It’s only natural to seek comfort and sympathy from friends and family after an injury. Unfortunately, seeking sympathy on social media can hurt or even destroy your personal injury claim. The other side’s lawyers are actively monitoring your social media accounts, and they will not hesitate to twist your words if it helps them avoid paying a large settlement.
How Social Media Can Hurt Your Case
Social media can hurt your case for one simple reason: your social media posts may be admissible in court in a personal injury case. If the court determines that your posts are relevant to the case, then any statement you make may be used as evidence against your personal injury claim. Even statements you may consider harmless, such as, “I’m feeling better today,” can be interpreted as admissions that you are not as badly injured as you claim.
Common Social Media Mistakes to Avoid
Common social media mistakes to avoid in a personal injury case include:
- Posting anything about the accident: The insurance company’s lawyers will try to find some way to argue that your post contradicts your testimony.
- Posting anything about your injuries or your recovery: The other side’s lawyers will try to argue that your statement proves that you are not as badly injured as you say you are.
- Posting anything about having fun or going on social outings: These posts can be used as evidence that you are not severely injured.
- Posting photos that show you having fun with friends or doing anything physical: Unfortunately, even photos you are tagged in can be used against you.
Best Practices for Social Media During a Claim
While your personal injury claim is still unresolved, best practices for social media include:
- Not posting anything on social media on any topic. This is the best defense against insurance company tactics.
- Ask friends and family not to post pictures of you or comments about your or your case.
- If you can’t stay off social media completely, limit your activities. Share news stories and like your friends’ posts, but don’t post anything of your own.
- Whatever you do, don’t comment about the case, the accident, or your injuries.
How long does a personal injury claim take in North Carolina? That depends on the complexity of your case, how much the insurance company tries to fight your claim, and other factors. While some claims are resolved quickly, the process can take several years. It’s important to follow best practices for social media until your case is completely resolved.
Contact Our NC Injury Attorneys to Learn More
If you’re wondering how to file a personal injury claim, the simplest way is to have your lawyer do it for you. Getting the help of a personal injury lawyer is the smartest way to pursue your claim, as your lawyer will have much more experience winning personal injury cases than you do.
Kreger Brodish LLP is a personal injury attorney in Durham, NC. We take pride in our work helping injured people in our community, and we place special emphasis on communication. If you hire us to represent you in your personal injury claim, you will never have trouble contacting us or getting an update on your case. If you’ve been injured in an accident in Durham, North Carolina, contact Kreger Brodish LLP today. There are no legal fees unless we secure compensation for you.
