When it comes to social media and personal injury claims, you need to understand how what you do online can impact the outcome of your claim. With so much of our lives online, your online activity can now be used as digital evidence in personal injury cases.
If you have been the victim of an auto accident, you need to hire a personal injury attorney in Camas, WA. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of auto accident attorneys has experience handling all kinds of auto accident cases and can provide you with legal advice after a car accident in Washington.
Keep reading to find out how social media affects car accident lawsuits and what you should avoid doing until your case is closed.
Social Media and Personal Injury Claims: How Social Media Can be Used Against You
In the age of social media, it is crucial that you are very cautious when it comes to your online behavior during a car accident case. More and more cases are coming up where social media is being used as digital evidence, completely altering the outcome.
Some people turn to social media as a way of venting since getting into an auto accident is an overwhelming and frustrating situation. Some may also do this as a way of communicating with their friends and loved ones without having to reach out to everyone individually. However, no matter the reason, it is never a good idea to discuss an open legal case online as anything you post can be used against you.
Here are some examples of how social media can damage your chances of getting a fair settlement.
Admission of Fault
Depending on what you post online, this can be used against you, as a way of proving fault. Even if you don’t actually admit fault online, certain types of posts could be misinterpreted as an admission of fault.
Contradicting Information
Anything you do or say online may be compared to what you have put on your personal injury claim. For example, you may accidentally post something online that provides contradicting information regarding your claim.
You may be seeking compensation for injuries, but post pictures of you doing activities that could bring up certain questions. Or you may be seeking compensation for property damage, but have online posts of you driving in the vehicle that you got into an accident with.
Lack of Credibility
The main way that your online activity can be used against you during your auto accident case is to damage your credibility. Anything you have posted online can be brought up in court, even if it was before the accident occurred. For instance, you may have posts where you mention driving recklessly or breaking the law.
Even relatively innocent posts can be misinterpreted to seem as though they mean something else. And once your credibility is questioned, this can significantly reduce your chances of getting the settlement that you deserve.
What to Do Online During Your Car Accident Claim
Now that you know how social media and personal injury claims can intersect, what are some injury claim tips for Washington residents that you should follow? Although social media can be a relatively innocent outlet for your thoughts and feelings, there are certain things that you should and shouldn’t do online after a car accident.
- Stay offline: The number one thing you need to do to protect your right to compensation after an auto accident is to avoid social media after a car crash. Because anything you post can be misinterpreted, it is simply best to not post anything at all.
- Private social media profiles: It is also a good idea to set your social media profiles to private after the accident. By doing this, you are limiting access to other people, such as insurance adjusters, who will dig through your post to try to find something incriminating.
- Don’t delete posts: Although it may seem contradictory, you also shouldn’t delete any posts that you believe could be incriminating. This is because social media posts can be deleted, but this does not completely wipe them off the internet. It can also look suspicious if you start deleting your social media profiles or posts.
If you have any concerns about whether or not your online activity can be used against you during your case, you need to hire an auto accident lawyer. They can help you navigate the complexities of an auto accident claim, ensuring you don’t do or say anything online that could be used against you.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Things like Facebook posts and insurance claims can come with real consequences if your online activity is used against you. The good news is that by limiting your online activity and not divulging any information about the accident or your case online, you can avoid many of these risks.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our experienced auto accident attorneys are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping our Washington clients get the settlement they deserve. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
FAQ:
Can my Facebook or Instagram posts really affect my injury claim?
Yes, Facebook and Instagram posts can be used to prove a lack of credibility, an admission of fault, or question the validity of the information you provided on your claim.
Should I delete old social media posts after my accident?
No, avoid deleting any social media posts as this will only look suspicious and can result in them being recovered.
What should I avoid sharing online during a personal injury case?
Generally speaking, it is best to avoid posting anything online until your personal injury case has been closed. However, if you must post online, avoid stating an opinion about who was at fault for the accident or discussing the severity of your injuries. Do not post any photos of the accident, your vehicle, or your injuries, and don’t provide any specific information about the accident.