Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering platforms for sharing experiences, updates, and personal moments. However, the use of social media can have significant implications, especially in the context of personal injury cases. While it may be tempting to share details of an accident or injury online, your personal injury lawyer will likely advise you against doing so. Why? Our friends from the Law Firm of Edward Blinder, PLLC explain the reasons.
Posting Details About The Accident
One of the first instincts after an accident may be to share the details on social media. However, this can be detrimental to a personal injury case. Insurance companies and opposing parties can use your social media posts against you, attempting to dispute the severity of your injuries or even challenge the circumstances of the accident.
Discussing Medical Conditions Or Treatment
Revealing information about your medical condition, treatment plan, or recovery process on social media can be risky. Insurance adjusters may use this information to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed or that you are recovering faster than indicated. Personal injury cases often involve extensive medical evaluations, and information shared online could be misconstrued.
Posting Photos Or Videos Of Activities
Sharing photos or videos of yourself engaging in activities that might be inconsistent with your claimed injuries can be damaging. For example, if you claim to have suffered severe back pain but post pictures of yourself engaging in physically demanding activities, it could undermine your case. Be mindful of the images you share, as they may be used to dispute the extent of your injuries.
Communicating With Other Parties
Avoid engaging in direct communication with other parties involved in the case through social media. This includes the other party’s insurance adjusters, lawyers, or anyone associated with the incident. Anything you say on social media may be used against you, and it’s advisable to let your attorney handle communications related to the case.
Accepting Friend Requests From Unknown Individuals
During a personal injury case, it’s prudent to be cautious about accepting friend requests from unknown individuals, especially if they have any connection to the opposing party or insurance company. Such individuals may be seeking access to your social media posts for investigative purposes.
Ignoring Privacy Settings
Review and adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can view your posts. Restricting access to your personal information can help protect your privacy and minimize the risk of information being used against you in the legal process.
Deleting Or Altering Posts
Deleting or altering social media posts after an accident or injury may be viewed unfavorably. Opposing parties may interpret such actions as an attempt to conceal information or manipulate the narrative. It’s advisable to leave your posts intact, as their timestamps can be crucial in establishing the timeline of events.
Information shared online can have a lasting impact on the outcome of your personal injury lawsuit. By avoiding the pitfalls mentioned above, individuals can better protect their interests and support the integrity of their personal injury claims.