If you were involved in an accident and have a pending Personal Injury claim, the insurance company or defense attorneys will use anything and everything they can to limit, deny, or discredit a claim. In fact, one of the biggest online threats to most personal injury clients is their Social Media presence. It’s unfiltered, it’s raw and it’s genuine. And, often times, it’s available to the public—not just the specific group of friends you choose to share your content with.
Now, we know what you’re thinking: “there’s no way an adjuster will find their way to my social media account!” But it’s a simple fact that it happens all the time. So, now you’re thinking: “well, what’s the big deal if an adjuster finds their way to one of my accounts, anyway?” But when it comes to personal injury claim, a little can go a long way, and the opposing party will do their best to find something that makes you look bad and favor their argument.
Simply put: anything posted to a social media account can be used against you as evidence during a personal injury claim. Any social media content—even posts or photos you’re tagged in by someone else—can be accessed and used.
Here are a few quick, simple things you can do to protect yourself when it comes to social media:
Don’t post details about your accident, injuries, recovery, or claim on social media.
Do update your privacy settings and make them as strict as possible.
Don’t let your friends tag you. If their information is public, your information is now public.
Don’t add anyone on social media unless you personally know them.
Do Google yourself. The insurance company is already doing it. Know what they can find and try to take care of anything unfavorable before it gets seen by the wrong people.
Don’t post new photos of yourself on social media.
Do realize once something is posted—even if you delete it—it can remain searchable.
Don’t post any information about your work life (example: returning back to work).
Do block applications that can access and share your personal information.
Don’t search or attempt to contact the other parties involved in your claim.
Do follow Coleman Law Group on social media for more useful tips!
If you’ve been injured in an accident, call the Coleman Law Group for a free consultation.
St. Petersburg: 727-214-0400 | Tampa: 813-749-9981 | Land O’ Lakes: 863-877-0007
Or visit us online at colemanlawgroup.com
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