Social media brings people together, fosters conversations and debates, and keeps you in close contact with friends and family members near and far. But there are downsides to it as well, and one particular area of concern is how a person's social media activity can influence a legal case they might be involved in. Here are the reasons you should avoid posting when engaged in a personal injury claim.

Why You Should Stay Off Social Media During a Personal Injury Case

1. The Truth of Your Claim Could Be Questioned

When it comes to legal matters, you are bound by law to tell the truth. But if you tell the courts one thing and then post conflicting information on a social media account, you are directly contradicting yourself and calling into question whether you're telling the truth. For example, if you are suing a business owner because you fell and broke your ankle on their premises, but two days later you post pictures of yourself dancing at a nightclub, the entire personal injury case could be in jeopardy.

2. Your Social Media Accounts Are Public Record

It's not something people tend to think about when they post on social media, but every word, image, and video becomes a matter of public record. What does this mean in a personal injury claim? The opposing counsel or insurers could scour your social media accounts and submit anything they find to the courts as evidence. 

3. Your Friends & Family Could Be Pulled Into the Case

If your friends and family are active on social media as well, they could possibly be pulled into your personal injury case. Opposing counsel and insurance companies are looking for any reason to discredit you, and it's not unheard of for them to search your friend lists and try to unearth incriminating information. A seemingly innocent observation a friend makes about your injury, for example, could be picked up on by the other party in your case and used as evidence to refute your claim. So, not only should you stay away from social media when involved in a legal issue, but your friends and family should be extra cautious as well and avoid posting anything related to your case.

Obtain the legal support and protection you need during your injury claim, and contact the attorneys at Ibold & O'Brien. Since 1980, this Chardon, Ohio-based legal team has served clients throughout Geauga and Ashtabula counties in a variety of cases, including personal injuries, criminal defense, and estate planning. Call (440) 285-3511, visit them online, or message them on Facebook to make an appointment.