The temptation to share everything on social media – from your lunch to your pets – is strong. However, some things should never be shared. Pictures of your car accident are near the top of the list.
If you were in an accident, you are likely wondering what you should do in the hours and days after the accident. The world in which we live is more connected than it has ever been. With the touch of a button, we can connect with friends and family even if they are on the other side of the globe.
Most people in developed nations carry smartphones that double as cameras, giving them the ability to take pictures and videos within seconds. You might be tempted to take pictures of your vehicle and post them on social media, but doing so is a bad idea. This guide explains why you don’t want to put your auto accident pictures online and what you should do instead.
Reason #1: You Could Incriminate Yourself
The police will arrive at the scene shortly after your accident occurs. They will take a report and issue a citation to the driver they believe to be at fault for the collision, causing the at-fault person to face fines or even time behind bars. The police will likely take pictures when they arrive but could miss something along the way.
By posting your accident pictures on social media, you could be giving the police something to use against you. The pictures you post could cause you to get a fine and a negative mark on your driving record. Avoiding those issues is easy when you don’t put your pictures online for the world to see.
Reason #2: You Could Harm Your Case
You might be surprised to learn that insurance companies won’t always have your back after you are in an accident. Rather than helping you collect the payment you deserve, the insurance company will try reducing the amount you can claim. Posting pictures of your accident online can give them something to use against you. If you fall into that trap and don’t know how to solve the problem, you could get stuck paying for your car repair fees and doctor bills alone.
What Should You Do After an Auto Accident?
You are likely wondering what you should do after an accident to reduce your injuries and safeguard your rights. Knowing what to do can save you a lot of trouble and improve your odds of reaching a fair outcome, so you don’t want to overlook it. Your first job is to get to a safe location if possible and contact the police. Let the first responders know your condition and that of the other people involved. Taking pictures is a smart move if you can do it without putting yourself or others in harm’s way. But make sure you don’t post any of your pictures online while the case is still open.
This is How a Lawyer Can Help
Hiring an auto accident attorney in Wesley Chapel is the only safe bet if you want to have a decent shot at collecting fair compensation. Your lawyer will explain the process to give you an idea of what to expect along the way. You might think you have to fill out a report the second your accident happens, but that is not true. You always want to speak with your lawyer before making a statement to the police or insurance companies.
Why You Need a Lawyer Who Specializes in Personal Injuries
Knowing what lawyer you should hire won’t always be easy. For the best results, look for someone who has the knowledge and experience to improve your odds of getting your desired outcome. Hiring the first lawyer you discover can seem like the right choice from the surface, but it’s not. Instead of enlisting a foreclosure attorney in Tampa, hire one who focuses on personal injury cases.
Accidents are stressful events that often result in lasting damage and persistent injuries. The medical bills and other expenses can add up faster than you might think, and getting stuck with a pile of bills can happen before you know it. Working with a lawyer who handles personal injury cases can enhance your odds of success.
You will know you are in the best possible hands when you see your legal expert in action. When you enlist the support of a legal expert, your lawyer will do what it takes to move you toward the outcome for which you have been hoping.
Join the conversation!