Social media has become a big part of our lives in the digital age. However, your online presence can significantly impact your claim in a personal injury case. Insurance companies and defense attorneys increasingly turn to social media to gather evidence that could undermine your case. You need to take note of the risks and take steps to protect yourself online to preserve the integrity of your claim.
How can social media posts affect your personal injury claim?
Defense attorneys looking to discredit your injury claims can easily access your social media posts. Here is how your online activity might be used against you:
- Photos or videos showing physical activities that contradict your injury claims
- Check-ins at locations that suggest you are more active than reported
- Status updates that downplay your injuries or emotional distress
- Comments from friends that cast doubt on your version of events
New York law allows the discovery of relevant social media content in legal cases. This means that attorneys might access and use even your private posts as evidence.
What steps should you take to protect your claim on social media?
To safeguard your injury claim, consider implementing these strategies:
- Set your privacy settings to limit public access to your profiles
- Avoid accepting new friend requests during your case
- Do not include posts about your accident, injuries or legal proceedings
- Inform your friends and family to exclude you in posts or share information about your case
- Consider temporarily deactivating your accounts until your case is resolved
Remember, someone might recover even deleted posts, so exercise caution from the moment your accident occurs.
Securing the digital landscape of personal injury claims
The intersection of social media and personal injury law is complex and ever-evolving. You can get the best support for managing your online presence through a personal injury attorney with longstanding experience. Through them, you can be mindful of your social media activity, get advice on best practices, and work to protect your rights in the digital realm.