If you are part of this current generation, then you know how big of a role social media plays in our lives. We like to post every intimate detail of our daily schedules, but when it comes to a car accident, this may not be the move. We know how hard it may be not to vent or share about the situation, but it is important to remember even if you slid past a post, the internet never forgets it. You may be wondering why this is the case. You're also are probably thinking if I don’t bad mouth an insurance company/individual or aren’t specific about the details, I should be fine, right? Well, that’s not entirely true, here are a few reasons.
Ways in which your social posts can be used against you in a personal injury case
As evidence
If your case doesn’t get settled before trial, it gets resolved in a courtroom. This means that both sides can gather evidence to support their case. Anything can be used as evidence, including your social media posts. Even if your account is on private is important to be mindful that they may find those images which give them access to time stamps and videos.
For time stamps or contradictory statements
As we all know, with social media posts, the images are time stamped and we can write or post whatever views, thoughts, or opinions we have freely. Therefore, as much as we want to post our frustrations about the accident online, there is that chance that one piece of information from that photo or video could be used as contradictory evidence.
To say you are hiding information
While you have filed a personal injury claim, it is always a good idea to be mindful about what you post. Also, it is recommended not to delete any posts made as it may be viewed as you trying to hide something. Even if the post has nothing to do with the accident. Also, just so you are aware, anything you post online and delete is still available somewhere on the web. So, before you accidentally post that finsta photo to your regular account, think twice.
It is so important to remember that all things can be considered as evidence for your personal injury claim or really anything in your life. There are always certain precautions that you can take to ensure you are protected.
Here are a few tips from your accident attorneys:
Keep your Account on Private and limit your story views to friends only
This is a good way to keep your account. This means that only individuals that you allow can view your account. It also gives you the option to deny people you don’t know from viewing your content.
Post nothing about your accident
This is a good rule to go by because you never know if the timestamps, words said, or anything within that post will be used against you. This is not discouraging you from taking images, you 100% should do so for your own evidence to provide your car accident attorney. This is just saying there is no need to post those images on your social accounts.
Don’t add anyone you do not know
If you don’t know someone trying to add you or see someone you don’t know watching your story, immediately delete or block them. You don’t know them or what their intentions may be.
Be mindful of what you post
Anything that you post will be out there, this is a lesson for anything regarding social media. Even if you delete someone, that data is still stored somewhere, or that two seconds in which the post is up, someone may have caught it. Your social media can be used in a case when you’re being hired for a job, etc. That is why it is important to be mindful.
These are all important things to keep in mind, but especially when filing a personal injury claim. This is not saying you should not take photos of your accident, still take as many photos as possible of the accident, just don't post them to social media. That is why you should contact an accident attorney. They can help you navigate your case and walk you through every step of the way. Our accident attorneys at Demesmin and Dover Law Firm make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 866-954- MORE (6673).