Social media is an inalienable part of our lives. Most of us use various platforms daily, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and other social networks. It’s become second nature to update our social media accounts to share pictures, videos, and information with friends and family.
However, if you have been involved in a motor car accident and sustained injuries, then you should think twice before posting something on social media sites. You should avoid saying certain things, especially on social media platforms, that might affect your personal injury claim and the compensation you deserve. Most importantly, you must hire a lawyer from Des Moines personal injury law firm.
How Social Media Posts Can Be Used Against You?
If you have experienced an injury from a motor vehicle accident, you can choose to claim against the other negligent driver. This means that the insurance company and their lawyer will investigate your complaint more deeply, including the injuries you claim and the accident inflicted on you. This entails the examination of your medical history and closely monitoring your activities, including searching for pictures, videos, and other content on your social media pages that may be used to challenge the credibility of your allegations or the extent of your injuries.
For example, suppose an accident leaves you with a concussion and severe whiplash symptoms that force you out of work and unable to participate in everyday activities. In that case, posting photos of you smiling, exercising at the gym, at work, or enjoying your hobbies during that period will be detrimental. This could result in your claim being denied or your compensation amount being cut unreasonably low.
Tips for Protecting Yourself on Social Media
To protect yourself from the possible negative impacts of social media, consider the following tips:
- Seek advice from a Personal Injury Lawyer
Reach out to a highly qualified personal injury law firm. Personal injury lawyers know how to safeguard your case and will guide you regarding what to avoid on social media platforms during the trial.
2. Limit or Avoid Posting
Do not post at all while your claim is active, or refrain from posting as often as you previously did. It’s also important to avoid posting anything pertaining to the accident or your personal injury claim. This means avoiding anything you or your friends and families post, as sometimes even the most innocent pictures or comments can damage your claim.
3. Do Not Delete or Scrub Your Accounts
Sometimes, one may feel like closing the accounts or deleting the posts, but do not do it. Eliminating your accounts or clearing data is similar to messing with evidence, which will likely significantly harm your personal injury claim.
4. Adjust Privacy Settings
Be careful about what you post on your social media accounts. Everyone can see them, so change your settings to private. However, please be aware that courts can and will issue orders requiring the submission of the contents of private social media accounts.
5. Monitor Tags
If you are tagged in posts by any stranger, you should untag yourself from all these posts. If you are tagged in the pictures or posts by your friends and acquaintances, you should also consider untagging yourself until your claim is processed. Even seemingly harmless posts can jeopardize your case severely.
6. Avoid Check-Ins
Avoid geo-tracking and don’t register your presence at a particular location since it is detrimental. For instance, checking in at the gym or being location-tagged on a hike can be used as evidence against your claim that you have physical restrictions and limitations due to the accident injuries.
Conclusion
Social media can significantly influence your personal injury claim. Follow these essential tips and ensure you hire a personal injury lawyer to protect your case. If you were in a car accident, contact any credible personal injury lawyer to guide you thoroughly at every step of the case.
