Social media helps you stay in touch with friends and family in a detailed and personal way. From uploading pictures to publishing your thoughts, your account provide a kind of digital intimacy. However, even the most innocent updates can greatly impact your personal injury case.

Social Media Behavior During Personal Injury Cases

Posts Can be Used as Evidence

Published social media posts are considered public record. They’re admissible in court, though Connecticut has a high bar for accepting them. If the court approves, private messages can be accessed with a warrant. Deleted posts can be recovered by the defense during the trial.

Deleting your accounts can be helpful, but it can also be an indication that you have something to hide. Set your accounts to private and don’t accept follower or friend requests from strangers while your case is ongoing.

Comments From Others Can Affect the Outcome

Friends and family always have your best interests at heart. However, their social media comments may not be helpful. Their comments might contradict your claims, discrediting your personal injury case. They should refrain from making disparaging remarks about the responsible party. They shouldn’t mention anything about the damages you might receive. These comments can jeopardize your case and affect the jury’s view of you.   

Witnesses can play a role in this as well. If someone witnessed your accident and is willing to testify on your behalf, ask them to act responsibly on their social media accounts. They shouldn’t discuss the details of the case or their opinions—it might make them appear prejudicial.

You Can Discredit Your Case

You might’ve claimed your injury has left you immobile. Checking-in to restaurants or sharing pictures of you out with friends can contradict your personal injury claim.

Even minor, innocuous acts can have major effects on your case. If you stated that the accident had left you isolated and depressed, posting a picture of you smiling can discredit you. So can interactions with friends on social media platforms. It shows you still have an available support network you can rely on.  

Discussing your case on social media can also be damaging. In a post, you might accidentally misidentify the bone you broke. This is a public contradiction of the hospital report and can be used to discredit your personal injury claim.

When it comes to proper activity on social media, no action is the best action.

If you were in an accident, you need an attorney who understands the way social media has changed personal injury cases. For the best representation, reach out to the Law Office Of TJ Morelli-Wolfe PC. With over 20 years of experience, he provides dedicated and compassionate legal support when you need it most. If you’re in the Norwich, CT area, call (860) 859-9899 to schedule a free consultation. For more information, visit his website.