Don’t Let Your Social Media Habits Ruin Your Car Accident Insurance Claim
Most of us spend more time with our virtual friends than our real ones, so when something serious happens, it’s natural to share it online. You should be very cautious about how you address a car accident on social media, however.
The public nature of social media means that what you post can – and often is – used against you by an insurance company’s lawyers. If you’ve been in a car accident, especially one where you or another person were hurt, follow these social media rules to protect your legal claim, and protect yourself from someone else’s lawyers:
Don’t Post Pictures Or Videos Of The Scene
Definitely do document the scene of the accident. If you’re in a position to interview witnesses at the scene with your phone, either as audio or video, that’s even better. Just keep in mind that this material is for one audience and one audience only: your attorney, should you need to hire one.
When you put photos or videos online, your expectation of privacy is gone and the other side may be able to use them against you. There may also be conversation threads that develop about a picture or video where your friends’ statements may end up reflecting poorly on you.
Don’t Tell Your Friends It Was Your Fault
When you admit guilt in a matter that goes before a judge, you’ve pretty much closed the case all by yourself. Because most people aren’t lawyers, they often don’t understand that even casual statements among friends can be presented in an unflattering light.
For instance, if you discuss a car accident on social media, you may make a comment like, “I guess I shouldn’t have…” something, which in the hands of the other side’s lawyer will be treated as an admission of guilt.
Don’t Apologize For The Accident
This is one social media rule that can be extremely hard to follow, especially if someone in the accident was injured. The urge to apologize is real, and it’s perfectly normal to feel guilt if you’ve contributed to another person’s suffering.
That said, you may be facing civil or even criminal prosecution, depending on the circumstances. If you can’t resist the urge to apologize, or if your friends are using social media to bully you after an accident, the best thing may be to deactivate your account for a while until your circumstances are clearer.
As always, the best thing to do when you’re getting the runaround from the insurance companies or you were injured in a car accident, is to get experienced legal help in your town or city as soon as possible.
Louis Gertler is a Partner with the Gertler Law Firm in New Orleans, Louisiana. The law firm represents plaintiffs in personal injury matters and focuses on succession planning as well. The information above is not legal advice and we urge you to consult with a local attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.
Gertler Law Firm
935 Gravier Street,
Suite 1900
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 581-6411