Social media has changed the way we communicate, shifting meetings, deep conversations, and even dates into the digital space. With millions of new posts, tweets, and pictures uploaded to the internet every day, this hotbed of information has become a goldmine for insurers on the hunt for evidence to dispute car accident claims.
If you were injured in a collision, you are probably planning on filing a personal injury claim. While the insurer will investigate the wreck itself, their fact-finding mission might also extend to your social media pages. As such, you need to be careful about what you post, upload, and even “like” as claims adjusters are skilled investigators who can use your digital footprints to put you on the backfoot.
Let’s look at a few ways you can protect your claim next time you go online:
1. Stop “Checking In”
Most social media websites give you the ability to “check in” at a new location, broadcasting your whereabouts to those in your circles. However, if your claim is pending, these beacons will make it trivial for the claims adjuster to keep tabs on where you’re going and what you’re doing.
If, for example, your “check ins” show you going to work, visiting a club, or heading to the gym, the insurance company might assert that you ignored your doctor’s orders to rest or that your injuries are not as serious as you are claiming as you are able to enjoy the same quality of life you had prior to the accident.
2. Keep Your Pictures Offline
Taking photographs of life’s bright moments and sharing them on social media has become second nature for many of us. While these snapshots can help preserve happy memories, they could also open the door to disputes.
For instance, the insurer could use images of you out at the park or engaging in physical activity to assert that you are exaggerating the extent of your injuries as you are clearly still able to enjoy your life. It doesn’t matter if these snapshots represent a glimmer of happiness in the midst of excruciating pain and emotional distress as claims adjusters are adept at turning seemingly innocent pictures into damaging proof to dismantle your claim.
3. Set Your Accounts to “Private”
By default, most social media pages are open for the public to see. As such, if you haven’t tinkered with your privacy settings yet, anyone—including the claims adjuster—will likely be able to view what you post. Ramping up your privacy settings to restrict access to just those in your circles could give you an added layer of protection while your claim is pending.
Discuss Your Case with a Car Accident Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
If you were injured in a wreck, it’s only natural to feel uncertain about your next steps. While you concentrate on your health and avoiding serious errors that could affect your claim, the car accident attorneys at Obral, Silk & Pal, LLC can handle the logistics of your case and guide you through the weeks ahead.
We’ve received an AV-Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell, and many glowing testimonials which we believe are a testament to the personalized representation we provide to every client. Call or text us at 216-529-9377 or 216-LAWYERS or head over to our online contact page HERE to request a free case review.