Car accidents can occur in the blink of an eye, often caused by distracted driving, speeding, or negligence. The resulting injuries and emotional trauma can have lasting effects on victims and their families.
You may be entitled to compensation if injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence. However, many victims unintentionally jeopardize their claims through social media activity.
You should, therefore, work with a legal professional to protect your rights after the crash. Our experienced car accident attorneys at Lorenz & Lorenz understand the impact of social media on legal claims.
We guide you after the crash, advise on appropriate online conduct, and pursue fair and just compensation from the negligent party.
Car Accidents Key Takeaways
- Avoid posting on social media after a car accident, as online activity can be used to dispute injuries or liability.
- Take immediate steps after a crash, including medical care, reporting the accident, and consulting a car accident attorney.
- You may recover compensation for medical costs, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, and non-economic damages.
- If insurers deny fault or undervalue your claim, you may sue the negligent driver to pursue fair and just compensation.
- Call a car accident lawyer for legal advice after the collision.
What Should You Not Do After a Car Accident
Social media activity can undermine a car accident claim. Insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely monitor online platforms to find information they can use to dispute injuries, liability, or damages.
Here are the social media activities you should avoid after a car accident:
Do Not Post About the Accident
Posting details about the crash, fault, or how it happened can be taken out of context and used against you. Even seemingly harmless statements may be interpreted as admissions or inconsistencies that weaken your claim.
Do Not Share Photos or Videos
Photos or videos showing you active, traveling, or socializing after an accident can be misused to argue that your injuries are exaggerated or unrelated. Visual content often carries more weight than written statements and can harm your credibility.
Do Not Discuss Your Injuries or Recovery Online
Sharing updates about your medical condition, pain levels, or recovery progress can conflict with medical records or expert opinions. Insurance companies may selectively use these posts to challenge the severity or duration of your injuries.
Do Not Accept New Friend or Follow Requests
Accepting requests from unfamiliar individuals may give insurers or investigators access to your private content. These individuals may be attempting to gather information that can be used to dispute your claim.
Do Not Assume Privacy Settings Protect You
Privacy settings do not guarantee protection. Posts can be shared, screenshots can be taken, and courts may allow access to content during litigation. Avoiding social media entirely during your case is often the safest approach.
What Do You Do After You’ve Been in a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming and stressful. The steps you take immediately after the crash can affect your health, your financial recovery, and your ability to pursue a successful injury claim.
Here are the actions you should take after a car crash:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
You should see a healthcare professional even if you feel okay or are involved in a minor crash. Some injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, may not present symptoms right away.
Seeking prompt medical care ensures injuries are diagnosed early and properly treated. A healthcare provider can identify hidden injuries and initiate a treatment plan. They will also document your injury and the treatment you receive.
The medical records they generate can link your injuries directly to the accident. Prompt medical attention will protect your legal rights, as insurers will lose grounds to argue that your injuries were unrelated or less serious.
File a Police Crash Report
You should also notify the local police department if you suffered an injury in a car accident. The police will file a police crash report after arriving at the scene. A police crash report provides an official account of what happened.
The crash report also contains helpful details about the crash, including:
- Driver information
- Witness statements
- Road conditions
- Citations issued
A car accident lawyer can use the findings of the crash report to establish liability. If officers do not respond to the scene, you should file a crash report as soon as possible. In many states, drivers are required to file a crash report when certain conditions are met.
In Texas, drivers should file a crash report when:
- The accident results in injury or death to any person
- Property damage appears to exceed $1,000
Having an official record strengthens your claim and helps prevent disputes about the circumstances of the accident.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
Speaking with a car accident lawyer immediately after the collision can make a difference in the outcome of your case. A car accident lawyer can help you in the following ways after the crash:
Investigating the Crash
A car accident lawyer can conduct an investigation by collecting police reports, medical records, photos, surveillance footage, and witness statements. They may also work with accident reconstruction experts to establish how the crash occurred and who was at fault.
Giving You Advice on Online Activity
A car accident lawyer can advise you on avoiding social media mistakes that could harm your claim. They will explain what not to post, how insurers monitor online activity, and why limiting social media use is critical while your case is ongoing.
Adhering to Legal Deadlines
Car accident claims are subject to strict statutes of limitations and procedural deadlines. A car accident lawyer ensures all filings are completed correctly and on time, preventing your case from being dismissed due to technical errors.
Negotiating With Insurers
Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims quickly for less than their true value. A car accident lawyer can handle all communication and negotiations on your behalf. They can use evidence and legal strategy to pursue fair compensation that matches your losses.
Litigation in Court
A car accident lawyer is prepared to go to court if you cannot reach a fair agreement with the insurer. They will present evidence, examine witnesses, and advocate aggressively before a judge or jury to protect your right to full compensation.
Can I Get Compensation for a Car Accident?
Yes. If another party’s negligence caused your car accident, you can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. The specific damages available depend on how the accident affected your health, finances, and overall quality of life.
Here are the damages you can pursue in a car accident:
Medical Expenses
Medical costs are often the most immediate and substantial damages in a car accident claim. Compensation may cover both current treatment and anticipated future care. A car accident attorney can help you recover the following treatment costs:
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and MRIs
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Follow-up doctor visits
- Long-term or specialized medical care
A car accident lawyer can document these costs using medical records and expert opinions so you’re fully compensated for your losses.
Lost Income
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for income lost during recovery. Components of lost income include salary, hourly pay, bonuses, commissions, and missed business opportunities. For severe injuries, damages may also account for reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your prior job or work at the same level.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Accidents often create unexpected personal expenses beyond medical bills. A car accident lawyer can prove these losses using evidence such as:
- Receipts for transportation to medical appointments
- Invoices for home or vehicle modifications
- Documentation of household help or childcare services
- Repair or replacement receipts for damaged personal items
- Mileage logs related to accident care
- Credit card or bank statements showing accident-related spending
Emotional Anguish
Car accidents frequently cause psychological harm alongside physical injuries.Emotional anguish may include anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, or post-traumatic stress. Compensation reflects the emotional toll and the ongoing impact on mental health.
For example, a victim who suffers facial burns in a collision may experience depression due to permanent scarring, social withdrawal, and diminished self-confidence.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages address the pain, physical discomfort, trauma, inconvenience, and limitations caused by accident-related injuries. Chronic pain, repeated medical procedures, and long recovery periods increase the value of these claims.
A car accident attorney can demonstrate the severity of injuries, duration of recovery, and how pain interferes with daily activities.
Loss of Consortium
Loss of consortium compensates a spouse for the negative effects an injury has on the marital relationship. For example, a spinal cord injury that prevents the victim from being close or intimate with their spouse.
A car accident lawyer may use the following evidence to support these claims:
- Spousal testimony describing relationship changes
- Medical records showing physical limitations
- Mental health evaluations
- Statements from family members or close friends
- Documentation of counseling or marital therapy
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
When injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, social activities, or routines you once enjoyed, you may recover damages for loss of enjoyment of life. This applies when long-term pain, mobility restrictions, or emotional trauma diminish overall life satisfaction.
Permanent Disability
Victims who suffer permanent disabilities deserve additional compensation due to the lifelong consequences they endure. For instance, a victim who loses mobility after a spinal injury may receive damages for future medical care, assistive devices, home modifications, lost earning capacity, and diminished independence.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving extreme negligence or reckless conduct, such as drunk driving, courts may award punitive damages. These damages punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior, rather than compensate for specific losses.
A car accident lawyer can prove drunk driving through police reports, breath or blood test results, eyewitness testimony, and arrest records to justify punitive damages.
Can I Sue Someone for Causing a Car Accident
Yes, you can sue someone for causing a car accident when their negligence results in harm, and insurance compensation is inadequate. Lawsuits are often appropriate in cases involving severe or permanent injuries that require long-term medical care and significantly affect your quality of life.
You may also pursue a lawsuit if the insurance company offers an unreasonably low settlement that fails to cover your current and future losses. Disputed liability is another common reason to file suit, especially when the at-fault driver denies responsibility or multiple parties are involved.
Additionally, accidents caused by reckless driving behaviors such as speeding may justify legal action to hold the driver accountable and obtain additional compensation.
Protect Your Car Accident Case From Social Media Mistakes
Social media mistakes can harm your car accident case by providing insurance companies or opposing parties with evidence to minimize your claim. For example, posting photos of yourself at a concert shortly after claiming severe injuries can downplay your losses.
Our car accident attorneys at Lorenz & Lorenz have a proven track record of obtaining favorable settlements on behalf of injured victims. We can guide you on proper online conduct, monitor potential risks, and represent your interests throughout the claim process.
Contact us online for a free case evaluation.
Car Accidents Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Car Accident?
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, typically charging 25-40% of your settlement or award. You pay nothing up front, and fees are only collected if you win. Percentages vary based on case difficulty, settlement timing, and whether litigation is required.
How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take With a Lawyer?
Car accident settlements typically take 3-18 months, depending on case complexity. Simple cases with clear liability may settle within weeks, while complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed fault may require longer periods.
Factors influencing the timeline include medical treatment completion, negotiation duration, and whether litigation becomes necessary.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Settlement?
While not legally required, hiring a car accident lawyer increases your chances of receiving fair compensation and maximizing your settlement outcome.