In recent years, social media has become more popular than ever, and it has inevitably changed the world as we know it. Whether we are snapping a quick selfie to send to a friend or posting about our trip to the Bahamas, social media is all-encompassing and inescapable. While posting and sharing about your life on social media may seem inherently innocent and unproblematic, the same can not be said when it comes to the legal landscape. Whether you like it or not, anything you say, post, like, retweet, or comment on social media can be used against you in the courtroom. Therefore, you may want to think twice next time you post. Furthermore, let’s explore how this seemingly innocent act of posting on social media may come back to haunt you in your personal injury case.
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The Possibility Of Contradictory Evidence
The greatest risk of social media within the scope of personal injury law is the possibility for contradictory evidence to be shared. Let’s say you were recently in a car accident and sustained injuries. In your written records and testimony, you claim that your injuries are severe and debilitating, thereby inhibiting your ability to carry out your everyday activities. However, you recently posted on social media about your amazing 15-mile hiking experience. This evidence would be in direct opposition to your claims, therefore causing a contradiction between the two.
While you may be thinking ahead and are wise to not post on your accounts about your case or current conditions on social media, even commenting on a friend’s post that implies or states a detail that contradicts your case can be detrimental. Furthermore, being that social media can ultimately make or break your personal injury case, it is probably in your best interest to abstain from posting at all during your case.
Be Skeptical Of Friend Requests
During the legal process, it is equally as important to be skeptical of any friend requests that you may receive. Although you may perceive a friend request from a “mutual” friend to be harmless during this time, insurance adjusters and the defense team may be the ones on the other side of the seemingly legit profile. Therefore, be cautious of accepting any friend requests during this time as it is better to be safe than sorry.
Do Not Delete Any Activity
Another important tip to remember while your personal injury case is in development is to avoid deleting any posts or comments on your social media account. Even if you accidentally posted about your personal injury case on your social media account, do not delete it. Deleting, tampering, or manipulating evidence that is crucial to the court case is considered spoliation of evidence, which has the potential to negatively impact the outcome of your case.
Navigating The Legal Landscape
As you can see, social media can be a differentiating factor in your personal injury case, oftentimes for the worst. To help guide you through the legal process and understand the nuances of social media in personal injury claims, it is crucial to contact a Kent injury attorney. An experienced attorney will help protect your rights and guide you through the intricacies of personal injury law.