Social Media Can Damage Your Personal Injury Claim
When you are going through a personal injury and dealing with the potential legal fallout, you may have been warned not to get on social media. Social media is a great way to tell your friends what is happening in your life, but it can also have a very negative impact on your case.
So, should you be posting on social media when you plan to sue somebody for a personal injury in court? This is what you need to know.
You Can Tell Friends And Family You Are Hurt
Of course, you likely want to let people you care about know that something has happened to you. You can tell them that you've been hurt, but it is best to tell them privately in person or via the phone. Posting on social media allows others to see what you've posted, even if you think it is private.
Any Information Can Be Used Against You
The worst thing about using social media when you are pursuing a lawsuit is that anything you do there can be used against you. Whether you talk about your injuries specifically or describe the events that occurred in a general sense, the information can be used to make a claim about you.
For example, you might tell somebody else that you are "feeling great" one day, which could indicate to a defense team that you don't have the injuries you do. They can make a claim in court that your injuries could not possibly be that bad. Even if you were talking in a general sense to a close friend or speaking to your emotional well-being, it can be used against you.
Anything Different From Official Statements Can Be Dangerous
If your social media statements or images differ in any way from the statements you make in your official depositions, your credibility could be damaged in the courtroom. This can reduce your claim significantly. Even posting about other things can be dangerous to your case.
Consult With Your Personal Injury Attorney
Even if you are not using social media currently, you should speak with your personal injury attorney. Your attorney can help you determine the steps you need to take to ensure that you have the best possible case. It can be difficult to determine the strength of your case on your own, regardless of how you use social media. Your attorney can help you clean up social media and prevent future issues.
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