The use of social media has grown drastically in the last decade. Now social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat have become part of our daily lives. Millions of people share photos, articles, and tales of their lives with their friends and family and think nothing of it. However, if you are a plaintiff in a personal injury claim, there may be consequences to your social media use. There are some important tips you may want to consider when carefully handling social media.
Stay Away From Social Media Until Your Case is Concluded
The easiest way to prevent your social media accounts from causing problems with your personal injury claim is to simply stay away from it. If you’re a habitual user, it may be difficult to quit “cold turkey” but staying away from social media is the safest thing to do. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys will scour your social media accounts for evidence that you are not injured or that you were at fault for an accident. Posts that may seem innocent to you can cast doubt on your personal injury claim.
Don’t Discuss Your Accident or Case
If you can’t stay away from social media during your case, then the least you can do is refrain from posting about your accident or your case. Any statements you make about your accident can be used against you. For instance, you may want to let your friends and family know that you are “fine” after a car accident, but an insurance adjuster can use this as evidence that you were not seriously injured.
Use Privacy Settings on All of Your Social Media Accounts
Another way you can protect yourself if you choose to use social media while your case is pending is to set all of your privacy settings to the highest level. Make all of your accounts private and be sure to set “tag review” on Facebook so that you have the ability to review any posts that other users attempt to tag you in. In addition, don’t accept any new friend requests. You never know who is acting undercover and trying to see your private account.
Don’t Delete Your Accounts or Material on Your Accounts
You may be nervous about posts you have made in the past now that you are involved in a personal injury case. However, if you delete your accounts, an insurance company may try to accuse you of “spoliation of evidence.” You can’t change the past, but you can be more careful about how you use social media in the future.
Contact a New York Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an accident and have questions about your accounts, you should schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.