Drivers are expected to keep an eye out for those on foot, but many fail to consider the pedestrians when they’re behind the wheel. The result: Devastating accidents that often leave the victims fighting for their lives.

If you were struck by a driver, you might want to jump onto social media to vent your frustrations, seek emotional support, and ask for guidance. However, before hitting “post”, you should consider some of the potential consequences of broadcasting information about the wreck.

Insurance adjusters often monitor social media profiles as part of their claim investigations. If you are planning to make a claim for damages, you should expect insurers to scrutinize your online activity and look for information that could be used as evidence to challenge your claim, injury, or credibility.

Many attorneys advise their clients to deactivate their social media profiles for the duration of proceedings. However, if a temporary hiatus from the digital space is not possible for you, consider taking the following steps:

1. Update Your Privacy Settings

If your profiles are set to “public,” anyone—including the insurance adjuster—will be able to see what you post. Thankfully, most social media websites give you the option to choose who can view and interact with your feed. Limiting access to only your approved friends or followers can give you an added layer of protection. However, there are still ways around these privacy settings. For instance, the insurer might be able to see what you post through third-party connections.

2. Screen New Connection Requests

Once your profiles are set to “private,” you will now have to approve all requests manually. As such, if a stranger sends you an invitation to connect, you should probably ignore or deny this request as it is possible that they could be working for the insurer or another opposing party.

3. Don’t Discuss the Accident

While your friends and family might pester you with questions about your accident, you should never share details about the incident on social media. Your comments could be misconstrued or taken out of context to dispute certain aspects of your claim.

Additionally, you should not share any images while your claim is pending as the insurer may be able to use your snapshots as evidence to dispute your case. For instance, if you share images of yourself engaging in physical activity days after the wreck, the claims adjuster might argue that your injuries cannot be as serious as you are claiming.

4. Never “Check In”

While you might be in the habit of “checking in” whenever you arrive at a new location, these broadcasts could sink your claim. The insurer may be able to use these updates to challenge your credibility or argue you are not as hurt as you claim.

Discuss Your Case with a Miami Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Were you injured by a negligent motorist? You may be able to recover compensation for many of the damages you have incurred, including your medical bills, lost income, and other accident-related expenses.

At Vinas & DeLuca, PLLC, we provide tailored representation, taking time to thoroughly investigate every case. Our attorneys can help guide you through proceedings, advising you of important steps you should take that might help strengthen your case. Contact us today at (305) 372-3650 or click through our Contact Form to request a free case assessment with a Miami pedestrian accident attorney.