Social media is the first place that an insurance company will go to prove a case.
For many, social media is a part of their daily routine. If you are in a car accident, it is imperative that you know that social media can end up really damaging your case.
It is important for you to take specific steps not to make any statements that can come back to haunt you, and that includes talking about it to everyone you know on social media. Remember that anything you post is out there for anyone to see, and it can’t be taken back. Often, social media is the first place that an insurance company will go to prove a case. And since their job is to limit their liability, it’s not a good idea for you to give them any ammunition.
Social Media VS. Your Car Accident Case
Most people make the wrong assumption that if they have their social media set to “private” that they are only talking to the select few who can view what they have said. But the problem is that if you post anything online, then it can be used against you. If you are going to discuss anything about your accident or post to social media sites, it is important to know what you should and absolutely should not do.
Courts around Missouri are now allowing social media posts to be admissible in a court of law. So, if you post pictures of yourself doing yard work two days after you are “injured” in a car accident, those pictures can be used to prove that you really weren’t as injured as you said you were. It is best not to discuss anything related to your car accident on social media at all. If you are going to, however, then limit things like:
- Any videos or photos of your car, yourself, or your injuries, or any photos or videos going forward until your case is settled
- Don’t make any statements about how you feel or your feelings about what caused your accident. A simple statement of opinion can be used as a confession when twisted and turned by the insurance company
- Do not post any status or updates about your court hearings or where your case stands at all unless the case has been completely settled and everything has been signed on the dotted line
- Do not post any information about your family, your lifestyle, or your personal information, even if it is a social media account that is related to your business and outside of your friends and family
If you are in an auto accident in St. Louis, it is very common for an insurance company to begin looking through your social media accounts to see what you have been up to and what you have been doing in order to prove a case against you. The best thing to do is not to post anything at all. If you are going to post to social media, make sure to have your St. Louis car accident lawyer look it over first. Remember, once it is out there on the web, it is out there for everyone to see.
St. Louis Auto Injury Attorney
For 25 years, The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. has been helping victims of car accidents in and around the St. Louis area. Insurance companies are not out to help you, even though you have paid premiums for years. We understand their tactics and work diligently to overcome them. Our goal is to secure full and fair compensation for you so that you have the resources you need to move forward in life.