Being involved in an accident is daunting, and the processes that follow can take an emotional toll. When you’re recovering from an injury, it can be tempting to take to social media and share information about the process to your followers. When we’re feeling downtrodden and alone, it can be nice to hear that someone is always out there listening. However, as truck accident lawyers, we have to tell you that it may not be wise to share information about your personal injury case online. If you say the wrong thing, you may threaten the veracity of your claim. Learn the basic dos and don’ts of social media use during your civil claim.
Why You Shouldn’t Talk About Your Personal Injury Case Online
There’s a simple reason that you shouldn’t talk about your personal injury case online: the defense could use it against you. When you file a personal injury claim, you’re making the assertion that your life was negatively affected by an injury that’s someone else’s fault. The defense wants to refute this claim by showing that your life isn’t negatively affected or that you are exaggerating the extent of your injuries.
Unfortunately, it’s easy to post something online that undermines the seriousness of your claim. A simple post of you taking in a movie with friends could negate the “emotional distress” or “pain and suffering” elements of your personal injury claim. Social media can actually work against you if you say your quality of life was diminished by your accident.
It’s also unwise to post negative things about the defense. If you are recovering from injuries that are someone else’s fault, you have a right to be angry. However, venting about this anger on social media might make you seem vindictive or eager to sue.
What You Can Do Instead
Social media can have a detrimental effect on your personal injury case. To avoid these scenarios, observe the following tips:
- Consider a social media hiatus. If you don’t, the defense may use your social media presence. Don’t give them any ammunition in the first place. Consider freezing your social media accounts until after your personal injury case is over.
- If you must continue to use social media, consider changing your privacy settings. Make sure no one can view your profile except for current friends.
- Monitor your new friend requests carefully. If it is not someone you immediately recognize, don’t accept the invitation, because this might be an attorney trying to get access to your profile.
- Use discretion and careful consideration before uploading a new photo, video, or update. Think about how it might affect your case and whether it’s worth the risk before hitting publish.
Social media can be a boon when it comes to connecting with old friends, family, and acquaintances. It rarely has a benefit, though, when it comes to your personal injury case. Your best bet is to avoid social media while your case is still pending, but exercise caution if you cannot quit. It’s also important to remember that even though your settings are private, nothing you post on social media is fully hidden. For additional guidance and rules, ask your truck accident attorney.