Share:

Social media is central to many people's lives. They share photos of nearly every activity and post thoughts on myriad subjects throughout the day. Engagement with social media is fine, under most circumstances, but it can be problematic if you’re in the middle of a personal injury lawsuit. Below are the do’s and don'ts of social media use in legal situations.

Do:

Encourage friends and family to be discreet.

Make sure your friends, family, and other potential witnesses for your side don't discuss the case online. Statements they make on social media could be used by opposing counsel to refute later statements they make in court. Your friends and family may also inadvertently make statements that could be used to make you look bad to a jury. Ask them to stay silent on the subject of your litigation.

Think twice about posting photos of yourself.

Personal injuryPhotos of you dancing or playing softball could seriously undercut your credibility as a personal injury victim. Even pictures of you smiling or looking happy or excited could send the wrong message and be used against you by a skilled defense attorney. Be choosy when posting snapshots online to avoid undermining your lawsuit. 

Don't:

Accept friend requests from strangers.

If you don't know a person well, do not accept their friend request. A private investigator hired by the defense or an insurance adjuster may be trying to keep tabs on you. Only accept friend requests from people whose names you recognize. Avoiding all new connections until your personal injury case has concluded is the smartest move.

Post about the accident or your injuries.

As tempting as it may be to vent to your friends and followers about your accident or injuries, don't make posts about any details of the incident. It encourages others not only to discuss your condition—including possible witnesses—but also to make statements that contradict testimony and evidence in-court.

 

If you need an experienced attorney to head your personal injury lawsuit, contact the law firm of Nichols, Speidel & Nichols in Batavia, OH. They’ve served clients in and around Clermont County since 1926. In addition to personal injury cases, they also specialize in divorce, wills and trusts, DUI, and criminal defense. Visit their website to learn more about their legal expertise, or call (513) 732-1420 to arrange a consultation.

tracking