If you have been in an accident or received any injuries, it is only natural to want to inform your friends and family. Of course, you want to let your friends and family know the status of your health and the severity of your injuries. Thanks to various social media platforms, it is easy to update everyone all at once.
It might be tempting to rant about your experience on Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and other social media platforms. You may even be tempted to post pictures and videos of the incident all while letting your friends and family know how you are doing. Unfortunately, doing so can be damaging to your personal injury case.
Discovering Your Mistake in a Discovery
When you pursue a personal injury claim, your lawyer will do their best to defend you and recoup any expenses you are owed. However, the opposing attorney will also do their best to sink your case and find reasons why you should not receive any monetary value for your accident or injuries.
Posting details about your case on social media may be just what the defense needs to ensure that you do not win your personal injury claim. Over the years, courts have been increasingly allowing access to social media accounts when a motion of discovery is filed. By doing this, the courts can allow an attorney to access text messages, phone records, and social media profiles to disprove your personal injury claim.
Unfortunately, the internet is so readily available thanks to mobile devices that many people do not think before they post. If you have been in an accident or are suffering from any injuries, it is best to speak with a personal injury attorney first and foremost. Your attorney will advise you what you should and should not post.
Avoiding Legal Backlash From Social Media Posts
Aside from hiring an attorney, the best way to avoid backlash from potential social media posts is to simply not post at all. Keep the details about your case under wraps, no matter how hard that might seem. Ask your friends and family not to post anything either.
Keep your discussions with friends and family minimal when it comes to the details of your accident. Only let them know what they need to know and keep the rest to yourself. Also, make sure any discussions you have are either over the phone or talked out in person. Do not send texts or send messages via social media platforms.
If necessary, you may want to temporarily deactivate your social media accounts so that you are not tempted to share pictures and details. For instance, posting pictures of your vehicle after it has been destroyed in an accident can be a mistake. Although pictures of any damages are necessary for your legal case, those pictures are best shared with your lawyer and no one else.
If you are unsure if something you want to post can harm your case, it is best to speak to your lawyer. Your lawyer can provide you with answers and guidance to ensure that your case is a smooth as possible without any potential hiccups.
In the event that you have already posted details about your accident or injuries to social media, discuss it with your attorney. Your attorney can advise you what to do next, which may include deleting any posts made or removing your social media account for the time being.
However, once something is posted on the internet, it is nearly impossible to remove it. A good attorney can dig enough to find what they need to know. Speak to a personal injury lawyer near you as soon as possible to determine how best to proceed with your case.
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