One of the first things most people do these days when something interesting happens is talk about it on social media. When it comes to your car accident, this is the last thing you want to do. Any Acworth accident lawyer will agree that posting about your crash online can jeopardize your case.
There Is Nothing Truly Private About Social Media
People assume that the only people who can see their social media pages are their friends. The truth is, even with strict privacy settings, there are ways to get to your content.
This is especially true if you’re a private investigator hired by the other driver’s lawyers. It also doesn’t help that one of the first things the insurance adjuster will do is review your social media pages to see what you have to say about the crash.
The Defendant’s Lawyer Will Find a Way to See Your Social Media Posts
Years ago, when an insurance company wanted to investigate a large accident claim, they would send people out to do surveillance. For example, if you claimed that you hurt your back and couldn’t work, they’d try to catch you on video playing basketball or running.
Today, insurance adjusters don’t need to go to this length. All they have to do is go online and explore your social media pages. They’ll also look at your friends’ social media pages to see what they have to say about your accident.
It Doesn’t Matter What Privacy Setting You Use
A lot of clients tell our Acworth car accident attorneys that their social media pages are only open to their online friends. What they don’t realize is that it doesn’t matter what your privacy settings are.
You have no idea who is looking at your friends’ social media pages. You could post something on your page not knowing that a “friend” shared it on their page. All it takes is one post, comment, or video and it could jeopardize your entire claim.
The Defendant Will Use Your Social Media Posts Against You
The defendant’s attorney is going to take whatever they find online and use it against you. Their job is to make it look like one of two things.
First, they want to make it appear that the accident was your fault. Second, they want to show that your injuries weren’t as serious as you said they were.
The Other Driver’s Lawyer Will Twist Your Words
Even if you think your social media pages don’t include anything that could hurt your car accident lawsuit, the defendant’s attorney will twist your words and try to use them against you.
For example, imagine that a friend posts a video of a clumsy dog riding a skateboard. They tag you in the post and say that you’re just as bad a driver as the dog on the skateboard.
Something like this could be used to show that you aren’t a safe driver. It may sound extreme, but the defendant will do whatever they can to lessen their financial responsibility.
Older Social Media Posts Can Also Hurt Your Case
It’s one thing to refrain from posting about your accident directly. However, even older posts can damage your case. You may have stuff on social media about an accident you had five years ago.
The defendant will go back and research that accident to see if you were at fault. If so, they’ll argue that you have a history of causing traffic accidents. This could derail your claim for damages.
Your Acworth Accident Lawyer Can’t Undo the Damage Caused by These Posts
Unfortunately, there is nothing your Acworth accident lawyer can do about your older posts online. However, what you can do is shut your social media pages down for a few months.
This is the only way to keep the other party from using your social media feeds to hurt your case. Your injury lawyer will warn you to do this as soon as you leave your initial meeting with them. Once your case is settled and your lawyer gives you the all clear, you can turn your social media pages back on.
Your Lawyer Will Also Check the Other Driver’s Pages
While the other party will be checking your social media pages, your Acworth car accident attorney will do the same thing. They’ll look to see what the other party has posted about the accident.
If there is anything that can help your case, your attorney will capture a screenshot for your file. If need be, they’ll introduce this into evidence. Or, if it’s strong evidence, they’ll introduce it during settlement negotiations and try to increase the settlement offer.
What Kind of Posts, Comments, and Pictures Can Hurt Your Car Accident Lawsuit?
You may be wondering what kind of online content can hurt your lawsuit. You’d be surprised to learn that even statements you think are innocent can cause damage.
Some of the things that our Acworth injury lawyers have seen over the years include the following:
- Posts of your injuries that make it look like they were only minor
- Comments about how you have the summer off now since you were injured
- Comments from friends saying that at least you can get a new car now
These things make it look like you were happy that the accident took place. The last thing you want to do is make it harder for your attorney to prove your damages.
Don’t Wait Too Long to Call an Acworth Accident Lawyer
It can be difficult to stay off social media, especially in the days following your accident. You’ll be tempted to share your troubles with your social media friends. However, as any Acworth injury attorney will tell you, this can only cause problems for your case.
We suggest you meet with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after your accident. They’ll explain why social media can be so dangerous. They’ll also check with you periodically to make sure your social media pages are inactive.
All you have to do is call our office at 770-HELP-NOW and schedule your free, initial consultation. Talk with someone who knows the law and knows how to get you the compensation you deserve.
