Most people in Maryland have a social media account. If you’re like many social media users, you probably post about the major happenings in your life, whether good or bad. Even if you’re not an influencer with a large audience, you may share updates with your family, friends, and even people you don’t know that well. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be tempted to post about it on Facebook or Twitter. However, you if want to get compensation for your injuries, you need to pay very close attention to what you do online. Even if you’re just stating your version of events or lamenting the pain you’re in, it could damage your case. No matter how restrictive your privacy settings are, you never know who may see your post. Furthermore, the insurance company may be able to use a comment against you even though it seemed innocent when you posted it. That’s why your Maryland car accident lawyer will caution you against discussing the accident on social media altogether. Doing otherwise could jeopardize your ability to claim compensation. That’s because you may incriminate yourself or make the insurance company question the validity of your claim.

How Social Media Can Cost You Your Compensation

Social media posts can seem innocent so you may be at a loss about how your actions can have such serious consequences. Let’s consider some of the mistakes that accident victims make.

They Go Places That Raise Eyebrows

You may check in on Facebook at a particular location so you can access the Wi-Fi or tag a spot on Instagram. You may do this routinely without thinking twice. However, if you’re supposed to be disabled or seriously injured, some destinations like bars or entertainment venues may elicit suspicion.

They Inadvertently Accept Blame

Some people who are involved in car accidents think nothing of saying “I didn’t even see the car” or “I’m so sorry that happened”. These may seem like perfectly reasonable things to say. However, a sharp insurance adjuster may interpret these comments as an admission of fault. After all, why would you apologize if the crash wasn’t your fault? This may seem like over-reaching but insurance companies do everything they can to limit the amount they have to pay out.

They Contradict Themselves

Sarcasm and humor don’t always come across clearly online. Many victims downplay or exaggerate their injuries as a lighthearted or ironic way of coping with what happened. However, someone may see your post and accuse you of faking your injuries. If you’ve submitted a claim stating that you suffered a serious head injury, don’t post about how you “got a little bump to the head”. Similarly, you shouldn’t even joke about going to parties or doing chores if your injuries are supposed to be debilitating.

Family and Friends May Say Things That Hurt Your Case

Who doesn’t get roasted or teased by close friends on social media? Even if you’ve done everything right, your relatives and friends can make things difficult for you. They may jokingly question whether you’re truly injured or make it seem like you just don’t want to go to work. These types of comments can raise questions regarding your credibility. It’s best to delete any such posts off your page if you notice them. Car accident injuries are too serious to joke about.

Will the Court Look at My Online Posts?

As ridiculous as it may seem, a single tweet or Instagram post can haunt you. If it can be verified that you made the post, it may be admissible, and the jury may get to see it. Often, digital evidence comes up during the discovery phase when the other side responds to your lawsuit. Your lawyer may have to fight to keep your posts from being entered into evidence.

Get Help from Pinder Plotkin LLC Today!

If someone else’s negligence caused you to sustain injuries, you need to protect your right to hold them accountable. While social media gives you an opportunity to vent, seek advice, and update your friends and family on your life, it can also be harmful. If you’re filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you may need to be more cautious than you usually would be. This minor inconvenience can help to ensure that you get the compensation you need to begin moving on with your life. When you hire the Maryland car accident attorneys at Pinder Plotkin LLC, you’ll get sound advice and representation. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.