The old cardinal rule holds true: “If it is posted on the internet, it is on there forever.” This absolutely holds true for social media. Social media is everywhere. Who has not heard of and used social media whether it be Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram. I know that the Nicoletti Accident Injury Lawyers is on multiple social media platforms.
Many of us want to keep our friends and family updated on what we are doing. But, after an accident, that may not be the best plan. Insurance companies can and are likely to use what you say to discredit your claim. It is easy enough for them to find you on social media and use your posts and photos against you. That can mean less money in your pocket to properly compensate you for your claim.
Therefore, here are a few tips that we recommend to follow when using social media after getting into an accident.
1. Do not post pictures of the accident. It is true that pictures are worth a thousand words. However, things can be interpreted in different ways. It is best to only turn the photos over to your attorney.
2. Do not post an explanation of what happened in the accident. The statement may be used against you by the insurance company. People can interpret things differently and it is best to let your attorney speak on your behalf.
3. Do not post how you feel on social media or anything regarding your health after the accident. Often times, due to the shock or maybe another reason, injuries from an accident may not fully reveal themselves until days or even weeks after the accident. It is best to let medical professionals examine you and to evaluate what type of physical condition you are in. You should keep those findings confidential until your attorney finds it is the right time to reveal them.
4. Be careful about asking for an attorney recommendation on social media and not doing your research. Often times, we may ask for a recommendation for an attorney on social media. Attorney recommendations may be very good or, they may be not so good. The issue with just relying on a recommendation is that you do not know what quality of work that attorney has done nor if they even practice personal injury. You could get a real estate attorney that just started practicing personal injury and you are their first case. Be sure to do your own research. You want to find a qualified personal injury attorney that has a proven track record.
5. Just because you send a private message, does not mean it is necessarily private. During discovery, if a lawsuit is filed, an insurance company may request to see your private messages that pertain to the accident or may request access to your social media. It is best not to discuss anything about the accident until the case is settled.
6. Do not post photos of doing physical activity until the case is settled. It is difficult to prove that you have a serious back injury if you are posting photos of yourself running a 5k, deadlifting 200lbs, or playing a pick-up game of basketball. It is best to keep those memories to yourself until the case is settled. More importantly, you should refrain from those activities until you are fully healed. However, that is a conversation for you and your doctor.
7. Ask your friends not to post anything about your accident. Many times, people want to share updates about you. Even their words can be used against you by insurance companies. It is best if they do not share anything about the accident, even though they are just trying to do the right thing by updating your other friends and family.
All in all, it is best not to post anything on social media but if you do, keep it very brief, away from the topic of physical activity, and do not mention the accident. It is in your best interest so you can recover the maximum settlement. After all, you have been injured due to the negligence of another and you deserve to recover due to everything you have been through.
Remember, if you have been in an accident, the Nicoletti Law Firm is available anytime, day or night, at (727) 845-5972. We offer a FREE no-obligation consultation where an attorney will review your claim with you at no cost. We look forward to assisting you. Be safe!
