Why You Shouldn’t Talk About Your Car Accident On Social Media
Nowadays, a lot of people depend on social media as a part of their everyday lives. The time people spend on well-known apps like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat seems to be increasing every year. Connecting with friends, family, and even strangers through these platforms can be a lot of fun. However, it’s important to be careful about what you post online, especially if you’ve been in an accident in Texas, because it might negatively affect your insurance claim.
Your Social Media Posts Could End Up Costing You Money
Insurance companies frequently hire people and sometimes contract outside firms to search through social media sites for any information that might be used against someone who has suffered an injury. If a lawsuit arises, the defense lawyers will urge you not to delete any of your posts and will ask for printed versions of various social media posts and comments. Failing to follow these requests could result in penalties from a judge and create a range of other issues.
Insurance companies work hard to uncover any details that could lessen the severity of your claim. With the assistance of their legal teams, large insurers like Allstate and State Farm have a wealth of experience in investigations and know precisely where to search for relevant information. One of the simplest ways for them to collect data is through social media and other online platforms where your name might show up. They are quite skilled at their job and can efficiently track down online discussions, social media updates, images, videos, and comments that pertain to you. It’s crucial to understand that even a single post can be misinterpreted and used against you, potentially reducing the compensation you might receive for your case.
Your Social Media Posts Should Never Include The Following
The Law Office of Brian Brunson is experienced in managing your accident case. We recognize that this situation can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Ideally, it’s best to avoid social media altogether following an accident. But if you can’t resist the urge to post, we have some tips on how to use it wisely after a car crash.
- 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.
It’s important to be cautious about accepting friend requests from strangers. You never know if someone might be working for the insurance company and trying to access your posts. Additionally, avoid using location tags or the “check-in” feature, as the insurance company could claim you were somewhere that contradicts your claim. Also, steer clear of making negative remarks about anyone involved in the accident or the insurance company itself. Keep in mind that anything you say can potentially be used against you.
If Your Profile Is Private It Can Still Be Accessed Through Legal Means
Even if your social media profile is set to private, a court can still issue a subpoena, which is a legal command requiring you to share your social media data as possible evidence. This means that if there is relevant information, no matter how private it is, the court can order you to submit it for your case.
Once you post something on the internet, it’s out there for everyone to see, so keep that in mind. If you decide to delete something after sharing it, you could end up being accused of trying to hide evidence. To avoid any problems, it’s probably best not to post anything at all. It might also be a good idea to ask your friends and family to avoid discussing your accident on social media, and you might want to think about either taking a break from your profiles or deleting them completely.
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.