Been In a Car Wreck? Stay Off Social Media.

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Car Wreck Lawyer Brian Brunson - Dallas Personal Injury Lawyer

Many individuals nowadays rely on social media platforms in their day-to-day routines. The amount of time spent on popular apps such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and more appears to be rising annually. Engaging with friends, family, and even unknown individuals through social media can be an enjoyable experience. However, it is crucial to be cautious about what is shared online, especially if you are involved in a Texas accident, as it could potentially harm your insurance claim.

How Posting About Your Accident Can Hurt Your Case

Insurance companies often employ individuals and occasionally outsource the task to external firms to scour social media platforms for any content that could potentially be used against someone who has been injured. In the event of a lawsuit, the defense attorneys will insist that you refrain from deleting any posts and request physical copies of different social media posts and comments. Neglecting to comply with these demands can lead to penalties imposed by a judge and a host of other complications.

Insurance companies put in a lot of effort to find any evidence that can reduce the impact of your case. With the help of their legal representatives, major insurance companies such as Allstate and State Farm have extensive experience in conducting investigations and know exactly where to look for information. One of the easiest places for them to gather information is social media platforms and any other online platforms where your name might appear. They are efficient in their work and have the skills to locate online conversations, social media posts, photos, videos, and comments related to you. It is important to note that even a single post can be taken out of context and used against you to decrease the amount of compensation you receive for your case.

What NOT To Post

The Law Office of Brian Brunson knows how to handle your accident. We understand that you may feel frustrated and anxious. It would be ideal to completely refrain from posting on social media after a crash. However, if you find it difficult to stay away from social media, here are a few suggestions on how to responsibly use it after a car accident.

  • Do not post pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle, or your injuries.
  • Do not post comments about the accident, or how great you feel, especially if you are receiving medical care.
  • Do not post yourself engaging in strenuous activities if you are receiving medical care.
  • Do not post comments about the accident, the people involved, or any injuries you may have sustained.

A few other tips include…

  • Do not accept friend requests from people you do not know. (This may be someone who work for the insurance company and is attempting to view your posts.)
  • Do not use the location or “check-in” feature. (The insurance company may argue that you were present somewhere that conflicts with your claim.)
  • Do not make disparaging comments about anyone involved in the accident or the insurance company. (Remember, your words can be used against you.)

Who can legally see your social media content

Even if you have your profile on private settings, a court has the power to request a subpoena, which is a legal order for you to hand over your social media information to be used as potential evidence. This indicates that if there is evidence, regardless of its privacy settings, you could be instructed by the court to provide it for your case.

Remember that once you share something online, it becomes public information for everyone to see. It’s important to be aware that if you delete content after sharing it, you might even face accusations of destroying evidence. To prevent any potential issues, the best course of action is to refrain from posting altogether. It would be wise to ask your friends and family not to comment about your accident on social media, and consider temporarily suspending or permanently deleting your profiles.

Your activity on social media platforms could potentially serve as proof of fraud. In various instances, cases that initially seemed legitimate turned out to be fraudulent after insurance companies discovered individuals engaging in activities they claimed they were unable to do, such as through posts on Facebook or TikTok. While these posts may sometimes be misinterpreted, there are situations where a judge may not be lenient and question your credibility.

IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN A CAR, TRUCK, OR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN BRUNSON TODAY.

Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.

We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.