Bautista LeRoy Law Firm can offer advice and guidance to protect your accident claim by keeping it off social media platforms. Since 1990, our personal injury law attorneys have offered legal expertise across the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Handling truck, motorcycle, train, and car accidents as well as nursing home negligence - providing reliable representation.

This article details why social media should not be used after being involved in an accident, how its use could impact your claim, and steps that should be taken to safeguard yourself, including engaging a personal injury attorney for assistance.

Why should you avoid social media after being involved in a car accident?

Errors following a car crash should never happen, yet one of the easiest mistakes people can make after being involved is posting about it online. Anything posted containing details about an accident - status updates, shared photos, or responses to friend comments could jeopardize claims.

Insurance adjusters and defense lawyers specialize in finding discrepancies between your social media posts and injury claims. Even an innocent photo could easily be misinterpreted as suggesting less injury was sustained than stated. To stay safe it would be prudent not to post anything online.

How can social media affect my claim?

• Inconsistent Statements: For instance, if you tell an insurance company you're too injured to work but then post photos online from a beach trip just a couple of months prior - insurers could use that evidence against you that show you are exaggerating your injuries.
• Check-Ins and Locations: Be wary when sharing location updates that suggest that even though disabled, you continue attending various events - such updates could appear suspicious.
• Tag and Comment: Having friends tag or comment about you could suggest to insurance adjusters that the injuries might not be as significant.

How to prevent your posts from hurting your claim?

Protecting yourself online does not necessitate that you delete all social media accounts - though taking a temporary hiatus wouldn't hurt either! Here are a few alternatives you could follow:

• Pause Posting
• Tighten Your Privacy Settings
• Ask Friends to Be Cautious
• Avoid Discussing the Accident

Why hiring a personal injury attorney would be beneficial?

• Personal injury attorneys who have legal expertise can effectively represent your case and ensure your rights are safeguarded.
• Attorneys are experienced negotiators. They won't allow an insurance company to underestimate your case and underpay benefits.
• Personal injury attorneys will handle communications with insurance providers and prevent you from saying anything that might compromise your claim.

When is it best to hire an attorney?

Once an accident happens, it is wise to consult a personal injury attorney immediately. Hiring one early can allow them to collect evidence quickly while consulting experts and defending your claim from day one. As soon as medical bills or symptoms of discomfort have accrued, legal representation is vital.

What criteria can be considered to select an effective attorney?

• Experience: When hiring a personal injury attorney ensure they have extensive experience handling car accident cases.
• Track Record of Success: Research the track record, credible attorneys should have earned fair compensation for past clients.
• Communication: Your attorney must always be accessible to discuss all issues thoroughly with you.

Why Choose Bautista LeRoy LLC?

Bautista LeRoy's legal team has long specialized exclusively in personal injury law - representing those injured due to car accidents. Due to our comprehensive and responsive approach, many of our clients have achieved successful verdicts or settlements - always feeling supported throughout each stage of the process.

Suggested Action Steps

• Keep your online footprint limited to protect your claim.
• Once injured in a car accident, seek legal advice immediately from a personal injury attorney.
• Collect all documents related to the accident, such as medical bills or police reports.
• Trust your attorney as they guide you through the legal system to protect your best interests.

After being involved in a car accident, posting to social media should be seen as risky and can weaken your claim. Seek legal assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney as necessary. Contact us today at 816-221-0382 or send us an email on our Contact Page. Serving Kansas City, MO and KS as well as surrounding areas of Benton County and St. Louis.