Avoid Posting Accident Details on Social Media

When it comes to social media, people tend to post about everything in their life. There is great risk in posting on social media after a car accident while working on the job because it can have serious unintended consequences. Sharing everything via social media, especially the details of the incident, can actually be used against you. The information could easily be interpreted as your injuries are not serious enough to pursue damages. Be careful of your social media postings. Providing a digital or social media post could ultimately discredit your claim.

While social media can most definitely complicate your injury case here are some steps to take to protect yourself and your injury case:

Social media privacy settings are critical

Even if you are a victim of an auto accident, keep your social media profiles as private as possible. Modify your account settings so that it’s accessible only to family and friends. Check your settings and make sure your account is private. 

Refrain from accepting new friend or connection requests

This is important because they could be associated with the other driver, their insurance company or their lawyer. You never know who is trying to find out information. 

Never post any information about the accident or your injuries

This includes photos, videos, and location check-ins. Doing so can most definitely jeopardize your claim.

Try not to post, comment or vent anything negative 

This goes for anything about the other driver, insurance providers, lawyers, or anybody associated with your case. Your actions can be used against you.

Take into consideration what your family posts or tags you in

While you may not post about your accident or injuries online, others might post things about you. For example, if you attend a party or gathering, a friend might take a photo of you and post it on their Facebook feed. Let people know in advance that you do not want photos of you “tagged” or posted anywhere online.

Along the same lines, it is important that you stay away from commenting on other people’s social media sites, particularly when it comes to your case. If your car accident case receives media attention for some reason, avoid reading comments attached to your story. Do not react or respond to public comments in any way. What you say in these “comments” sections can also be used against you.

It’s important to note that everything you post on social media can and will be used against you. When it comes to social media, it is best to be cautious. The other driver’s insurance providers or defense attorneys will try their best to undermine your claim and use various methods to jeopardize your standing in the case. Which could mean collecting information about you, including researching your social media posts – hoping to find any post, photo, or video to argue you are not or were not as injured as you claim.

The most critical thing to do following an accident is to speak with an attorney experienced in worker’s compensation and car accident cases. An experienced attorney will help protect your rights, navigate you through the complex process and ultimately get you the compensation you need and deserve.

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.