Knowing how social media can significantly affect your personal injury case is essential if you’re injured in a car accident. Most people today have a social media presence, and insurance companies and defense attorneys increasingly use social media posts as evidence in individual injury cases. Here are a few things you should know about the role of social media in a personal injury case.
Social Media Posts Are Discoverable
If you’ve filed a personal injury claim, you can expect the defense to search your social media profiles for evidence that can be used against you. This means that anything you post on social media can be used as evidence in your case, even if you have privacy settings.
Social Media Posts Can Be Misinterpreted
It’s important to remember what you post on social media while your personal injury case is pending. Social media posts can be misinterpreted by the defense and used against you in your individual injury case. Even innocent posts can be twisted to make it seem like you are not as injured as you claim to be. For example, if you post a photo of yourself at a family event, the defense might argue that you aren’t as injured as you claim to be. Be mindful of what you post on social media while your personal injury case is pending, as anything you post can be used as evidence against you.
Social Media Posts Can Impact Your Settlement
If the defense discovers social media posts that seem to contradict your claims of injury, they may use this as leverage to lower the compensation they offer you. For example, suppose you post a photo of yourself engaging in physical activity or performing tasks that suggest you are not as injured as you claim to be. In that case, the defense may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you allege.
It’s important to note that insurance companies and defense attorneys are well-versed in using social media to their advantage. They may use posts that seem harmless to the average person but that they can twist to their benefit. For example, a post about going on vacation may be used as evidence that you are not as injured as you claim if the defense argues that you would not be able to travel given the extent of your injuries.
It’s not just what you post that can be used against you, but also what others post about you. For example, if a friend or family member tags you in a post or photo that contradicts your injury claims, the defense may use this as evidence against you.
It’s Best to Stay Off Social Media While Your Case is Pending
The best way to avoid any negative impact from social media on your personal injury case is to stay off social media altogether while your case is pending. If you must use social media, be mindful of what you post and how the defense might interpret it.
If you’ve been injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident in Nashville, TN, it’s essential to consult an experienced personal injury attorney. At Stillman & Friedland, we have the experience and knowledge to help you navigate the complexities of an individual injury case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Conclusion
We hope this blog on the role of social media in a personal injury case was helpful. If you’ve been injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident in Nashville, TN, it’s essential to consult an experienced personal injury attorney. At Stillman & Friedland, we have the experience and knowledge to help you navigate the complexities of an individual injury case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact our Nashville office at 615-244-2111 for a complimentary, confidential consultation, chat with us, or fill out a form. We will assess your case at no expense to you. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we secure a settlement or jury award for you.
Stay safe out there.
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