Why It’s Important to Avoid Social Media During Your Personal Injury Case

Billions of people across the globe use social media. Since online outlets like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are so popular today, it’s no surprise that people often disclose their personal injury cases to their network. Unfortunately, this is not a good idea, as doing so can hurt your case.

If you’ve been injured in an accident that was not your fault, it is in your best interest to reach out to the Charlotte personal injury lawyers at Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys. We can inform you of your legal options and ensure your rights remain protected throughout the entire claims process. Call us at (980) 237-4579 today, or use ouronline contact form to schedule a free consultation of your case.

Reasons Social Media Can Hurt Your Case

After you sustain an injury that you believe was not your fault, you may be tempted to post about it on your Facebook page. You may even take a photo of your injury to show your network just how serious it is. Reasons you should avoid doing so include:

You May Contradict Your Testimony

Without even realizing it, you may post something on social media that contradicts what you and your lawyer are claiming in your case. For instance, if you claim that your ankle has been injured, but post photos of yourself running a marathon the next week, the other party’s insurance company may question whether or not your injury exists.

Also, if you state that your injury has led to a loss of enjoyment of life and post photos of you smiling on a beach vacation with your family or check into a concert with your friends, the other party’s insurer may not believe you. A contradictory social media post can lead the insurer to deny your claim.

Your Friends and Followers May Contradict Your Testimony

Even if you don’t contradict your own testimony, a friend or follower who sees your post may say something that may be used against you. For example, if you post about how you’re very upset about your accident and in a lot of pain, someone may comment with something like “I hope you get the $10,000 you’re asking for.” These types of comments can position you in a negative light and hurt your claim as well.

When Can You Use Social Media?

If you absolutely have to use social media while your case is going on, make sure you don’t post anything. Also, go to your settings and set your profiles to private. Instead of posting on social media, look at other people’s posts, and interact with them on their own pages.

Your best bet, however, is to completely stop activity on social media until your case completely resolves and wraps up. We know this is easier said than done, especially if you are a regular user, but it’s an important strategy that can help ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

You should always assume that the other party’s insurer or lawyer is going to look at your social media presence to find out if there’s any evidence that can be used against you. The reality is that the way you behave on social media can mean the difference between winning or losing your case.

Contact a Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyer for Help Today

If you’ve incurred injuries in an accident caused by another’s negligence or recklessness, we encourage you to reach out to Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys as soon as possible. You can count on us to thoroughly investigate your case and fight for you to win the compensation you need to get back to your normal life.

To schedule a free, initial evaluation of your case, contact us today at (980) 237-4579.