If you were hurt in a wreck and you’re planning on taking action against the at-fault party, it’s wise to disable your social media accounts before getting started. Once your claim is underway, you can be sure the insurance adjuster will scrutinize your online activity in an attempt to find cause to challenge your credibility.
If staying off social media entirely is not feasible for personal or professional reasons, don’t worry; there are ways to protect yourself. Here are some of the most effective strategies for using social media without jeopardizing your car accident claim:
1. Make Your Social Media Profiles Private
Navigate to the settings for each of your profiles and enable the strictest privacy option, so only approved connections can see what you post. While this is not a foolproof way to keep prying eyes from seeing what you’re up to, it will at least create a considerable hurdle.
2. Screen All New Requests
Once you’ve made your profiles private, you’re going to have to approve all new followers manually. Before hitting “Accept,” make sure you know who actually submitted the request. If any strangers reach out, they may be working for the carrier, and they may just be trying to access your content.
3. Consider Content Carefully Before Hitting “Publish”
Before posting any statuses, photos, or videos, scrutinize the content from all angles. Is there even a chance it could be misconstrued and ultimately used against you?
For example, could a seemingly innocuous photo of a dinner out with friends lead the insurance adjuster to argue that you’re exaggerating the severity of your injuries? If there’s even a small likelihood that the post could place you in a negative light, don’t put it out there.
4. Refrain from “Checking In” on Social Media
Much like posts, “check ins” can be misconstrued. It’s generally advisable to avoid checking in at all until your claim has been resolved, so you don’t even open that door for the insurance adjuster to peer through.
5. Remind Loved Ones of Your Claim
If the insurance adjuster cannot access your own profiles, they may take to monitoring those of your loved ones. As such, it’s imperative that you remind everyone closest to you of your pending action. Ask them to leave you out of their content and to avoid tagging you in any of their statuses until your case is over.
Call (562) 206-1939 to Discuss Your Case with a Long Beach Car Accident Attorney
Your Injuries Are Personal to Me
For help with every aspect of your car accident claim, turn to the Law Office of Michael D. Waks. Our tenacious team is determined to advocate for those who have been wronged by others.
If you have grounds for a claim, we won’t rest until we’ve sought every dollar you deserve. Call (562) 206-1939 or submit our Online Contact Form to schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Long Beach.
Keep a Copy of Our Car Crash Emergency Response .pdf on Hand
In the event that you’re ever in another accident, you’ll want to make sure you record the scene. This will make it easier to build a strong claim down the road. By printing our Car Crash Emergency Response .pdf and keeping a copy in each of your vehicles, you’ll always have a checklist on hand with detailed instructions for capturing the scene of an accident. Download it HERE for free.