The streets of San Diego are never empty, and its traffic has a pace to it. Hence, when a car crash disrupts this rhythm, life gets filled with calls from insurance agencies, doctor visits, and untimely stress. During this chaos, several people often start to use social media as a part of their daily habit and make a quick post. This, on the surface, might appear to be harmless, but it can have negative repercussions. After an accident, all that you share online can impact the legal claim outcome.
Social Media is a Legal Problem
Social media is about community, not caution. After an injury occurs, a victim will often use social media to share updates, express their grievance, and thank those who’ve been supportive. Unfortunately, insurance carriers and their respective defense attorneys frequently monitor all publicly accessible social media accounts. They use any posts that may have originated from these platforms to undermine the credibility of that injury or claim. It is especially true if a particular post raises questions or appears to have been posted casually.
How Do Insurance Agencies and Lawyers Look Upon Social Media Activity?
Oftentimes, both insurance agencies and car accident attorneys San Diego will examine their clients’ social media accounts along with their investigations of the crash. However, they are only searching for information and images that will help them minimize their client’s exposure to liability or damages.
An isolated image representing an individual “going out” may suggest that they have recovered fully or partially. Many times, private settings may not provide as much protection against unwanted access. As a result, someone’s friend can pass that image or information on to the adjusters and attorneys investigating the case through social media. It is also possible to create “screenshots” of an individual’s content, which are easily circulated and likely to find their way in front of a judge by way of a subpoena for a copy of the original post or posting account.
Mistakes Victims Make While Posting on Social Media
After an accident, many victims are still under the influence of adrenaline and are unsure if they will experience pain from their injuries later. They might mistakenly think they are ok when they post. Additionally, if a victim shares pictures of themselves out at an event or doing something active, these could be interpreted as if they did not experience pain before and after the accident. Nevertheless, these pictures may be used against that victim in court.
The second most significant hazard to posting online after an accident is discussing the accident. Doing that in public, speculating who was at fault, or admitting fault publicly will complicate the case down the road.
Final Words
San Diego is a connected city, and here social media is an extension of your everyday life. Right after an accident, it might serve as an unintended witness. And what might appear to be a simple and easy post can start to affect credibility, compensation, and negotiations.