Ed Flower

Sample Social Media Tech How Social Media Can Affect Your Car Accident Claim How Social Media Can Affect Your Car Accident Claim Social media is a great way to stay in touch with your friends and family. Yet, it's also an easy way for insurance companies to gain valuable information about you, especially after car accident. Like it or not, your insurance company may try to discredit you or reduce the value of your claim. Don't blame insurers – After all, insurance is a highly competitive business, and all companies are obligated to reduce expenses and increase profits for their shareholders. Fueled by skyrocketing claims payouts, nowadays insurers have teams of investigators focused on developing evidence through social media. They hope to show that an accident was your fault, or that you weren't seriously injured. Think carefully before sharing sensitive information on social media Even though we all exaggerate our activities sometimes, it's important to understand that insurers may take your statements out of context and use them against you. Consider the following types of posts and tweets that could affect your insurance claim – “I was in a car accident, but I'm OK now.” Instead of telling online contacts that you haven't been injured, it's much better to speak in person with family and friends who truly care about you. “I'm recovering well from the accident – Look at this photo from our hiking trip.” Resist the temptation to broadcast the progress of your recovery. If you post any statements, photos or videos on social media that imply you're healthy and active, you may be giving ammunition to the insurance company. “We went to the club last weekend – I had a great time, except for the hangover!” or “I don't believe in medical marijuana – only the recreational kind!” Whether before or after an accident, statements about alcohol or other substances may come back to haunt you. If your social media activities imply that you've been living a risky lifestyle, an insurer could deny coverage or paint you as underserving of compensation after a car accident, even if it wasn't your fault. “Born to speed – I'm a proud member of ABC Street Racers Car Club...” Even if you're joking or an activity seems harmless, you should never promote criminal activity of any kind, nor admit your involvement to anyone online. “I was pulling out of the parking lot and onto the highway when the other car hit me.” Even if true, avoid making any online statements about your accident. Insurance investigators may use that extra information to help prove you were at fault. Instead, let an experienced attorney speak for you. Whether before or after a car accident, keep a low profile on social media Regardless of your chosen lifestyle, on social media it's always best to assume you're being monitored by a small number of people who are not your friends, including insurance companies. Be especially carefully about “friending” unknown new contacts who appear conline soon after you've made a claim. If a judge or jury sees evidence from social media implying that you're healthy after an accident, or responsible for causing it, they might deny or reduce your insurance claim, especially with regard to “pain and suffering.” Consider removing, editing or clarifying any content that might later paint you unfairly And, whether you've been involved in an accident or not, you should periodically review your social media postings for content that doesn't reflect the personality that you would want strangers (and insurance investigators) to see. By limiting and screening the permanent record that you leave online, you can reduce the potential fallout after any sort of mishap. The best solution is expert legal help Whether you use social media or not, if you or someone you know has been affected by a car accident here in Ohio, you should contact Ohio's leading personal injury attorneys today. We'll help protect your rights and work to secure the financial relief that you deserve. Contact us now [Link to inbound contact channel]