Social media has taken the world, especially Americans, by storm considering how easily accessible the Internet is. In fact, 73% of Americans had social network profile by 2015, and most people are happy to give others insight into their life. As a result, many insurance companies and defendants have resorted to using social media for collecting evidence that may be beneficial to their case. If you are currently in the midst of a personal injury law claim, you definitely need to be mindful of what you post. Here are 3 things you may do on various social media sites that can easily undermine your claims and compromise your case.

Posing for Photographs or Posting Videos That Harm Your Claim

Most plaintiffs file a personal injury claim on the basis that they were injured as a result of a certain accident or situation. To prove your stance, you may present medical reports and analyses. Although these types of evidences are generally more than sufficient for proving an injury resulting from an accident or situation, these types of evidences may not necessarily prove the extent nor the severity of the injury, which will ultimately have a huge effect on the amount of compensation you will be awarded. Keep in mind that the defendants and the insurance companies might be watching your social media accounts like a hawk. 

For example, let's say you injured your leg and are seeking compensation for these injuries, as they severely impact your abilities and quality of life. However, to keep up with your social media appearance, you decided to take a photo of yourself wearing running shoes and workout gear. Although you didn't actually go for a run, nor could you physically do so, the defendants or the insurance companies may insinuate that your injuries are not that severe, as the photograph you posted shows that there is a possibility that you did go for a run. 

Making Harmful Statements 

Other than photographs, you can also accidentally make statements that could harm your case. The most common ways include making statements regarding your mental or emotional well-being or making statements regarding your financial situation or any hopes you may have for a large monetary compensation.

The first situation is most harmful if you are requesting noneconomic compensation. This is basically compensation for any pain and suffering endured or losses in your quality of life. Seemingly innocent statements like how happy you may be feeling on a certain day may undermine claims you may have made regarding the severity of ongoing pain and suffering. 

In addition, if you make statements regarding how you are struggling financially or hoping for a large monetary compensation, these statements may be used against you in court. The defendants or the insurance companies can easily turn these statements around to make it seem like you are only pursuing the case for the money. 

Discussing Details of Your Accident in Forums, Public Groups, or Even Direct Messages

 Any details that you disclose regarding your case will also be scrutinized by the defendants and the insurance companies. They will look for any inconsistencies in your story or anything that may be worded in a way that they could turn around and use as evidence to back up their claims in court. You really have to be very careful regarding anything you post about your case.

Conclusion 

Although most social media platforms have adjustable privacy settings, you'll be better off avoiding putting yourself out there via social media if you are in the midst of a personal injury claim. There are many ways that others can get around these privacy settings. By avoiding social media like the plague, you can avoid undermining yourself and compromising your case. To learn more about this issue, go to sites like this one and contact a personal injury lawyer. 

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