How to Act on Social Media Following an Auto Accident

How to Act on Social Media Following an Auto Accident

auto accidentIf you’re hooked on social media, you’re not alone. The majority of adult Americans are on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, and with these sites accessible via smartphone, it only takes seconds to share our lives with the world. While posting pictures of your family vacation or your new puppy can be a great way to stay in touch with loved ones, though, there are certain things that you should absolutely not share online. The details of an auto accident is one of them.

After being in an auto accident, it can be tempting to immediately report the story to your family and friends on social media. After all, you may want to reassure others that you are doing okay. You may even want to take pictures of the progress of your recovery. Unfortunately, insurance companies and investigators may track down that type of information and use it against you later on. If you look “too happy” during a picture while you’re wearing a cast, for example, the defense attorney of the at-fault driver could claim that your injuries weren’t as serious as you claim.

All in all, social media + an auto accident = disaster. So, how can you avoid causing harm to your case?  Here are a few smart tips for dealing with social media after being involved in an auto accident.

Tip #1: Don’t Post About the Incident

As tempted as you may be to post about the incident, you should avoid doing so entirely. Do not respond to any other person’s injuries about the accident or the type of treatment you are receiving.

Tip #2: Keep An Eye on Other People’s Accounts

Just because you’re not posting about the accident doesn’t mean that your friends and family are keeping quiet. Whether it’s out of concern for you or out of anger towards the other driver, your loved ones may not be able to resist the urge to say their piece on social media. Make sure that no one “tags” you in any photos or shares your name or location in any of their statuses, and be sure to request that no one mention the incident online.

Tip #3: Say Goodbye

If you’re really serious about winning your case, you might want to consider shutting down your social media profile altogether. Facebook even allows you to “take a break” from the platform. This means you can ditch your profile until the case is settled and reactivate it with ease down the road.

Tip #4: Update Your Privacy Settings

If you’re not willing to shut down your social media page, you’ll need to update your privacy settings. Without knowing it, your posts might currently be shared with friends of friends or with the general public. Open up the settings tab and make sure that only your friends are able to see what you post.

Tip #5: Avoid Messages About the Accident

Social networking sites like Facebook allow for private messaging between friends. Even if you think the conversation is private, though, putting the details of the accident, your injuries, or your case into writing can come back to bite you later on. The only way to ensure maximum privacy is to designate your attorney as the sole individual with whom you will discuss your case.

Although it’s unfortunate, social media has become just another way for opposing parties and insurance companies to attempt to discredit you or damage your case. Knowing how to avoid the common pitfalls of social media can give you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome after your auto accident. To start building the best case possible, we urge you to call the legal experts at Mintz Law Firm today.

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