After an accident, many people take to social media to let friends and family know they are okay. However, this is a bad idea. While social media is a helpful tool to stay connected to friends and family, it may hinder your ability to pursue a settlement after an accident. Our firm wants you to be informed of how to protect your personal injury claim.
Social Media Posts Are Considered Public Record
Under current laws, social media posts are considered public record. This means anything you post on social media, including messages, pictures, and videos, may be used against you in court. When you file a personal injury claim, the insurance company will comb through your social media profiles looking for evidence that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. For example, if you post after an accident saying you feel fine, but you are now seeking compensation for injuries that appeared hours or days after the accident, the insurance company may dispute your claim.
Social media platforms that may be investigated include:
- Google +
- Dating websites
- Other social media platforms
Posts that your friends or family make about you may also be used in court. For example, if your friend posts a picture of you dancing at a party when you are seeking compensation for a serious back injury, this could be used to undermine the validity of your claim, even if the picture was taken before the accident. That is why you should take steps to protect your personal injury claim so you can seek the compensation you deserve.
How Can You Protect Your Personal Injury Claim?
The best way to protect your personal injury claim is to stay off of social media entirely until you have reached a settlement. You should also ask friends and family members to avoid posting anything about you until the case is closed. If you do post on social media, it is important to put your privacy settings as high as possible to keep insurance adjusters from finding anything that can be used against you.
Sico Hoelscher Harris LLP provides experienced legal representation to injured clients. Our Corpus Christi personal injury attorneys will help you file a claim and seek justice. Call us today at (877) 653-3334 for a free initial consultation.