How Your Social Media Game Could Ruin Your Personal Injury Claim

The bright colors and smiling faces that fill our social feeds give us a false sense of security. Everyone seems to post everything, so why shouldn’t we jump on the trend and tell the world about the crazy accident we were just involved in? Well, although it might feel necessary to fit your accident timeline into 280 characters or share an image of your property damage with “friends,” sharing this information is actually much more dangerous than you’re led to believe. 

The harsh reality is that your information can be used against you, especially if you’re in the midst of a personal injury claim. Insurance providers and opposing representation can and will search your online presence to build their cases against you. Continue reading for more information regarding how social media may affect your personal injury claim.

Social Media's Impact on Personal Injury Claims

Social media has become an extension of our physical world. We share, watch, and laugh with friends, but when it comes to legal matters, we must think very, very carefully about what we post.

On one hand, your content can strengthen your case. Pictures with friends while you’re in a cast or progress pictures of your recovery all serve as proof that you’re genuinely injured and deserving of compensation. The evidence can also help establish a timeline, which is often essential to validating your claim.

However, what you post can also work against your case. For example, if you’re injured at work and post something suggesting you’re moving around, free of pain, there’s a good chance the opposing council will notice and claim you aren’t truly injured. They may deliberately take words out of context, and whether it works or not, it endangers your chances of recovering the full value of what you’re entitled to. 

Guidelines for Social Media Use During a Personal Injury Claim

Social media use should be approached with caution after an accident. Here are a few helpful tips that can protect your case.

• Think Twice Before Hitting “Share”: If you’re posting something related to your accident, it’s always a good idea to pause for a moment and consider how others could receive your message. If you’re physically able after your accident but still seeking compensation, try to limit images entirely, as they could be taken out of context and used against you.
• Adjust Your Privacy Settings: If you have profiles without privacy settings, it’s best to turn them on for the duration of your legal proceedings. Limit who can see your posts, and be mindful of unusual follow requests, especially those seeking information.
• Avoid Discussing Your Case Publicly: When it comes to information, you shouldn’t speak publicly about your case on any social media site. As stated above, your words can be taken out of context, used against you, and suddenly result in a loss of eligibility for compensation. 
• Consider Taking a Full Hiatus: The absolute best way to ensure that social media doesn’t harm your personal injury claim is to refrain from using it entirely. Although it can’t help you using this method, the risks of staying active far outweigh the benefits to your case, considering you should have other, more solid evidence as the foundation of your case.

If you’re wondering about what’s best for your specific situation, your legal team should offer the information you need. They can provide tailored advice based on the specifics of your case and their personal experience.

Contact Morgan and Morgan for Your Personal Injury Claim

Personal injury claims are complex situations that require a degree of expertise to navigate properly. Social media is a relatively new hurdle to navigate, so it’s recommended that accident victims team up with an experienced legal team that understands how social media plays into the modern legal landscape. At Morgan and Morgan, we offer a digitally savvy approach that combines extensive resources with the consideration and care of a family firm.

There are no upfront costs to hire us, and we’re only paid if we win your case. Complete our free, no-risk case evaluation to get started with America’s Largest Personal Injury Firm.