Can Social Media Make Or Break Your Personal Injury Claim?
The use of social media sites is now more common than ever before. In fact, according to recent statistics, the percentage of individuals in the US with a social media profile increased from 73% in 2015 to 78% in 2016. And many of these social media users have accounts on more than one social network (such as Facebook, LinkedIn, SnapChat, Instagram, and more).
It’s safe to say social media has become a normal part of our life. From personal communication to business marketing, it offers countless benefits and makes life easier in many ways. That being said, social media use is can often be a hindrance in personal injury cases. Read on to find out exactly why.
If you’re involved in a personal injury lawsuit, it’s crucial to think twice about your use of social media. As we all know, nothing can ever really be removed from the Internet, including deleted photos, and incriminating photos are exactly the type of evidence the other side will be looking for and will want to use against you in order to diminish your claim and potential for financial recovery. In today's digital age, most lawyers use social media to gather evidence pertaining to all types of cases, including personal injury claims.
In other words, if you’re not cautious, your social media posts can cause serious problems for you in your lawsuit. For example, if you are seeking compensation for emotional distress after being injured in an accident that was not your fault and the defense finds photos of you online enjoying life, they can easily try to disprove your claim.
Here are some common mistakes many injury victims make after an accident:
- Vent on social media: Think twice before you make angry statements about the accident. Insurance companies and the opposing counsel will check your social media posts.
- Post pictures: If you have claimed a serious or catastrophic injury, you may want to reconsider posting pictures of you having a good time.
- Update status: Similar to photos, status updates about you loving life may not look good if you are claiming your life has been greatly affected since the accident.
This list is not exhaustive. For more information on what you should or should not share on social media following a personal injury accident, contact the experienced attorneys at the Ghozland Law Firm today for a free, no obligation consultation.
