It isn’t uncommon for adults to use some type of social media website daily in the digital era. After all, these sites let you connect with family and friends while sharing updates about your life. Most people share a lot of information about themselves and their personal lives on social media platforms.
In some situations, though, people who use social media may make a post that hurts them down the road. This is particularly true for an injury victim who turns to social media.
Hines Law understands that it may be tempting to post about your accident and injuries on social media but wants to advise against this. There are more than a few ways that doing so may harm your ability to recover compensation. Keep reading to learn more.
Situations When Social Media Isn’t Beneficial
While social media can do a lot of good, it may hurt you if you bring up your personal injury claim. If you happen to say something on social media that doesn’t benefit your case, it may hurt your ability to recover a fair amount of compensation. You may wind up posting something that makes people question the facts of the case or something that harms your credibility.
Contradicting the Testimony You Have Given
In some situations, you may say something on social media that doesn’t align with what you have stated about the case. For example, if you state that your arm is broken, but then you post on social media that you plan to go bowling or swimming, the defense will likely question your injuries.
If you have filed an injury claim, you need to make sure you are honest about your losses and your injuries. If you file any type of contradictory social media post, it may ruin your chances of recovering a fair settlement for your injuries and damages.
Check-Ins
Checking in on Facebook or another social media site will show that you are engaging in an activity that contradicts the injuries that you have stated you suffered in the accident. One example is if you claim that the accident resulted in limited mobility. If this is the case, then you should not check-in at your local exercise class. A location post can be used as evidence against you for your accident claim.
Showing What You Can Do
Posting information on social media may show the lawyer or insurance company on the other side of your lawsuit what you can do after an accident. For example, if you post a picture of your family skiing, the other party may question who took the picture. If it was you, then they have proof that you were at least on a ski hill. Everything you post on social media can be used against you and used to question you.
Friends and Family Members’ Comments
Even if you are posting on social media, it doesn’t mean that the other side can’t find information to use against you. If your friends and family members post pictures of you or tag you in posts, they may inadvertently hurt your case. They could also make statements about the money you plan to receive from your lawsuit. All these things can seriously damage your ability to recover compensation after an accident.
It’s Not Worth the Risk
If you are like some people, you may think that you can use social media while your personal injury case is active if you are careful. You will filter your posts and read everything critically.
Unfortunately, it’s extremely easy to say something you don’t even realize can be used against you on social media. The other side can easily twist your words and use your posts – even if they seem completely innocent to you. It’s good to avoid posting on social media until after your claim is settled.
Contact Our Legal Team for Help and Advice
After you are involved in an accident, it is in your best interest to avoid posting on social media. It is also smart to get in touch with our legal team. We are ready to leverage our resources and expertise to help you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible for your injuries.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We are here to help you with your case.
