If you have recently been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you are certainly not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 2.1 emergency department visits in the U.S. were made by crash victims in 2020 alone.
Yet, simply because being involved in a car accident is a common occurrence doesn’t mean that you should take your unique circumstances for granted. The actions you take in the wake of a crash – however seemingly innocent – could ultimately impact the outcome of your case. For example, it’s generally a bad idea to post on social media while your case remains unresolved.
What’s the problem with posting?
Discussing a car accident on social media might seem like a natural impulse, as sharing experiences in this way is commonplace. However, doing so can result in unintended and negative consequences.
Anything you post on social media can potentially be used as evidence in a court case or insurance claim investigation. Even seemingly innocent comments or pictures can be taken out of context and used to challenge the credibility of your account. For instance, a simple post stating you’re “feeling fine” after the accident could be misconstrued to imply you weren’t injured, even if this is just your way of reassuring family and friends that you’re – to put it bluntly – not dead.
Additionally, your recollection of the accident might evolve as you process the event or as new information comes to light. However, an initial social media post can freeze your early account, which might contain inaccuracies or incomplete information. These inconsistencies can be used against you, casting doubt on your reliability or honesty.
Ultimately, a post that contradicts your claim or suggests that you sustained less severe injuries can significantly impact the settlement amount or damages award you might otherwise receive in the wake of a crash. As a result, it’s better to stay off social media until your case has been fully resolved.