In the digital age, social media platforms have become integral to our lives. However, your social media presence could negatively affect your claim after a car accident.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys may use your online activity to challenge your case. Here’s how your social media activity may influence your car accident claim.
Posts that contradict your injury claims
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to remember that anything you post online could be scrutinized. Posting pictures of physical activities, vacations, or events can cast doubt on the severity of your injuries. Even a simple status update implying you are feeling fine could be used to suggest that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
Location data and check-ins
Many social media platforms allow users to share their location. If you check in at a gym, a hiking trail or any physically demanding location, it could be used to argue that you are more active than your claim suggests. Opposing parties may use this information to undermine your case, regardless of whether you felt pain during those activities.
Comments and tagging from others
Even if you are careful with your posts, comments or photos from friends and family could still cause problems. Being tagged in a post showing you at an event could raise doubts about your injury claims. Additionally, your comments on other people’s posts, even those unrelated to your accident, may be used to suggest that you’re downplaying your injuries.
Avoid social media or limit your activity
To protect your car accident claim, it is best to avoid social media activity or set your accounts to private. Doing this can better ensure it cannot be used against you.