Social Media and Your ICBC Claim

Social Media and Your ICBC Claim
These days, who doesn’t have a social media account? While social media was once a place where college students kept each other updated on their day-to-day lives, now even grandparents are on Facebook. Many have become addicted to posting every aspect of their lives without thinking about who might view their social media activity.
Potential Damage to Your Personal Injury ICBC Claim
As of 2010, ICBC set up their Special Investigations and Cyber Unit to help reduce potentially exaggerated or fraudulent claims.
If you have been injured in a vehicle accident, it’s safe to say that ICBC’s adjusters and investigators will be digging deeper into your background and accessing your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or YouTube accounts. Any inconsistencies can hurt your credibility and claim. For instance, ICBC adjusters and investigators will examine what you are saying on social media to people treating you versus what you are saying to ICBC adjusters on record. Any inconsistencies between what you are saying to family and friends on social media versus what you are telling on ICBC will be examined.
This skilled team conducts deep searches on social media sites seeking photos and updates on individuals who claim that they have been unable to work due to their injuries, and then contradict their claim by posting photos or updates of themselves being physically active.
Best Ways to Protect Your Claim Via Social Media
The first step is to be aware – the next step is to take the provisions necessary to ensure you don’t damage your ICBC claim. We have compiled a list of tips to help ensure that you don’t potentially damage your ICBC claim. It’s always a good idea to contact your personal injury lawyer who will provide you with tips:
Search your name in Google for anything you feel ICBC may use against your claim.- Applying strict privacy settings to your social media account will not necessarily keep your account private and inaccessible to outsiders. It is a fact that ICBC can gain access to private social media accounts by court order.
- Be aware when posting on any social media platform. Understandably, you want to share positive moments in your daily life with family and friends – however take great care in realizing that once ICBC has gained access to your private accounts, anything they deem to be inconsistent with your claim may be used against you in court.
- Some people do not realize that Facebook owns Instagram. Ensure that you go through both accounts and delete any content that may be deemed harmful to your ICBC case (contact your lawyer before deleting photos or content).
- Do not accept friend requests from people you do not know.
- Do not post any personal thoughts, conversations, information or any photos in relation to your case.
- Keep your family and friends in the loop and ask them not to post or tag you in any photos.
- You should obtain legal advice before deactivating or deleting your Facebook account as ICBC may accuse you of destroying relevant evidence.
Let An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Handle your ICBC Claim
If you have any questions or concerns about the use of social media in a personal injury claim, we have the expertise and knowledge necessary so you don’t have to worry about saying or doing anything that may jeopardize your claim. Contact our compassionate and experienced legal team at Tim Louis Law & Associates.
To book your free consultation, call 604-732-7678 or email timlouis@timlouislaw.com. We’re here to help.
Sources:
https://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/Pages/fraud.aspx
https://www.straight.com/article-256851/tim-louis-beware-icbc-trolling-through-yourfacebook-photos

A vehicle collision results in rapid deceleration, which triggers the front airbags. Nitrogen gas is produced, resulting in inflation at speeds of roughly 300Km/hour in order to protect your head and chest in a high-speed collision. Seatbelts are usually enough to protect the driver and front passenger in a low-speed collision – protecting the occupant’s chest and head. However, it is important to note that it is uncommon for front airbags to deploy in rear-end collisions, rollovers, or side-impact accidents. During these types of crashes, the side airbags deploy, providing protection between vehicle occupants and the doors.
You can reduce the
Brakes are an essential 
Windshield wipers can make a big difference in overall driver safety and visibility — removing dirt, rain, and snow – while running for hours at a time to keep your view of the road clear at all times.
An unfortunate fact in British Columbia is that many children are injured in motor vehicle accidents every year simply due to lack of effective seating, or because sub-par equipment has been kept long past its usefulness.


You may be tempted to wear your casual wear before jumping on your motorcycle, but think about the
Drivers must follow the posted speed limits on BC roads. However, with the warmer weather, drivers may become less cautious. Remember, just because the roads are clear of rain and ice does not mean roads are without 
Spring is the time of year when wild animals begin foraging for food and may need to cross a busy roadway. Keep an eye out for any animal crossing signs, scan highways and roads for wildlife and reduce your speed if necessary. It’s important to note that animals are active all day and if you are about to hit an animal while behind the wheel, try to strike wildlife on an angle to prevent the animal from passing through your windshield.

Cannabis and Motor Vehicles
Know how cannabis affects you and know your limits




There are several important steps to be taken under the insurance (vehicle) act in order to prove that the accident happened. ICBC requires proof that you have attempted all possible measures in identifying a hit-and-run driver – such as posting flyers near the accident scene, have published notices in local newspapers or classified sites seeking witnesses and reported the accident to the police — complying with any on-going investigations.

We all know the dangers of distracted driving. Did you know that every year, on average, 26 people are killed in distracted driving-related crashes in the Lower Mainland? This is a concerning number. The danger a distracted driver can put on themselves, their passenger and/or pedestrians is never worth responding to that text message or phone call.


