Guidelines for Good Social Media Use After a Car Accident
Since the first social media platforms launched in the late ‘90s, they have become an integral part of daily life for many of us. As a result, it is common to post information about a big event like a car accident in Gainesville on social media without even thinking about it. However, before you click “post,” it is essential to understand how your social media activity could affect your future car accident claim.
Today’s insurance adjusters and other investigators also know how to use social media. They will not hesitate to dig into your online activity. They will look for any reason to minimize or deny your claim. Even if you take active measures to keep your online information discreet, it is probably not as private as you think.
The following guidelines can help you understand social media implications for posting after an accident.
What You Can Post and Do on Social Media After an Accident
The following social media activity will not likely harm your accident case:
Casual “likes,” upvotes, and other reactions are okay
If you are recovering from an accident-related injury with little to do, you may find yourself scrolling through your social media feeds just to pass the time. Fortunately, “liking,” upvoting, and reacting non-verbally to others’ content should be acceptable.
Online conversations are fine, as long as you keep them minimal
Anyone can see public comments and discussions on social media, so keeping them brief and inconsequential is wise. Extensive online conversations may give the impression that you are more focused on socializing than recovering.
What You Should Not Post or Do on Social Media After an Accident
Whatever you do, you should avoid the following types of social media activity while your accident claim is pending:
Do not post photos, even if you took them before the accident
Sharing happy photos of yourself smiling and living life can allow adjusters to claim that you are not as injured or shaken as you claim. Also, avoid posting any photos of vacations, since insurance companies love to latch onto these as a sign that you are not as injured as you claim. No matter how old or seemingly innocent a photo may be, wait to post it until your claim is finalized.
Do not have intimate online conversations with friends
If you want to discuss personal matters or upcoming get-togethers with friends, have the conversation off-line. Ask your friends to be careful about this, too, so they do not inadvertently post or share information about you that could harm your case.
Do not discuss any details related to the accident
This includes information about how the accident occurred, the medical issues you are experiencing, and details of conversations you have had with your Gainesville car accident attorney. By sharing this information online, you can sacrifice the confidentiality you share with your injury attorney in Florida and damage your claim.
How Our Gainesville Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured in a car accident, the Gainesville personal injury lawyers of Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. can help you establish a solid legal claim and avoid common pitfalls that could harm your claim. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options in a free initial case review.
Mr. Fine was born in New York, New York, and was raised in the northeast, where he studied sociology at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. He then graduated with honors from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 1976. In law school, he was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, was inducted into the Order of the Coif, and graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. Mr. Fine was admitted into the Florida Bar in 1976, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida in 1977, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida in 1991, and the United States Court of Appeals 11th Circuit in 1982.