Social media is everywhere and can affect the outcome of your ICBC claim. If you have a claim pending, are scheduled for an examination for discovery, or are in the middle of a settlement process, ICBC investigators may be combing cyberspace looking for your digital thumbprint.

This article emphasizes the importance of using social media wisely during the claims mediation process.

Although all use of social media, including blogging sites and the comment feature in many social forums, should generally be approached with caution, this is truer when you are commencing or are in the middle of dealing with an ICBC claim. Information you provide on these sites may be used against you if it is deemed relevant to your case. Because these comments are often provided in the comfort of your home, they might give you a feeling of security through anonymity. Although you may enjoy sharing pictures of your post-accident life on social media sites, publishing it on online forums can hurt the outcome of your claim.

For example, if you have sustained a personal injury to your lower back due to a BC car accident, it is a bad idea to post photos of yourself horseback riding after the date of your accident. Even if the damage only later becomes apparent, and you had no idea about it at the time the picture was taken, these types of photos have the potential to complicate your claim’s adjudication.

You can still use social media after your accident. However, a word to the wise: one, entirely stopping the use of your account while your claim is being handled is the best way to ensure your private life won’t be used against you. If you must use social media, make sure that your security settings are set to maximum.

Protecting your private life is one step toward obtaining the recovery you deserve.

Mike Coric is a personal injury lawyer who has represented victims of motor vehicle accidents throughout British Columbia for over 15 years. Mike has appeared at every level of Court in British Columbia and conducted trials before a judge and a jury. He acts only for plaintiffs and restricts his practice to BC car accidents and other personal injury circumstances. If you or someone you know has been injured and would like to speak with a lawyer, please call Mike at 604-736-3333.

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