While every car accident is unique, there is one rule that applies to every one of them: you should not discuss the accident on social media. In this day and age, many people are used to sharing everything on social media and do not give it a second thought after a car accident. However, you could end up doing a lot more harm than you realize. Keep reading to learn more, and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to request a free legal consultation.
The Insurance Company Might Use Your Social Media Posts to “Prove” That You Are Not Injured
If you have a social media post in which you are doing anything other than lying in a hospital bed after your accident, it is likely that the insurance company will try to use it as proof that you are not suffering as greatly as you claim. For example, an innocent picture of you at a barbeque might be used as evidence that you are not experiencing the leg pain you claim.
Your Comments Could Be Skewed into Admissions of Fault
Something you say that has nothing to do with your fault could be used to show that you are admitting fault. For example, if you said something like, “I never saw the other car coming!” then the opposing attorney could claim this means you were partially or wholly at fault. Even if you are at fault for the accident, you do not want your words taken out of context.
The Number of Posts You Make Could Be Used to Show You Did Not Suffer
There is no question that car accidents can be very scary. The physical pain can be bad, and the emotional trauma can last for years to come. If you are posting on social media several times a day, and your posts seem to be generally positive, then the opposing attorney could try to argue to a jury that this means you are not suffering at all.
You Could Inadvertently Be Negating Confidentiality
When you talk to your personal injury attorney about your car accident case, you are protected by laws of confidentiality. However, if you share private information on social media, it then becomes public, and these confidentiality protections will not apply to that information. Most car accidents involve sensitive information about medical records and finances. Do not risk opening your private life up.
Setting Your Account to Private is Not Enough
Too often, a person will assume that if they just make their posts private or for friends only, then they can say what they would like. This is false. You could be subpoenaed and required to turn over any information you have shared. It is best not to share anything at all. In a perfect world, you would simply ignore your social media accounts until your case is over.
If you require a free legal consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 today.
