Can Social Media Posts Affect My Car Accident Claim in New Jersey?

Many people have seen stories about how social media posts have come back to haunt politicians and celebrities. However, the adverse effects of social media are not limited to the rich and powerful. For example, car accident victims in New Jersey who post information about their accidents and injuries may discover that it hurts their ability to recover the full amount of their damages.  

The accident and injury attorneys at  Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. have represented New Jersey auto collision victims for 45 years, including the past 20 years when social media became a global phenomenon. We routinely caution our clients to exercise extreme care when making statements about their car accidents, online and in conversations with acquaintances.

Social media posts have significant potential to affect a car accident claim

Even an innocent update after a car accident can harm your chances of recovering damages for property losses and injuries. For example:

• A time-stamped photo of you with your friends at a party can be used to suggest that you were drinking alcohol before you were involved in a car accident
• Boasting about driving fast might imply habitual reckless or negligent driving
• Pictures of accident scenes can be turned against you if they do not show the full extent of damages or injuries
• Post-accident photos of you participating in different activities can be used to refute claims of disabling injuries

Lawyers for the insurance companies responsible for reimbursing your damages and losses will find all of your social media posts. Further, they will use them against you in your personal injury lawsuit. Your safest course of action is to listen to your car accident lawyer when they instruct you to stay away from posting anything that is even remotely relevant to your accident.

Social media is only one source of evidence

Social media is only one of many sources of evidence about your car accident. Evidence and information will come from eyewitness statements, police reports, insurance company examiners, physicians, and other medical personnel that treat injuries, and (if necessary) accident reconstruction expert witnesses. You should retain a car accident attorney as soon as is possible–before witnesses’ memories and other evidence fades. In addition, keep copies of all of your medical bills, pay stubs from before your accident, and other receipts for costs and expenses you incurred.

Most importantly, do not hesitate to have a frank discussion with your attorney about your social media accounts. If you have posted anything that might affect your claim for damages, your lawyer will have a better opportunity to rebut them with other evidence—if you disclose this as soon as you hire your lawyer.  

Call the Car Accident Lawyers at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. for More Information

We help car accident victims in Bergen County and elsewhere in New Jersey recover the damages they are entitled to receive. We know how to use all of the evidence of an accident to minimize any adverse consequences of social media. See our website or call us to consult with one of our car accident lawyers as soon as you can. We will go beyond social media to bring the full force of all of the evidence about your accident to hold negligent parties accountable for your losses and injuries.