Why Photos Should Not Be Shared When Negotiating a Claim
It’s natural to want to update friends and family on your condition following a car collision, and turning to social media for communication is common. Yet posting photos or sharing details about your accident injury online can seriously harm your claim. Even innocent posts can be misinterpreted or used against you by insurance companies or opposing attorneys. Before posting, talk to a Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer to avoid complicating your case.
How Social Media Posts Can Hurt Your Efforts
Insurance companies are motivated to pay as little as possible on injury claims. One way they reduce payouts is by searching for evidence that contradicts your reported injuries or damages. Photos, comments, check-ins, and other updates on social media platforms can provide them with ammunition to challenge your claim.
For example:
- Physical activity photos. Suppose you post a photo of yourself attending a family barbecue, smiling and appearing active, shortly after filing a claim for serious back pain. Even if you were in pain during the event, the photo can be used to suggest your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
- Vacation pictures. If you post photos from a trip after an accident, even if you spent most of the time resting, insurers may argue that your ability to travel indicates you are less injured than you reported.
- Photos with timestamps. Even older photos can raise questions. If timestamps or comments make it appear that you were active after your accident, it can complicate your case.
There have been several cases in Florida where social media posts have significantly impacted the outcome of injury claims. In one case, a woman claiming limited mobility after a slip and fall posted a photo of herself dancing at a wedding. The defense used this as evidence to reduce her settlement, arguing she exaggerated her injuries.
In another case, a man who claimed he could no longer lift heavy objects after a car accident posted pictures of himself carrying his surfboard on the beach. The insurer used this post to challenge the credibility of his injury.
Lawyers Know How to Protect Your Claim
Injury claims are not just about medical bills and lost wages, credibility is key. Sharing photos or accident details online can seriously damage your case, even when you believe the posts are harmless. An experienced Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can share best practices for social media use with you, so you can avoid posting anything that could be misinterpreted.
Additionally, your lawyer can handle all communication with insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the negotiation process. If an insurer attempts to use social media against you, your attorney can challenge the relevance and context of that evidence.
How are you informing your loved ones about your recovery? When healing from an accident in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach, the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez can help you sidestep costly mistakes and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.
