If you were injured in an accident, you might be tempted to discuss it on social media, especially if you’re like the many Americans who share their lives with their family and friends through Facebook and other apps. However, if you plan to file a personal injury claim against the liable party or their insurance provider, what you post online could impact your case. Learn more about what you can do to protect your right to pursue compensation.
Social Media Use Can Alter Your Personal Injury Claim
Unfortunately, using social media after an accident could prevent you from getting full compensation for your injuries. Insurance companies and their attorneys often monitor the social media accounts of accident victims for information or pictures that appear to contradict the accident victim’s injury claim. Insurers and defense attorneys may use this information to deny a personal injury claim or attack a claimant’s credibility.
Make Social Media Accounts Private
To prevent insurers and firms from snooping around, set your social media accounts to private as soon as possible so that they can be viewed only by your contacts. Ensure that your accounts cannot be viewed by anyone outside your connections. In addition, decline any connection requests from anyone you do not know, as it could be someone associated with the insurance company or defense firm.
Avoid Posting About Cases on Social Media
Do not discuss the accident, your injuries, or your case on social media or online. Although talking about an accident can be cathartic, you could inadvertently say something that contradicts a statement you made in your claim, which can be used to attack your credibility. Furthermore, while it’s understandable that you might want to vent about the insurance company, defense lawyers, or the party at fault for the accident, doing so can make you look bad to a judge or jury.
How Video Posts Can Impact Your Claim
While recovering from your injuries, you should avoid posting videos on TikTok, Instagram, and other social media accounts. If you file a claim stating that you have an injury but post photos or videos of yourself playing sports or engaging in other physical activities, the insurance company or defense firm could use these videos to deny your claim.
What to Keep in Mind When Selecting Your Personal Injury Lawyer
When choosing a personal injury lawyer to help you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, you should consider:
- The attorney’s experience in personal injury law
- What percentage of the attorney’s practice is focused on personal injury law
- How many cases like yours the attorney has handled
- The attorney’s success rate, the percentage of cases that go to trial, and how often they win in court
- Their certifications, awards, and peer recognitions
- The attorney’s communication policy, including whether you will have a direct line to them and how quickly they will respond to calls or emails
For All Personal Injury Cases, Cain Law Office Can Help
If you were injured in an accident that was not your fault, turn to Cain Law Office for help in seeking compensation for your injuries and related losses. Contact our firm for a free consultation with an experienced Oklahoma personal injury attorney. We can discuss your legal rights and options.
