Can Social Media Hurt a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?

If you’re like most American adults, you use some form of social media. Whether this is just to keep up with friends and family or you’re someone who loves to share the different aspects of your life, these platforms have undoubtedly changed the way in which we communicate and interact with one another. However, when you are involved in an accident and file a claim against the negligent party, the last thing you anticipate is having your social media activity used against you. If this reflects your circumstances, the following blog explores what you should know about how this information is used, what you can do to protect yourself, and the importance of connecting with a Vero Beach injury lawyer to help you fight for the best possible outcome.

How Can Social Media Activity Be Used Against Me in a Personal Injury Case?

When you are injured, the negligent party, their insurance company, and their legal representation will generally do everything possible to reduce your compensation claim. This can be done by trying to shift the blame onto you or diminishing the severity of the injuries you’ve sustained. One common way to do this is by combing through an injured victim’s online profiles to find evidence and proof that they are not as hurt as they claim to be.

Unfortunately, even the most innocuous posts can be twisted to show that you are not hurt. Something as simple as posting a photo where you are smiling can be used by the defendant to claim that your pain and suffering is exaggerated because you are able to smile for photos. Similarly, if you claim that you cannot go to work because of your injuries, but post pictures from a beach, the negligent party can fight to have your compensation reduced since your injuries do not prevent you from going to other locations. Even liking or responding to comments can impact the outcome of your case.

What Steps Should I Take After an Injury to Protect Myself?

When you are injured and pursuing a claim for the damages you’ve suffered, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your claim. If you have not done so already, it’s in your best interest to adjust the privacy settings of your accounts to make any public profiles private. Additionally, you should not accept friend requests from anyone you don’t personally know, as they could be the insurance adjusters investigating your case.

Even with a private profile, it’s recommended to avoid posting anything for the duration of your claim, even if you think it’s entirely unrelated to the case. Unfortunately, the insurance company and attorneys for the defendant may be able to twist anything to help avoid paying the full compensation you deserve. You should even instruct your friends and family members to avoid posting photos with you in them for the duration of the case.

If you have posed something that you believe could be held against you, it’s important not to delete it. This can be viewed as an attempt to destroy evidence, which can negatively impact your credibility. Instead, you should immediately consult your attorney on the best course of action.

Navigating the aftermath of an injury can be incredibly overwhelming, as there are a number of factors you’ll need to take into consideration, including your online activity. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced personal injury attorney with Ullian Trial Law to help guide you through these difficult times. Our team will do everything possible to help you fight for the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on healing. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.