As much as we wish it were true, everything you share online isn’t private. Even if you have your settings set to give you as much privacy as possible. There are ways that insurance companies and other people can still get your information. Where there is a will, there is a way.
Consider that you make the following post on Facebook in the moments after an auto accident: “I was just in an accident, but don’t worry, I’m okay! Guess the errands will have to wait till tomorrow. Can’t wait to get home and unwind, though.”
It is pretty harmless, right? Sadly, this is going to be pure gold in the hands of the insurance adjuster. First, you stated that you were okay, even though you might not have realized the extent of your injuries. High-stress environments produce adrenalin, which is your body’s way of masking pain long enough for you to get out of danger. Your next statement of wanting to go home and resume errands the next day could be taken to discredit your claim.
The reason that lawyers are suggesting you stay off social media is because of things like this. Social media is accessible, and that makes it easy for insurance adjustors to view it. If they can find a way to use what you’ve shared against you, they will. Posts and pictures will be taken out of context to prove you wrong.
It isn’t just your social media you have to worry about either. Your friends and family need to avoid posting about you and your case too. You don’t want mom posting about your accident or anything about your case. The insurance adjuster can and will use those posts against you.
Your best bet during this time is to simply take a social media hiatus if you can. We know there are special cases, and that is when you need to talk to your lawyer. For most people, though, taking a hiatus is going to save you some headaches in the future when it comes to your case.
For most of us, social media is a big part of our lives, but your personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL is going to suggest you stay off of it during your personal injury case. It sounds strange, as for many of us we want to share when something notable happens. It is a quick way to share what happened with our family and friends, after all. There are problems that can arise with the use of social media, though. Especially if you are going through a personal injury case. Any lawyer that knows what they are doing is going to tell you that staying off social media is a good thing.
If you have a personal injury case, then you need to talk to a personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and talk to a member at The Law Offices of Needle & Ellenberg, P.A to help you with any more questions you might have.