Whether you use Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, social media offers a convenient and easy way to get information and connect with others. At the same time, it can provide a direct window into many aspects of your life. While you might think these details aren’t significant, anything you publish on a social media channel can be used as evidence against you during criminal or civil litigation — such as those involving personal injury claims. How and what you post can affect the outcome of your case, so consult with your personal injury attorney before posting a picture or status.

How Might Social Media Use Impact a Personal Injury Case?

1. Invalidates Impact of Injury

If you were harmed due to someone else’s negligence, you might be able to sue the responsible party for compensation to cover related damages, such as medical care or lost work. Your personal injury attorney will use medical evidence and expert witness testimony to support these claims. If your social media suggests otherwise, the claim may be invalidated.

For example, if you claim that a broken leg from an accident has prevented you from riding a bike, but you post a photo of yourself on a bicycle a week after the incident, the defense may suggest that your claims are fraudulent.

2. Raises Doubts About Emotional Distress

Those affected by personal injury may also seek compensation for emotional damages — such as pain and suffering. However, to support these claims, you and your personal injury attorney will need to demonstrate that the injury has truly diminished your quality of life. If you make a social media post after the accident that shows you smiling and enjoying activities you love, the defense may claim that your emotional damages aren’t as severe as suggested.

3. Proves Waived Confidentiality

If you aim to receive a settlement from the at-fault party, the agreement may come with stipulations that you cannot share details of the accident with others. It can be harmful to post any elements of your case online, such as photos of your injuries or negative opinions about the responsible party. Similarly, any posts made by other people that reference the accident could waive your confidentiality agreement.

If you’ve been injured in an accident and believe you are owed compensation, Anderson Law Firm will navigate you through every step of the civil litigation process. Serving the Texarkana, TX, community as a personal injury attorney for more than two decades, Darren Anderson is well-versed in the factors that can affect the outcome of a case — including social media usage. Visit this attorney online to learn more about his services or call (903) 792-1229 to schedule a consultation.