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When you are involved in an accident, it can be tempting to post photos and details on social media. If you are someone who regularly posts status updates to sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, or Twitter, it may feel like second nature to share this traumatic event in your life.
However, it is best not to post anything about car accidents and injuries on social media. In fact, in order to protect your personal injury claim, it may be best to stay off of social media altogether – at least for a little while.
Why Shouldn’t I Post Photos and Updates about My Accident?
If someone else caused your accident, you may be able to file a claim for financial compensation. Most auto accident claims involve insurance companies, and your attorney will be negotiating with the insurance claims adjusters and the insurance companies’ defense lawyers to obtain the maximum value for your claim.
Of course, the insurance companies are looking out for their best interests, so they may try to find a way to prove that you are not eligible for compensation. Photos and information posted on social media could be used as evidence against you. Remember that these photos and information are neither privileged nor protected by privacy, despite what level of viewing “controls” you place on your postings. This information belongs to the company that hosts the site on which you post. This means that an insurance company can request this information in discovery.
The Dangers of Posting about Your Accident
So, while you should take plenty of pictures of your accident, you should not upload your pictures online. You should also avoid describing what happened or stating who you think was at fault.
For example, if you post a photo of the party you attended before the accident, or if you say something like, “I’m glad my injuries aren’t as bad as I thought they would be,” these can come back to hurt you. The insurance company may try to use this information to argue that you were at fault in the accident, or that you don’t deserve to be compensated for ongoing medical bills or pain and suffering. Even if you weren’t drunk and your injuries are serious, you do not want to give the insurance company anything it can use to make it more difficult to pursue your claim.
In short, even if you think a post is harmless, the insurance company may still find a way to use it against you. With your financial future potentially on the line, you do not want to take any unnecessary risks. To play it safe, you should keep your accident to yourself. You can contact us for additional information.
Have You Been Injured in an Accident? We Can Help You Protect Your Claim
The attorneys at the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC represent auto accident victims throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. If you think you have a claim for compensation, we can advise you to make sure you don’t do anything that may harm your claim. To speak with an attorney today, call (866) 331-8195 or contact us online now.