Modern society is more reliant on technology today, than it has ever been in the past. If you are like most people, you regularly post on social media platforms regarding what you are doing, where you are and how you feel. Profiles on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and other popular sites also display your status updates, photos, opinions and experiences. This is a great way to keep in touch with family and friends, but in some situations, it may not be the fun, social experience you expected.
The fact is, using social media after an accident can actually have an adverse effect if you suffered an injury and are trying to recover monetary compensation for the losses you sustained. Courts have now realized the potential influence of social media postings, and as a result, they can affect your personal injury claim. In some cases, relevant and even seemingly irrelevant posts you made can be used against you as evidence to disprove your claim.
Just five years ago, defense attorneys never requested access to social media accounts. However, today this is commonplace. If you want to avoid adverse consequences from what you post on social media, use the tips and information here.
Don’t Post about Your Case – At All
As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid posting anything related to your case on social media. To be more specific, you should not post:
- Any conversations between you and your attorney
- Information that relates to your medical diagnosis or treatment
- Any feelings of frustration you have with the other party or an insurance company
- Phone or email exchanges with anyone else who is involved in the case
- Photos of the injuries you sustained
- Photos of your activities of daily living following an accident
Limit Posts, Check-ins, and Photos in General
If you are claiming that you have suffered severe, limiting injuries, then photos of you playing sports or hiking can result in serious doubt regarding if you are really injured. However, there are even innocuous posts that can be used against you in court.
If you are regularly checking in at parties, restaurants and other types of events with your friends, then it may create doubt about any loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress or pain and suffering since it will look as though you are living normally. Additionally, make sure your friends aren’t tagging you in check-ins or photos, either.
Avoid New Requests from Friends or Followers
In some situations, an insurance company or another party involved in the case may have someone request a connection with one or more of your social media accounts. This is usually done to have easier access to what you are posting, including information and photos. Don’t accept any type of new request on social media sites unless you know the individual who has made it very well.
Unfortunately, the information you post on social media following an accident can be used against you if you are filing for monetary damages. As a result, it may be in your best interest to abstain from any social media usage until the case is settled. You can also speak with your Kansas City personal injury attorney to learn more about what you should or should not post during this time.