It has become a natural reaction in everyday life to “share” everything on your social media pages. People are now using social media as one of their main forms of communication with their family and friends. Most of the posts seem very basic and very harmless. However, even the simplest post can have a significant effect on a personal injury case.
If you have been injured in any accident, your personal injury attorney will ask you to refrain from posting anything on your social media sites. Sadly, many people think that what they do post is “okay” or not what their lawyer was referring too when they said not to talk about their accident, and their posts become evidence against them in their case.
How Social Media Posts Impact Cases
The first thing insurance companies do when a case is filed against them for compensation is to begin researching the claimant. Now that social media is so popular, the very first thing they do is search your media posts for clues about your accident or injuries. They will use any posts they can find to diminish or deny your case.
Even references to past events can have significant impacts on your case. A perfect example is one where a person with a spine injury posted a picture of themselves on a ski slope. The picture was for a “Throwback” day where everyone was posting old pics. The insurer, however, now has a picture of the claimant on a ski slope, dated after the accident.
To avoid problems with social media after you have been injured:
• Refrain from posting anything about your accident or injuries. If you must post something, simply state that you have been injured and are currently undergoing medical treatments. Nothing more.
• Never admit any fault. It is human nature to try to take on the responsibility of an accident, even if it is a minor one. A statement as unimpressive as “I should have been watching more closely” can alter the dynamics of the case. Allow your car accident attorney to establish who was at fault by using special accident reconstruction experts. Never admit fault.
• Do not accept any new “friends.” It is now very common for insurance companies to employ individuals whose primary job duties are to “friend” others on social media, thereby gaining access to their inner circle and learning more about their lives. This also gives them access to information about your friends and relatives who they will openly contact about your injuries.
• Ask your family and friends to refrain from commenting in detail about anything relating to your case or injuries. Simple comments made by friends and family can impact your case.
• Never discuss anything that you and your lawyer have discussed regarding your case. Your car accident attorney is working hard to build your case and does nto need to loose any advantages because their defense has been revealed.
• If possible, just avoid social media altogether. Sometimes the best way to avoid issues on social media is simply not to make any posts at all.