We are undeniably living in the age of social media. Platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives.
These channels provide bridges for us to communicate with friends and family, allowing us to share glimpses of our lives through status updates.
However, like many tools, social media can be a double-edged sword, particularly in the context of personal injury cases.
How so? According to experts such as Rich Godshall, a single, innocent post, even if tangentially related to your injury, could drastically alter the direction of your case.
As you continue reading and exploring this post, we will take a look at the impact of social media on personal injury cases.
Article Contents
Why Social Media Can Harm Your Personal Injury Case
Let’s explore an example to understand this better.
Consider one of the most common injuries resulting from car accidents in the US: whiplash. Imagine you’ve suffered a whiplash injury from a rear-end collision.
You undergo treatment and rest at home, waiting for your condition to improve. Then, a few friends invite you for a picnic. You think, “Why not? I can’t be confined indoors forever.”
At the picnic, the atmosphere is cheerful, and for a brief period, you manage to put aside the complications of your injury—the financial strain, physical pain, and lost workdays.
Feeling uplifted, you decide to share a photo on Instagram to capture the moment. But this single photo could have profound implications for your personal injury claim if you decide to seek compensation.
Insurance adjusters could latch onto this image, using it to challenge your claims. Their argument? If you were well enough to enjoy time with friends, your injuries aren’t as debilitating as you’ve described.
Such an interpretation might result in a diminished compensation amount or even dismiss your claim entirely. So, what steps can you take to safeguard yourself?
Limit Who Can Access Your Social Media Activity
Every social media application provides privacy settings, which are often hidden and not immediately evident. These settings restrict the number of individuals who can view your profile, posts, and photos.
In the aftermath of a personal injury, your immediate step should be to review and tighten your privacy settings. This action helps prevent your existing connections from sharing your posts.
Additionally, avoiding adding new, unknown connections during the claims period is prudent.
You should always beware; any new friend requests or followers might be investigators looking for vulnerabilities they can exploit based on your social media activity,” advises attorney Rich Godshall of Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers.
Moreover, refrain from sharing any details about your injury on social media. Such information might contradict your attorney’s efforts to portray the severity of your injury to the insurance company.
Also, avoid posting any content related to the defendant, as this could potentially harm your case. Adopt the principle: “When in doubt, don’t post.” A wise approach would be to take a hiatus from social media for the entire duration of your claim.
How Social Media Posts Can Undermine Your Injury Claim
A single social media post can significantly impact your personal injury case.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys often monitor claimants’ online activity, searching for any content that contradicts injury claims.
Even an innocent post—such as a photo at a social gathering—can be used as evidence to argue that your injuries are not as severe as stated.
To protect your case, adjust your privacy settings, limit new friend requests, and avoid discussing your injury or legal proceedings online.
Investigators may attempt to use your posts to challenge your credibility, potentially reducing or denying your compensation.
The safest approach is to stay off social media while your claim is active. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you navigate these risks and ensure that your digital presence does not harm your case.
A cautious online strategy could make a critical difference in securing the compensation you deserve.
The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney
After getting injured, it is a good idea to seek help from a personal injury attorney. These experts help you navigate your personal injury claim and understand your case’s ins and outs.
Be it a car accident injury or a workplace incident; they are always there with you to sail you through the complex litigation process.
Ensure you meet the legal expert first before hiring them. This will let you assess their communication style and your bond with them. This is a vital aspect to consider before hiring a professional.
Conclusion
From the information shared, it’s clear that social media can negatively impact your personal injury claim.
At the beginning of your claim process, informing your attorney about your social media activities is beneficial.
Based on this, your attorney can guide you on whether you should limit your online presence or refrain from these platforms altogether.
