Social media is an important part of many people’s lives. Each day, millions of users post pictures, updates, and videos on various networks, often sharing personal information with friends and followers. If you have a pending personal injury case, however, it is very important to be careful while posting on social media. Any posts that you make could have a serious impact on your future claim.
#1: Revealing Your Physical Abilities
If you are filing a lawsuit after sustaining a serious injury, the posts you make on social media could harm your future case. For example, if you claim to suffer a spinal cord injury and you post a video while playing basketball, the insurance company may use it as evidence that your injuries are not serious or that you have recovered from the injury. As a result, the company could deny or reduce your claim.
#2: Contradicting Your Testimony
Your testimony is a valuable part of your personal injury claim, and it is important to make sure that your story is consistent during each stage of your case. However, you may use social media to tell your story to friends, family, and followers about the accident. If you say anything that contradicts your testimony—no matter how small—the insurance company could use this as evidence against you. For best results, avoid making any posts or comments about your personal injury case.
#3: Contradicting Witness Testimony
Social media posts can not only contradict your own testimony—any statements made by your friends, family, or other witnesses in your case could also affect your ability to recover compensation. If someone who witnessed your accident posts about it on social media and that post contradicts your story or his or her testimony, the insurance company could use it as evidence against you. Advise your friends, family, colleagues, and other connections to avoid talking about your case on social media.
#4: Detailing Your Movements
Many people use the check-in feature on social media channels to detail their movements or tag their friends in posts when they are spending time together. However, these check-ins and tags harm your case. If you claim that you were in a certain location at the time of the accident and a social media post contradicts this claim, the insurance company can use this against you. Additionally, if your friends tag you in posts that show that you are out and active while you are recovering from the accident, the insurance company can use this information to establish that your injuries are not as serious as you claim them to be.
#5: Interacting with People You Do Not Know
When you are pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, you may receive friend or follower requests from people you do not know. It is very important that you do not accept these requests and that you do not interact with these people. It is likely that the people behind these profiles could be investigating your claim and trying to find information to use against you in your case.
Contact a Texas Personal Injury Attorney
If you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it is important to seek the help of a personal injury lawyer in McAllen. Not only can your attorney represent you in your case, but he or she will also advise you on important aspects of the legal process—including social media activity. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
