Social Media Posts Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim
Anyone who has endured major injuries as a result of the negligence or recklessness of someone else may have seriously considered filing a personal injury lawsuit in an attempt to recoup a few bucks to help with devastating costs related to medical necessities, lost wages, and more. While most people would certainly be averse to faking injuries in order to boost the amount of compensation available, that is precisely what the opposition will be attempting to demonstrate in a personal injury case. That means anyone filing suit must be extremely careful in terms of social media usage.
Social Media Can Hurt Your Case
Legal opponents will be on the lookout for any indication that you may be exaggerating, or worse, outright lying about your injuries. For example:
- Even for those who have strict privacy settings, insurance companies will find a way to go through the public posts of your friends, or to even subpoena private information about you.
- Anyone who claims to have limited mobility as a result of injuries and then post pictures of themselves playing sports or doing yard work may find themselves having an uphill battle to collect.
- When it comes to social media, even if you don’t post pictures or commentary, your friends might, and their posts could have a bearing on your case in a negative way.
- If, even nonchalantly, you mention that you’re doing ok, even if you merely post a smiley face to indicate you’re happy, it could be used against you by insurance companies.
- Be aware that location data may indicate that you were out and about instead of home recuperating from your injuries, despite your claims of limited mobility.
- If you express frustrations about the accident or provide any remarks about it, everything can be taken out of context or misconstrued to make it look like you are partly to blame, which could impact the amount of your compensation.
Avoid These Problems
Instead of worrying about having the rug ripped out from underneath you in a personal injury case, protect your own interests by taking the following steps:
- Set all social media profiles to “Private.”
- Never post anything about the accident, or how you’re dealing with the repercussions of the accident, until the claim process is complete.
- Do not discuss the legal factors influencing your case.
- Request that your family and friends refrain from posting about you in general and about the accident specifically.
- If you feel you absolutely must post something, run it by your attorney first.
Best Outcomes
The experienced and dedicated La Plata & Waldorf personal injury attorneys at The Law Office of Hammad S. Matin, P.A. always fight for the best possible outcomes for you. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation today.
