Imagine you’ve just been hurt in a car accident in Seattle. You may be feeling upset, lonely or eager to share your story, so you sign on to your social media account to talk about it. However, what might seem like an innocent post could cost you thousands in financial recovery. It’s surprising how a simple update can impact your claim, so knowing and avoiding these common social media missteps is crucial.
Posting too rosy a picture
After an accident, it’s tempting to share positive updates or pictures of you looking well. But portraying yourself as healthier than you are can backfire. Insurance companies might use these posts to argue that your injuries are not severe, reducing your compensation. To avoid this, keep posts honest and avoid sharing photos that might mislead others about your condition.
Contradicting your story
Consistency is key when dealing with accidents. Your social media posts should never contradict what you’ve told police, doctors or insurance agents, so consider these posting tips:
- Refrain from discussing accident details online
- Don’t post about your injuries or recovery
- Be careful about location check-ins that might not match your story
Remember, anything you post can be used against you. When in doubt, stay silent on social media about your accident.
Taking advice from online strangers
Social media is full of people with advice, but strangers online can mislead you about your options, and bad actors can intentionally spread disinformation for their own gain.
Relying on such advice might lead to decisions that hurt your case. Instead, consult professionals like your lawyer and doctors. Their information will be more valuable than anonymous online comments from people who typically don’t know the whole story.
Oversharing personal information
Privacy can be your best friend after an accident. Oversharing on social media can give insurance companies ammunition to dispute your claim.
Protect your privacy by setting all your social media accounts to private and denying new friend requests from strangers during your claim process. The less information you share publicly, the better protected your claim will be.
After a serious accident, it’s crucial to think twice before you post online. Remember, insurance companies are looking for any reason to reduce your payout. Don’t give them that chance. By avoiding these common social media mistakes, you’re protecting your right to fair compensation.