Posted on Friday, August 25th, 2017 at 6:38 am    

Depending on what you post, using social media after an accident can impact your ability to recover full compensation for your injuries. Regardless of your privacy settings, the information you post online may be used in a court action. A judge could order you to turn over information related to social media posts if the information is relevant to your claim. Privacy settings are not the same as privilege of information. Therefore, you must be very careful when using social media after an accident. Even a seemingly innocent post could result in a denial of claim or reduction in compensation.

Social Media Posts After an Accident

Most people use social media to keep in touch with friends, family, and co-workers. Therefore, it is natural to post “updates” after you are injured in an accident to let everyone know about your injuries, treatment, and recovery. However, this is the very information an insurance company is searching for to use against you when you file your claim.

If the insurance company cannot obtain a written or recorded statement from you, the next best thing is to find your social media posts. These posts may contain the personal information the company thinks it can use to prove that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.

For example, if you post a picture of your nephew’s birthday party at the pool, the company may claim that you were well enough to attend a pool party and go swimming. You may never have gotten into the pool; however, because you were there, a jury may assume you did, especially if other posts show you attending various functions. The use of social media posts may not seem fair, but it is becoming more common as insurance companies seek ways to minimize their liability for accident claims.

What Should I Do?

If you are injured in an accident, refrain from using social media until you speak with an attorney. Your attorney can advise you further about the risks of using social media and filing injury claims. If you do use social media, do not post information about your accident, injuries, or recovery. Saying you are “okay” or “fine” when people ask you how you are doing could be interpreted as you are not in pain or you are not severely injured.

The things you do immediately after an accident, such as using social media, can have an impact on your ability to recover full compensation for your damages. Our Sacramento accident attorney can advise you on the steps you should take to protect your legal rights. We want to help you receive a fair and just settlement for your injury claim.

Call a Sacramento Injury Attorney for  More Information

Call The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or visit our website to request additional information or to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney. We accept most accident cases on a contingency fee basis. Before you accept a settlement offer from the insurance company, we urge you to take advantage of a free appointment to learn about your rights and options from an experienced lawyer.

Our law firm serves clients in SacramentoFolsomRoseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area.

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Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

Matt H. Testimonial
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I was in a car accident a while back where I was injured and had to miss work for an extended period of time.  After nearly a year of fighting with the insurance company with no results and no progress, I met with Jelena Tiemann.  I couldn't have asked for a more responsive and supportive advocate.  We quickly reached a settlement and I finally was able to move from the stress and burden of feuding with my insurance.  I highly recommending meeting with Jelena if you're in need of a lawyer.

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It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

Lendzey Garcia
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I was in a very bad/ major car accident I originally had an attorney who wasn’t trying to help me out much or take any of my calls so I called Tiemann and told them my situation. They made it an AWESOME and Smooth transition over to them and took on both cases I had. I just settled on my big case and am beyond great full. For them and their team! I highly recommend them. To add on to this a little On how much they will work with you, I moved to Montana in the middle of all Of this and it was not an issue!

Maye Ly Testimonial
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I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.