Social media has become part of the fabric of our daily lives. Especially at a time when we’re feeling distant from even our next-door neighbors, the desire to reach out to others is particularly strong. Oversharing during these challenging times is easier than ever. However, if you were injured in an accident and are thinking about a personal injury claim, you should be extremely cautious with what you choose to post.
Many things can be open to interpretation
If your arm is in a cast, or if you have suffered burns or lacerations, it is visibly evident. But what about injuries that may not be so visible? Injuries to the back and neck or soft tissue injuries will not show up in your photos. You might be suffering from a back injury that makes movement painful. However, if you decide to take a skiing trip, an insurance representative or a jury will be likely to treat your claim with a healthy amount of skepticism.
Similar rules apply if you’re seeking damages for pain and suffering. You don’t have to shut yourself off from the world. However, if you’re claiming that an accident has had a major impact on your life, you should think twice about posting evidence of you and your friends having a night on the town. People’s perceptions can have a significant impact on your claim. It doesn’t matter if those perceptions don’t reflect the reality of your situation.
Think hard about what you’re posting
You should always consider what you’re putting out there for the world to see. That’s good advice for the estimated 70 percent of Americans who engage in some form of social media. However, this advice is especially important if you’re stating a claim for a personal injury. Do not post:
- Photos of your injuries
- Photos of the accident scene
- Any information concerning your medical condition or treatment
- Information involving your legal claims
One of the potential problems with social media is that it involves other people. You should ask your friends and family members to keep you out of posted photos until your case has been resolved. It can be difficult to make these demands on yourself, much less others. However, the last thing you want to do is to damage your case inadvertently.