Social Media Usage During a Personal Injury Case: Do’s and Don’ts

Social media has become a part of the daily lives of most people in this connected, digital age. So easily, we click a button and share our thoughts, experiences, and memories with friends, family, and sometimes even strangers. But in regard to personal injury cases, acting with the utmost care on social media is needed. A single posting or comment could really claim against you and put your case in a jeopardized position.

If you turn out to be unlucky and are involved in a personal injury case, you have to be very careful regarding the use of social media. Normally, a personal injury lawyer will probably advise you to stay away from or substantially reduce your use of social media during your personal injury case.

This article is an attempt to provide you with a comprehensive guide on the dos and don’ts of social media use during a personal injury case.

The Risks of Oversharing on Social Media

Social media channels are set up for sharing and engagement. However, during a personal injury case, your posts, comments, or interactions can be checked and used against you by the opposing party. Even the most innocent posts or photos can potentially detrimentally affect your credibility and, therefore the outcome of your case.

The Don’ts of Social Media Usage

• Do not post information about your injury, the accident, or the legal proceedings, including your medical condition, your treatment, or the incident.
• Do not post any photos or videos that would contradict what you are making a claim for concerning your injury or activities that could be misinterpreted to be inconsistent with the limitations you describe.
• Never engage in online discussions or arguments about your case. Things said can very easily be misconstrued and used against you.
• Do not accept any friend requests or follow requests from anyone related to the adverse party or insurance company during the legal proceedings.

The Dos of Social Media Usage

• Adjust your privacy settings to reduce public visibility and review them often to ensure security.
• Do not post anything about your case, even on private or “friends-only” accounts. Your post can be discovered and used as evidence.
• Do advise your friends and families of the risks of sharing information regarding your case on social media and ask them not to do so.
• Follow the advice and guidance of your personal injury lawyer regarding what to post on social media, since they know the details of your case best.

Seek Legal Guidance

The best method is to talk to your personal injury lawyer and go by their advice on the use of social media. Your attorney has handled various personal injury cases that are close to your own and can give advice specific to your case. By following their advice, you can reduce the risks of social media usage and improve your chances of winning a case.

Conclusion

Be careful on social media during the digital era, particularly when you have a personal injury case. You can safeguard your interests with the dos and don’ts detailed in this article. Remember, it is always better to stay on the safe side and not post anything regarding your injury or legal process before the finalization of your case. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to provide you with professional legal advice, which would help you maneuver through this rather tricky scenario with a high possibility of proceeding to turn your case into a successful one.