Social media is part of most of our lives and many of us have more than one account on several different platforms, such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Although this tool is useful for networking and maintaining connections, your online activity might have serious ramifications on the outcome of your personal injury lawsuit. To avoid jeopardizing the success of your case, it is crucial to hold off on maintaining an online presence until after your case achieves a resolution.
Why is Social Media Dangerous?
Posting your thoughts or sharing a meme on social media might not seem particularly harmful, but even the most innocuous post can reveal something about your life. The at-fault party’s insurance company will do everything within its power to ensure you do not receive maximum compensation for your injuries, so if any of your posts can damage your credibility, you can expect them to use it as evidence against you.
For example, if you broke your leg in a car accident, and claim that the injury affected your ability to enjoy life or that it caused mental distress, a photo of you smiling might appear to say otherwise. Although it is healthy and perfectly normal for an accident victim to try and enjoy life in the aftermath of a terrible incident, that is not the narrative the defense team will tell in court. Therefore, to prevent damage to your credibility, it is best to stay off social media altogether.
Additionally, you should also ask your friends and family not to post any pictures of you or to discuss your current situation. The insurance company will sift through the social media accounts of those closest to you during their quest for evidence, so make sure they understand how essential protecting your privacy is at this time.
If you cannot cut social media out of your life entirely, there are some tips you should follow to protect yourself. Consider the following:
- Only interact with those whom you know personally
- Do not accept any new friend requests unless you can verify exactly who the person is
- Do not discuss the details of your case online, whether it be a post or in a comment on someone else’s post
- Take a closer look at your privacy settings to ensure nothing is public
- Do not post new videos or pictures of yourself and ask your friends to hold off on posting any pictures or videos of you
- Regardless of your privacy settings, keep in mind that your social media posts can be subpoenaed, so do not risk posting anything inconsistent with your injury
If you are unsure about a post, chances are it might have a damaging impact on your case, so refrain from posting anything that seems questionable. Too much is on the line and no social media post is worth the compensation you might lose.
Speak to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today!
If you sustained injuries caused by another person’s reckless or negligent actions, contact the experienced team at Singleton Smith Law Offices, Inc. for the skilled legal representation you need during this difficult time. Our team is committed to providing fast and stress-free solutions, so you can move past this terrible incident and get back on your feet.
Contact us today at (951) 779-1610 to set up a free consultation.