Before you post anything online, consider how it might affect your car accident claim and could be used against you.
Things to Consider Before Posting on Social Media After a Car Accident
Contradictory Statements
One of the most significant risks of using social media during a car accident claim is making statements that could contradict your version of events. Imagine you've been involved in an accident and claim to have sustained severe injuries that have affected your daily life. However, your social media profiles are filled with posts showing you engaging in activities that suggest otherwise. Pictures of you on vacation, participating in physically demanding sports, or even just going about your daily routine can be used to undermine your claims, casting doubt on the extent of your injuries. Thinking twice before posting anything related to your accident or injury is crucial. Remember that even innocent-seeming posts can be taken out of context or misconstrued to serve the opposing party's interests.
Geolocation and Timelines
Modern smartphones often tag your photos and posts with geolocation data, creating a digital trail of your movements. In a car accident claim, this data can be used to establish your whereabouts at specific times. Suppose you claim that you were not near the accident scene when it occurred, but your social media posts show otherwise. In that case, this can be used to discredit your account of events and establish liability. To mitigate this risk, it's a good practice to turn off geolocation services for your social media apps or at least be mindful of when and where you share your location.
Privacy Settings Aren't Foolproof
Many believe setting their social media profiles to private will protect their information from prying eyes. While this can help limit access to your posts, it's essential to remember that everything is entirely foolproof on the internet. Friends, family, or acquaintances who access your posts can easily share them. Once information is out there, it can be challenging to control its dissemination. It's essential to educate your close contacts about the sensitive nature of your situation and ask them not to share anything related to your accident or claim without your consent.
Deleted Posts and Digital Footprints
While deleting potentially incriminating posts or photos related to your car accident claim might seem prudent, realizing that the digital realm retains a persistent record is essential. Deleted content can still exist in backups or archives, and attempting to erase it may be viewed as an effort to conceal evidence, harming your legal position. Rather than trying to clean your digital history, prioritize exercising caution from the outset.
Social media can have an impact on car accident claims. It's important to be mindful when you're posting online, especially if it's related to a lawsuit. Remember, what you share on the internet can be used against you, so take a moment to think before hitting that "post" button.
Injured? The Office of Brandon J. Broderick, Car Accident Lawyers, Can Help
If the unfortunate happens and you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t go it alone. An experienced lawyer can advocate for your best interest and pursue fair compensation for your damages. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, you can count on us to work tirelessly for your quality of life. Our long track record of success has helped people like you move forward after sustaining an injury caused by another’s negligence.
Locations in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Vermont.
Contact us now for a free legal review.
READ MORE: Tips for How to Handle Your Social Media Accounts After an Accident