Social media is a convenient way to stay in touch with family and friends. Posting on social media sites—such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and WhatsApp—is a part of many people’s daily lives. However, if you were injured in a car accident that wasn't your fault, your social media posts can seriously damage your claim for compensation for damages. Our San Diego car accident lawyer explains more below.

4 Reasons to Stay Off Social Media While Settling Your Claim

User posting on social media, which can weaken car accident claim
Unfortunately, the at-fault driver's attorney and the insurance company might try to reduce or deny your claim. Your social media sites can provide them with a wealth of ammunition to do this, even when you try to be careful about what you share.

Here is how your posts can hurt you:

  1. Harmful statements. You could make statements about the accident and your injuries that can be used by the insurance company to argue you're admitting partial fault for the crash or your injuries aren't that serious. For example, if you post on Facebook to family members you're feeling less pain today, this can be used by the insurance company adjuster to argue you're improving more quickly than you really are.
  2. Pictures. Photos in certain locations or involved in activities contradict the seriousness of your injuries. For example, if you go to a birthday party at a bowling alley just to eat, the adjuster might determine you must have gone there to bowl and cannot be as hurt as you claim to be.
  3. Not private. You may believe that your posts are private if you properly set your privacy settings. However, an adjuster or the carrier's attorney might still be able to access these posts.
  4. Posts from friends and family. The insurance adjuster could also search social media posts of your friends and family looking for damaging information about you. You should ask them not to post pictures about you or tag you in posts while your claim is pending.

Contact Us for Help

Ideally, you should stay off social media sites until this ordeal is resolved. If this is not realistic for you, ask an attorney how to best protect your right to recovery. 

Mark Blane
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San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer | California Car Accident Attorney
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