How to Navigate Social Media Following an Accident

In this day and age, we’re used to relying on our devices to stay connected. We make friends online, we play games with others online and we date online. And when tragedy strikes, we increasingly turn to social network online for support.

However, if you’re in the midst of personal injury lawsuit, broadcasting personal information about yourself online—even information that may not, on the surface, seem incriminating—could be damaging to your case. Insurance companies will look for evidence to discredit your claim, and anything you post online is fair game.

In today’s post, we provide tips to effectively navigate social media following an accident:

Think Before You Post

Never post anything online pertaining to your case, your injury or the accident. Also avoid posting any photos or videos of yourself. You don’t want to do anything to give the public impression that you’re healthier—or even just happier—than you claim. Finally, do not use the “check in” location function on social media. If you claim to be laid up in bed with serious injuries but are seen checking in to a rock concert on Facebook, it can be a red flag.

Manage Your Friends

Talk to your friends and family about these restrictions, and ask them to avoid posting anything relating to your situation online as well. Anything they post could damage the outcome of your case. In addition, treat any new, unfamiliar friend requests suspiciously. Insurance companies may set up fake social media profiles in order to gain access to your information.

Lock It Up

You need to restrict what other people can see, and what others can post on your behalf. Check your security settings, and make sure that only your friends can see what you post. It’s also important to deactivate the “tag” function, so that your friends’ posts can’t link back to you.

It’s good practice to only discuss your case with your attorney. However, if you’re in need of support or guidance from your loved ones during this process, it’s best to reach out to them in person.