Social media use has risen significantly over the past few years. In fact, the Pew Research Internet Project claims that out of all internet users, 74 percent are active on social media sites.
Social media sites are great for catching up with old friends, sharing pictures, and making connections with others in the virtual world. What may not be as apparent, though, social media and insurance claims don’t mix.
You might inadvertently destroy your case by what you post to your social media profiles. If you have been injured in a wreck, it is imperative that you understand what you should avoid posting if you hope to secure payment.
Why Social Media and Insurance Claims Can Be a Dangerous Mix
When investigating a car accident claim, the insurance adjuster looks at all applicable facts surrounding the case to determine fault and the extent of the claimant’s damages.
The adjuster will examine many things.
- The nature and severity of the accident
- Your specific insurance policy
- All relative documents that can shed light on the situation
Ultimately, it is up to the insurance adjuster to determine if you are eligible to receive compensation for the damages you incurred.
Because social media use has skyrocketed, insurance adjusters are now turning to profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and other sites for additional evidence that might discredit the claim. And if an adjuster spots any online activity that disproves anything provided in the claim, they may use this as reason to deny you benefits.
For example, consider the case of a driver who suffered serious arm and elbow pain after a car accident. If he posts pictures on Instagram showing him throwing a baseball with friends, an adjuster might use this as proof that the information in the claim is not true.
Or, as was the case in one case recounted in a 2013 article from MSN Money, a woman filed a car accident claim blaming a hit and run driver, only to post on Facebook that her daughter caused the wreck. An insurance adjuster will label this as fraudulent activity, and will deny any future payouts.
In some cases, a photo might not actually be evidence of fraud, though. For example, a woman might complain of back pain, but then post a picture of her carrying a large box while moving into a new house. The box might actually be empty, but if an insurance adjuster sees it, he or she might try to use it as evidence that she is exaggerating or faking an injury.
Consider These Tips for Social Media and Insurance Claims
In order to protect your car accident claim, consider adhering to the following guidelines relating to social media and insurance claims.
- Don’t post any statements about the accident. If somebody sends you a message asking about the injury or accident, it might be best to just avoid responding over social media.
- Don’t post any pictures. If the claim states that you hurt your leg in the crash, don’t post any pictures showing you going for a run or even walking without crutches, even if the picture is from a previous event. In fact, it may be best to avoid posting photos altogether to avoid any mistakes.
- Ask others not to tag or mention you. Tell friends and family to avoid mentioning you or tagging you in any social media posts. On Facebook you can suspend this function in your settings.
- Close or suspend your account. To avoid any temptation to use social media, it might be best to stop using it altogether.
Contact Our Attorneys for Help
If you sustained injuries in a car wreck, contact us today at Cordisco & Saile LLC. We can help you recover the damages you deserve to help you recover. We’ll also provide guidance on what to avoid when pursuing an insurance claim. Feel free to contact us anytime at 215-642-2335.
