The impact of social media on a personal injury case
In the last few decades social media has grown to become a platform nearly everyone uses daily. Whether you’re networking with colleagues, staying in touch with relatives, or making silly tiktoks. Most of us do not know a person who isn’t on either Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Social media is a space where you can share every aspect of your life. It’s crucial to remember, though, that sharing too much information online may backfire if you’re in the middle of a personal injury case. The defense can use your social media posts against you regardless of your privacy settings.
It’s a frequent assumption that what you share on social media sites is private information, especially if your privacy settings have been customized. However, this isn’t the case. Social media content is considered public record under the law.
How social media can harm your ability to receive compensation for your personal Injury claim
Social media can impact your personal injury claim in numerous ways. The following actions may be very harmful:
- Posting pictures of any physical activities while suing for traumatic injuries
- Posting confidential settlement details
- Posting information about the accident
- Checking-in at a gym or other recreational facilities while claiming to be injured
- Posting about working while claiming lost wages
Whether you are the victim or the defendant, the posts you share on your social media pages can have a significant impact on your personal injury case. These posts can be used by the lawyers to prove their case against you.
Tips for navigating social media during a personal injury lawsuit
- Consider taking a complete break from social media
- Make sure your account is private. In some cases, even if your posts are private there are ways the opposing side can get around it and access the information.
- Be careful what you post and what comment on. Not only can your posts be seen but those you interact with may also be used against you in court.
- Accept new friend requests with caution. It is best to only interact with your close friends and family during this time. If you must, accept all new requests with extreme caution.
Navigating social media throughout a personal injury lawsuit is only one of many things you’ll have to do. If you’d like a law firm that will fight for you and handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on getting better, call McElfish Law firm for a free consultation.
