Social media has completely taken over our lives. Most people have a habit of posting daily to multiple platforms. These platforms include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr, Pinterest, and many others. The majority of people don’t think too much about what they’re posting or how it could affect them in the court of law. However, if you are looking to file a personal injury claim, it’s important to be aware of how your social media presence could impact your case. Here are 3 ways to keep social media out of your personal injury claim.
1. Think Twice Before Posting
Even though social media is the fastest way to update all of your friends and family at once, it’s important to keep these things as private as possible. Detailing your every account of the incident and the post-incident can have an adverse effect on your case. If you must update your loved ones, keep your post simple and to the point. Let them know that you are safe and going to be okay.
2. Public Posts Can Diminish Your Claim
Any post prior to an accident where a person complained about a previous injury, ache, or pain can be used against your claim. Adjusters and defense lawyers could claim that your injury, ache, or pain was caused by a pre-existing condition. Therefore, it’s not possible to seek monetary compensation for the personal injury. Obviously, they are called “accidents” for a reason because we don’t know when they are going to happen. On the other hand, it’s important to be mindful that even what you say on the Internet can potentially be used against you.
3. Courts Can Still Access Private Posts
Setting your profile to private is a good way to screen online friends and even some family that you don’t want to know your business. But, a defense attorney can still gain access to your private account while investigating your personal injury claim. This means that any posts in regards to any physical activity after the incident, or any pre-existing pains or injuries could be used against you.
The best advice for anyone dealing with a personal injury case is to use extreme discretion when posting and re-posting online content. Defense attorneys are looking for any excuse to deny your claim. Avoid talking about specifics in regards to your injury, home, vehicles, or anything else that may have been involved in the accident. Always carefully screen new friend requests and never discuss your case with anyone online. The emotional and physical recovery after an accident is hard enough as it is, don’t make it harder on yourself.
At Sylvester Law we can help you with all aspects of personal injury law.
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