Social media has become an integral part of our lives. Everyone is using social media to communicate and share their thoughts and experiences with people online. With social media’s various advantages, it can also become a double-edged sword when it comes to personal injury claims.
The photos and videos that you share on social media can affect your injury claim. The opposite party may track your social media and prove that the injuries you were claiming were not as severe as claimed. This might prevent you from getting the right compensation for your injuries.
If you were injured due to the other party’s negligence, some law firms like Kelner & Kelner law firm help in knowing your legal options. Therefore, it is very important to understand the risks associated with using social media during your ongoing personal injury claim.
Read this blog to learn more about the negative impact of using social media in your personal injury lawsuit.
How can social media affect your personal injury claim?
The photos on your social media account can act as critical evidence in your lawsuit. Insurance companies and defense attorneys always keep their eyes on your account to find evidence that can strengthen their claims.
Photographs or statements that you post on social media accounts such as Twitter or Facebook can be used to contradict your claim regarding your injuries. For example, if you claim a severe leg injury and post photos taking participation in physical activities, it can be used to undermine your claim.
Additionally, social media allows the opposite party to discover more information that might not be disclosed during a legal proceeding. The law allows using social media evidence under the principle of relevance. This means even if a private post on social media undermines your claim, it will be considered as admissible evidence.
Therefore, understanding how social media can affect your claim is crucial for your case. It will help you prepare for your case more effectively and avoid any negative consequences. Social media can also affect your credibility in a lawsuit or legal proceeding. Ultimately, it can affect the jury’s perception and the outcome of your case.
Risk to your privacy.
You might think that if you have put privacy mode on your social media account, other people can not gain access. This is true to some extent. However, in legal cases, even if the privacy settings are turned on, the opposite party might still be able to look at your posts through various means.
The law establishes that even private social media accounts are subject to legal scrutiny in personal injury claims. Moreover, the latest legal citations have stated that social media is no longer a secure mode of communication. Messages and chats on social media are considered public statements and will not enjoy the same protections as private ones.
How do you use social media safely during your legal proceedings?
To avoid any risks or complications during your personal injury claims, you need to use social media very carefully. There are some easy guidelines you can follow to secure your compensation better.
Firstly, avoid posting anything regarding your accident, recovery process, and legal proceedings. It is highly advisable to keep a low profile to avoid accidental disclosures that can affect your case. Secondly, make sure to turn the privacy setting to the highest level. It does not guarantee you complete protection; however, it can keep you on a safer side.
Lastly, make sure you do not over-discuss your case and only communicate with your trusted friends and family members. Also, ask them to be very mindful of what they are sharing on their social media regarding your case.
Talk to a professional today!
Social media may seem harmless; however, it can dramatically impact the outcome of your case. Therefore, you need to be very mindful of what you are sharing. A personal injury attorney can help you understand the consequences of using social media and secure compensation for your injuries. Hire an attorney today.
