It’s no secret. Sometimes people share a little too much on their social media accounts. Of course, social media has become a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. But in the midst of all the cute baby photos and clickbait, a treasure trove of information awaits. However, you might be unpleasantly surprised at how social media affects your personal injury claim.
Oversharing About Your Personal Injury Claim Is Possible
Personal injury cases can be caused by accidents that result in physical and mental injuries. Other cases might be based on defamation or slander. Either way, what you post on social media can spell trouble.
For example, you might be asking for compensation because of severe physical injuries. However, your social media tells a different story. Attorneys and insurance adjusters who see you doing the limbo on a cruise ship will probably challenge your claims. Text posts about activities that involve physical exertion could also affect your claims.
To limit the effect social media has on your personal injury claim, you could stop posting altogether. If that’s not possible, change your privacy setting so only your closest friends can see your posts. Even then, be careful about everything you post.
You Can’t Always Control Distribution of Social Media
Although you might try to limit who sees your Facebook posts, things have a way of getting around. You might tell a few friends that you are going camping and are happy with the way your life is going. Your friends pass the post around, not realizing how social media affects your personal injury claim.
While you are involved in a personal injury claim, limit how much you share on social media. Use another form of communication to let people know how you are doing.
Social Media Posts – Discoverable or Not?
The discovery phase of a lawsuit is when both parties learn more about the other party’s evidence. But if you think social media is too informal or unimportant to matter, think again.
Social media posts, like most electronic communications, typically are discoverable. This means that when the defendant in your case asks for your social media information, you probably will have to give it to them. Generally, once the lawsuit is filed, it’s too late to remove everything from your social media accounts.
To limit how social media affects your personal injury claim, be very cautious about what you say and do in your social media accounts. This is not the time to overshare or brag about how much money you will be getting as compensation for your injuries.
Avoid Letting Social Media Affect Your Personal Injury Claim
At the Dailey Law Firm, P.C., our team of skilled lawyers and professionals provide the high-quality legal services you need. Call us at 844-342-5353 to set up a free consultation or use the Contact Form on our website. There’s no fee for personal injury cases unless we win.
We represent clients throughout the entire United States. You can reach us online or visit one of our offices in Detroit, MI; Chicago, IL; or Valparaiso, IN.