We have posted many articles on our blog, offering tips for what to do to after an accident, how to prove liability, the importance of seeking medical attention, protecting your recovery for damages, and more.
In this article, we want to share with you one very important thing NOT to do after an accident in which you sustained injuries: Do not post pictures on social media. This includes all of the most popular platforms:
- Snapchat
- Tumblr
- and a host of others
If someone sees a picture of you that you posted on social media after an accident—even if it is a completely innocent picture—they can easily misinterpret what you are doing in the picture and ultimately undermine your claim for damages. Social media platforms are one of the first places the insurance adjuster will look for evidence demonstrating that your injuries are not as serious as you have claimed in your lawsuit against their client.
For example, suppose you have been injured in a car wreck and have legitimately filed a claim for a head or leg injury. And to celebrate your completion of a difficult, painful, and arduous rehabilitation during a long, hot summer, you safely and cautiously stand at the shallow end of a pool and memorialize the occasion with a picture, which you then post on Facebook with a message of inspiration for others suffering with traumatic injuries. This may be a perfectly innocent and, indeed, inspirational gesture. But to the insurance company that has to pay you damages for your claim, your picture is nothing more than evidence of insurance fraud and they’ll use it against you. Think the insurance company has your back? Think again.
Don’t Invite Misinterpretation
Of course, if you have filed a claim for back injuries and post pictures of yourself carrying bricks up a ladder or taking a yoga class, then most likely the insurance company will interpret your pictures correctly. But we all know that the most innocent of pictures can be misinterpreted to mean something very different than what they really represent.
Posting any pictures of yourself on any social media platform after claiming injuries from a fall or auto accident is simply inviting misinterpretation by others—specifically, insurance companies.
On our webpage blog, you will find many articles instructing you what to do after an accident. Posting pictures on social media is not one of them.
If, for any reason, you are unsure of what to do after a car accident or traumatic injury, contact Foster Wallace before taking any actions that you suspect might jeopardize your claim. We will advise you on the best steps to take—and not to take—to have a positive outcome in your case.
Have You Been Injured in a Kansas City Car Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Kansas City car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Kansas City office directly at 816.249.2101 to schedule your free consultation.
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