Posting on Instagram can ruin your personal injury claim if your posts appear to contradict what you told insurance representatives, attorneys, or medical professionals. In many cases, these individuals can misinterpret posts that you make, trying to use information on social media to avoid covering your losses.
Due to the risks associated with social media usage, many Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers advise their clients to avoid posting on Instagram. You can learn more about how social media can impact your claim and other things to avoid when seeking compensation by reaching out to a skilled legal team today. Many clients ask us if they are being followed by a private investigator or are under some kind of surveillance while their case is pending. This does happen but it is somewhat rare. When you post about your life on social media while your personal injury or car accident injury case is pending you are basically acting as the defendant’s investigator against yourself which is obviously not advisable.
Can Posting on Instagram Ruin Your Personal Injury Claim?
The posts you make on social media sites like Instagram can ruin your personal injury claim in some situations. While there are ways to safely use social media after an accident, you should be aware that this practice could harm your case if the insurance company claims that your posts contradict your legal claim.
You could lose your chance of securing fair compensation for your losses if you post status updates, videos, or photos that seem to contradict the severity or extent of your injury after an accident.
For example, you could damage your claim by making posts that involve:
- Hobbies that demonstrate a degree of mobility
- Going on vacations
- Working out or participating in physical activity
- Updates that state you feel good or that you’re recovering fast
The insurance company can even misinterpret jokes or casual comments, taking these posts out of context to try to twist your words and to avoid covering your losses. Due to these risks, lawyers often advise clients to just stay off social media entirely until the resolution of their claims.
Can Posting Privately on Instagram Ruin Your Personal Injury Claim?
Even posting privately on Instagram can have a negative effect on your personal injury case. Insurance companies and attorneys may still have a chance to access what you post through some third-party monitoring tools, mutual friends sharing your posts, or a subpoena.
You should assume that the insurance company is investigating you after an accident, trying to weaken your claim, so you should be very careful about what you post. An attorney can give you more information about posting on Instagram and ruining your personal injury claim.
Can You Post on Instagram at All When Handling a Personal Injury Claim?
Some people can make a few posts on social media while going through the personal injury claims process. However, lawyers generally recommend that you limit all posts. The fewer posts you make, the fewer chances the insurance company has to find something to use against you.
If you decide to post, you should always consult with your lawyer before putting up anything that relates to your case or injury. You should also restrict access to your Instagram profile if you feel you cannot stop posting altogether.
You should also ask your friends, family members, and contacts to avoid sharing your posts or tagging you in posts, especially those related to your case.
What to Avoid With Social Media During Your Case
If you absolutely must make posts on Instagram when going through a personal injury claim, you should avoid some actions. Make sure that you avoid:
Posting About Your Case
You should not make Instagram posts about your legal case, your recovery, or the status of your injury. Anything you post could get misinterpreted, damaging your claim. Avoid the subject entirely.
Posting Videos or Pictures
You should not post pictures or videos of yourself. Other lawyers or insurance representatives could use photos or videos to argue against the severity of your condition, potentially stopping you from getting fair compensation.
Accepting Follower or Friend Requests
Investigators working for the insurance company or opposing lawyers may try to follow you on Instagram to see private posts. You should avoid accepting follower or friend requests from people you do not know.
Deleting Posts Without Confering With Your Lawyer
You should be careful about deleting existing posts from your Instagram. Sometimes, removing content from the internet counts as evidence tampering. Before you make any decisions about deleting a post, you should reach out to your attorney.
Talk to Us About Posting on Instagram During Your Personal Injury Case
So, will posting on Instagram ruin your personal injury claim in Florida? While making a social media post will not always ruin your claim, these posts can easily damage your claim, potentially preventing you from getting compensation for your losses.
Generally, our team at Blakeley Law Firm advises clients to avoid making posts on Instagram or other social media sites during the legal process. Anything that you post could end up working against you, so it’s generally not worth the risk of engaging on social media.
You can reach out to us now to learn more about protecting your claim and getting the money you need to fully recover after an accident. We’ve helped our clients recover over $250 million in compensation, and we’re ready to address your legal needs now.
