In today’s age, almost everyone is posting on social media. In fact, the average person has 7.6 social media accounts. ¹ With a click of a button, a social media user can share vast amounts of information to an undeterminable amount of people, including insurance adjusters. Any seemingly innocuous post to connect and share updates with friends and family can inadvertently have a detrimental effect on a personal injury case.

For Example, you were involved in a motor vehicle accident in which you sustained significant injuries to your shoulder. Sometime after the accident, when you are still alleging to be suffering pain from the injury, you are tagged in a post in which you are partaking in a family softball game. An adjuster comes across this post and in turn, uses it to argue that your injury is not as severe as you claim.  This attempt at softball may be incredibly painful or approved by a doctor. It, however, will not be viewed that way by the insurance company.

Insurance companies’ main goal is to compensate victims in the least way possible. In order to do this, they will attempt to prove the victim was responsible for their own accident, their injuries are not as severe as the claim, or their injuries were pre-existing. Essentially, insurance agents are trained to dig and find a way to discredit a victim. At Buckley Wynne & Parese, we handle all communication with the insurance company as to avoid subjecting our clients to these insurance company tactics. However, insurance agents will still try to find contradictory statements or incriminating photos on a client’s social media account. If they are successful, it will help them attempt to reduce or deny a victim’s compensation payments. 

At Buckley Wynne & Parese, for those clients who are unable to avoid social media in its entirety, we advise them to exercise extreme caution and to follow these guidelines throughout the duration of their claim.

1. Set Your Accounts to Private
2. Avoid Discussing Your Case Online (Regardless of Your Privacy Settings)
3. Never Post Injury or Treatment Updates
4. Never Post Anything Relating to Physical Activity (Including: Gym Workouts, Hikes, Travel)
5. Be Sure to Communicate to Your Friends and Family, So They Know Not to Tag You in Posts

Contact Buckley Wynne & Parese Today

For over 100 years, the attorneys at Buckley Wynne & Parese have been fully dedicated to helping those injured as a result of the negligence and/or wrongdoing of others. We endeavor to focus all of our experience, attention and resources to help you and your family get back on your feet. Call us today for your free, confidential consultation.

Source: Brand Watch