Are Your Social Media Posts Hurting Your Injury Claim?

When Washingtonians suffer catastrophic injuries in motor vehicle accidents, they are often eligible for substantial financial compensation. This compensation helps with medical bills, lost wages and other accident-related damages. Still, receiving the compensation you deserve is far from certain.

According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 70% of American adults use social media services. While you usually may not think much about what you post to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or other platforms, you may want to reconsider uploading anything about your accident.

Fault

Whether you are hoping for an insurance settlement or looking to move forward with a legal claim, fault is likely to be important. That is, your success may hinge on proving which driver caused the accident.

You do not want your social media posts to admit fault or otherwise accept blame for the crash. Because even expressing sympathy for others can be problematic, it is typically wise not to say anything at all.

Injuries

While some injuries are clearly visible, many others have few or no outward signs. These injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, are usually compensable. Nevertheless, if your social media posts make it look like you are healthy, a low settlement offer or even an outright claim denial may be in your future.

Likewise, because you may have setbacks during your recovery, you must be careful when posting progress pictures to your social media accounts. These pictures may make your injuries appear to be less serious than they truly are or were.

Ultimately, to avoid unnecessarily complicating your personal injury claim, it is advisable to post nothing about your motor vehicle accident until after you receive your settlement or award.