In today’s digital-based era, many individuals take to social media to share what is currently happening in their lives: the good, the bad, and the ugly. However, when it comes to your personal injury case, the smallest details can actually hurt your chances at receiving full and fair compensation.
Social Media Used As Evidence Against You
Just because you don’t explicitly post about your injury or your case does not mean your social media activity can’t or won’t be used against you. In fact, most of the time, the most mundane and seemingly innocent photos and statements can give a false narrative into the reality of your life.
Posting the wrong thing on social media can:
Contradict your own testimony
Reveal what you can do
Show your mobility
Here is an example of how social media could negatively impact your case. Let’s say you are heading to a concert that you and your friends had tickets to long before your accident. Instead of letting your ticket go to waste, you decide to gather your strength and tag along despite your injury. Someone else is driving and you get to sit the whole time, so what harm could it do?
The harm comes when you post a status checking in to the concert on Facebook and get tagged in photos of the concert. The defense in your case, unfortunately, will probably attempt to use any evidence they can to show that your injury is not what you claim it to be. They may use your social media activity as evidence that you are mobile and able to function normally. This could completely jeopardize the evidence you worked so hard to gather for your case.
Show Restraint on Social Media
When it comes to your personal injury case, there is such a thing as sharing too much information online. We all want to be heard, and it can be tempting to want to share everything that is going on in your life. However, when it comes to your rights to compensation, you need to be smart and think ahead. In order to best protect your rights, it’s important to refrain from:
Posting anything explicitly related to your accident or case
Replying to comments regarding your accident or injury
Posting updates, pictures, or videos of yourself that may contradict your claim
Posting anything that shows you “partying” (this can work in favor of the defense)
An injury can impact many aspects of your life. We understand that, and we are here to help guide you through this process and offer effective advice to ensure your rights are protected at all costs.
Contact The Law Offices of Schurmer & Wood at (805) 250-0570 for help pursuing your personal injury case.