Social Media Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim
In our always-connected world, who doesn’t love sharing life’s highs and lows on social media? From Facebook to Instagram to whatever we’re calling Twitter these days, we’re all about posting our latest adventures or thoughts. But hold on a minute—did you know that a tweet or selfie could actually mess with your personal injury claim? With Lance P. Richard, P.A., your Stuart, Florida, personal injury law firm, we’ll guide you through the social media maze while we are fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Think of social media as your online scrapbook, a place where you keep track of everything from your morning coffee to your weekend getaways. Sounds harmless, right? Wrong. When you’re in the middle of a personal injury case, your social media turns into a goldmine for insurance adjusters and lawyers on the other side. They’re digging through your posts, looking for anything to discredit your claim.
Imagine this: You’ve just filed a claim for a back injury from a car crash, saying it’s messed up your daily life big time. But then, you post a pic of you swinging a golf club or hitting a tennis ball with your buddies. You might’ve been gritting your teeth through the pain, but guess what? That photo just became Exhibit A for the other side to say, “See? They’re fine!”
Privacy Settings Are Not Foolproof
One of the major challenges with social media privacy is the illusion of safety. Features such as setting your account to ‘private’ on Facebook or Instagram or using Twitter’s popular ‘protected tweets’ option can lull users into a false sense of security. The ability to control who follows you may lead you to believe that your content and personal information are shielded from prying eyes. Furthermore, courts have ruled that anything shared online, even privately, can be considered public information. So, don’t assume that just because you’ve restricted your posts to ‘friends only,’ you’re safe from scrutiny.
The Role of Social Media in Legal Proceedings
In some cases, social media can actually benefit your personal injury claim. For instance, if someone else’s post or video captures the incident that led to your injury, it could serve as valuable evidence. However, the key is to be extremely cautious about what you post and share. Consult your attorney before posting anything related to your case or injury.
Tips for Navigating Social Media During a Claim
- Limit your posts and avoid discussing your case or injury online.
- Review past posts and remove anything that could be misconstrued.
- Consult your attorney before accepting new friend requests during the claim process.
- Be aware that even ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ can be analyzed for intent or sentiment.
Contact Lance P. Richard, P.A.
Social media is a powerful tool, but it can also be your undoing if you’re not careful during a personal injury claim. The best practice is to limit your social media activity and consult your attorney about any potential risks. Remember, insurance companies and opposing counsel are always on the lookout for ways to devalue your claim. Don’t give them the ammunition they need.
At Lance P. Richard, P.A., we understand the complexities of personal injury claims in the age of social media. If you have concerns about how your online activity could affect your case, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation.
Sources:
lifewire.com/why-social-media-will-never-offer-true-user-privacy-5192229
forbes.com/sites/petersuciu/2020/06/26/there-isnt-enough-privacy-on-social-media-and-that-is-a-real-problem/?sh=6074da4144f1
