Recovering from serious injuries is inherently stressful. No matter how far you’ve come, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that still lie ahead.

When facing such hurdles, turning to social media for support is often second nature. Should you plan on filing a personal injury claim, though, it’s best to stay offline.

Personal Injury Claim

Once your case is underway, the insurance adjuster will look for any possible reason to challenge your credibility, and they’ll likely start by monitoring your online activity. If you cannot disable your accounts temporarily, at least reduce the risk of jeopardizing your claim by taking these steps:

1. Adjust Your Privacy Settings

Blocking your profiles from public view will make it harder for the opposing party to scrutinize everything your post. While they may still be able to access some content through third-party connections, stricter privacy settings will ensure an added layer of protection.

2. Reject Requests from Strangers

Once your profiles are no longer visible to the public, you’re going to have to accept all new friends and followers manually. When doing so, make sure not to grant strangers access to your posts. They could be working for the insurance adjuster.

3. Evaluate Each Post Before Hitting “Publish”

Scrutinize every status, photo, and video before releasing it on the internet. If there’s even a chance it could be used against you during the claims process, do not publish it. Potentially problematic content includes posts about your recovery, your social life, and your expenditures.

4. Stop “Checking In”

“Checking in” at public places will essentially give the opposing party a play-by-play of your daily routine. Should there be any discrepancies between what you claim and what they think they see, it’s going to be that much harder to recover a fair payout.

5. Inform Loved Ones of Your Claim

Even if you’re not too active on social media, your closest friends and loved ones probably are. And if the insurance adjuster can’t access your profiles, they may try to track your activities through theirs.

As such, it’s wise to remind those whom you spend a lot of time with that you have a pending legal action. Ask them to avoid tagging you or publishing any photos that include you.

In that same vein, do not respond to those who reach out on social media. Discussing your well-being on a public forum opens the door for the insurance adjuster to challenge your claim. Instead, call or text them in private when you’re ready to catch up.

Speak with a Tampa Personal Injury Attorney

If you want to file a personal injury claim in Florida, turn to Capaz Law Firm, P.A. With an AV® Preeminent™ rating, Dereck G. Capaz, Esq., counsels clients who have been injured in all kinds of accidents.

A proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, attorney Capaz has what it takes to secure sizable payouts for victims. Call 813-551-3907 or complete our Contact Form to schedule a free case review with a personal injury lawyer in Tampa.