The phenomenon known as social media has taken a major hold of many lives. We document and share our daily activities, interests, and opinions with our own personal network and the world at large. Some great things have come about through the power of social media, but it also has been detrimental in many cases. A lack of discretion can bring immediate or future consequences, as many have learned the hard way. Sometimes it is best NOT to post to Facebook or any other social networks. One of these occasions is when dealing with a personal injury case. We’ll cover why you shouldn’t Facebook anything about your case, and may even need to disable your account altogether until the case is settled.
Someone Is Watching
The practice of personal injury law has changed over the years thanks to social media. Before, a lawyer only had to caution their client about the insurance investigators that may have their home and workplace under video surveillance. Now, clients have to be advised to be very cautious when using social media sites. Insurance companies and their lawyers have gained access to injured person’s social network sites. They know that these sites are a treasure trove of information that can be used to hurt your personal injury case. Sometimes they can get compromising information just by looking at a site that is readily available to everyone. Otherwise they might use trickery to gain access to private postings. This is all fair game because once litigation commences this information is available as a matter of right. Once insurance companies and defense lawyers take information on any social media sites, they tend to take statements or photos out of context to make it appear that you are not as injured as you claim.
What To Avoid
Now that we aware of how your social media profile may be used in a case, let’s look at what you need to avoid doing on social media in the event that you find yourself in a personal injury case. Even things that may seem innocuous can be used against you later.
- Don’t post yourself engaging in any form of physical activity after the accident. This can seriously undermine your case. If you filed a claim stating you suffered serious injury, posting a photo of yourself playing sports after this claim was filed can make you look untruthful and could be devastating to your case if it’s entered into evidence.
- Never discuss your case in any fashion on any social media sites. This includes mentioning the fact that you were involved in an accident, how the accident happened, the extent of your injuries, and the impact the injuries have had upon your lifestyle.
- Never post a photograph of yourself on any site.
- Do not accept any new “friends” unless you really know who that person is.
- Be careful about what your friends post and what they may tag you in. Your friends may post something involving you that could be damaging to your case.
A personal injury case can be stressful enough as it is. On top of that you must practice discretion and not make things any worse for you by posting things that can be harmful to your case. It’s hard to leave social media alone sometimes but if you have a personal injury case on your hands it’s best to just sit things out.
Steve Roberts founded the Law Office of Steve Roberts, LLC. By sticking to his principles of protecting the rights of people injured due to another, provide honest hard work, maximizing client recovery, and that clients always come first, he has developed a strong relationsip with the Colorado Community. If you have been injured, check out Colorado Roberts Law to speak to an attorney today.