According to Pew Research Organization, only 20% of Americans in the US were on at least one Social Media site in 2008. As of 2020, that percentage has more than quadrupled and more than 80% of US adults are on at least one social media site. Social media is a new way of making friends, keeping in touch with old ones, and even maintaining professional connections. There is obviously a lot to be celebrated about social media but when it comes to pursuing a car accident claim, it’s best to limit your activities on social media at least until you wind up the case.

If social media use is one of the ways that you earn a living you should consult with your New Bedford car accident lawyer regarding how you should use your platforms. This is because it might seem natural for you to post yourself doing your favorite activities or enjoying your favorite meal but anything that you post might be used against you in the process of filing your car accident claim. Below are some of the ways that social media could negatively impact your claim.

How social media can ruin your car accident claim in New Bedford

It can be used to show that you were not actually injured

Let’s say, for example, in your car accident claim you inform the insurance company that you suffered a broken leg but on your social media page, you post pictures of yourself going on a hike or jogging. The insurance company will use your posts to prove that your injuries are not as severe as you claim they are or that they do not even exist. It doesn’t matter whether you were in immense pain while you were taking the photos. As long as it shows that you were capable of using your leg, it would be easy to spin the story against you.

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You talk too much on social media

Having a casual conversation on social media about your accident might seem harmless but anything you say can and will be used against you in your case. For example, you might say that you were in a hurry or that you did not see the other car coming. This could be spun in a way to suggest that you were not paying attention to the road while driving and that the accident was actually caused by your own negligence.

You engage too much on social media

In your car accident claim, you might be seeking compensation for emotional distress. However, if you’re posting and sharing posts that imply you’re happy, this could be used to prove that you’re not as distressed as you claim to be. While we understand that social media is a great place to alleviate some of the stress that you might be going through by connecting with other people, insurance companies might use your actions to prove otherwise.

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Social media can reveal your actions after the accident

If after the accident you went to have dinner with friends instead of going to the hospital and posted about it on social media, the insurance company could use the information to deny your claim or minimize the extent of your injuries. They will claim that if your injuries were so severe, you should have sought medical attention instead of going out to have a good time with friends. Additionally, social media apps could reveal your location and other important information that you might not want other people to see.

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Your social media friends could sabotage your car accident claim

You might be careful about what you post regarding your car accident claim online. This is okay but remember, your social media friends might not be aware that their comments could be hurting your case. For example, your friend could comment under your post something like “you shouldn’t always be on your phone while driving”. Insurance adjusters are always watching and such comments could be used against you in your case. The best advice we can give you is to stay off social media or keep any details surrounding the circumstances of your accident quiet until after your car accident lawsuit is resolved.

Hire a New Bedford car accident lawyer to get a free initial consultation 

We can evaluate your case free of charge. Contact us today at 508-999-0800 to schedule your free initial consultation.