They can help support your insurance claim or legal case if necessary.
Take clear photos from various angles, capturing any visible damage to vehicles or property, skid marks on the road, and any injuries sustained. Additionally, if any witnesses were present, taking down their contact information for future reference may be helpful. More information and evidence is always better than insufficient when dealing with accidents.
Call the Personal Injury Lawyers at The Sampson Law Firm 
If you were injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, contact the Louisville personal injury lawyers at Sampson Law Firm for help pursuing the compensation you may be entitled to. Call us today at (502) 584-5050 or contact us online for a free consultation.