Many people use social media as an outlet to vent their feelings and express opinions. In fact, 77 percent of people in the U.S. have at least one social media profile. Around the world, user engagement is growing. While the Internet is a sure-fire way to connect with others, insurance companies love to poke around when a claim is involved. And they’re not the ones you want to be interacting with.
If you were injured at the workplace, or in an accident, you deserve to be compensated for those damages. Medical bills, lost wages and other long-term issues are only a few dilemmas you could face.
Keeping a strong case is key to receiving adequate compensation, but misuse of social media oftentimes destroys a personal injury claim. Avoiding these common mistakes are in your best interest.
Being too active
Acting happy on social media might not have a very happy ending at all.
The insurance company will be watching. They are going to search for anything that will hurt your case. Before you post pictures of a recent camping trip or day at the beach, think about how people will view that. You should probably keep those memories tucked away for now.
Oversharing
Nothing is private.
After filing a personal injury claim, you might think it’s wise to change the settings on your social media account; and you’re right. But anything posted on the Internet is fair game. A friend or follower could share one of your posts, screenshot a status or send around a picture. Even your messages can be accessed. It’s best to not post anything about your accident. Let your family and friends know this as well.
Deleting
Deleting seems to contradict the tip on not oversharing. But the consequences of both are equally threatening. The court considers deletion of social media content, present or prior, as tampering with evidence. The defense might have seen a questionable post on your account from weeks before. If they bring it up in court, and it’s no longer there, that scenario doesn’t bode well. It’s best to consult with an attorney before cleaning up any social media accounts.
During a personal injury case, it’s beneficial to just leave social media alone. This is easier said than done, as people dealing with an injury are less active and have more time to go online. Regardless, it’s important to fight the temptation and listen to the advice of your lawyer.