Today, using social media as a way of communication has become the norm. People use their social media profiles to stay connected to family and friends, stay up-to-date with news and to fill spare time. Although there are many benefits to social media, sharing too much information can come back to hurt you later, especially if you are pursuing a personal injury case. The personal injury attorneys at Dale E. Anstine are sharing tips on how to safely use social media platforms following an accident and during the personal injury case process.
Social Media as Evidence
After an accident occurs, victims seek compensation for a variety of injuries. These injuries can range from broken bones, to concussions to chronic pain. In order to protect yourself and your case, it is important to think before posting to your social profiles.
When pursuing a personal injury claim, it is important to remember that anything you post to social media, from check-ins to photos to comments, can all be used during the case. No matter how secure you believe your social media profile settings are, you would be surprised at how easily information can be accessed to use as evidence.
How to Protect Yourself
To protect yourself from being discredited in court due to details and photographs posted on your social media platforms, Dale E. Anstine recommends the following.
- Do not post any information about the accident or the case. Information about the accident and the pending case from your perspective should only be shared with your attorney and in court. Information about the accident or case you post on social media could end up being evidence for the defense.
- Do not accept friend requests or interact with people you do not know or trust. Accepting friend requests or responding to people you do not know can harm your case.
- Do not post new photographs of yourself that could discredit your case. Refrain from posting photos that could discredit your injury. Assume everything you post could be reviewed and factored in as part of the case and take note that images don’t always present an accurate picture when it comes to the extent of injuries.
To be safe, it is best to not post anything personal on social media following your accident and during your case. If you must use social media, be cautious in what you share and who you interact with and be sure to speak with an attorney to get additional details on how you can protect yourself.
Don’t try to handle a personal injury case on your own. In today’s landscape of evolving regulations and laws, cases are more complex than ever. Let the experienced personal injury attorneys at Dale E. Anstine help you navigate the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more about the services our team of specialized injury attorneys offers, contact us today. Consultations are always free!