How Social Media Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim
In todays world social media has become a fundamental part of everyday life. It seems like no matter where you turn, someone is either perusing their Instagram feed or posting something new to their Facebook timeline. And while many assume social media is directed mostly to the youth and those in their late teens or 20’s, in reality social media is ubiquitous, no matter what age group you’re in. According to recent statistics over 75% of all individuals in the Unites States use some form of social media, and with sites like Facebook and Instagram easily eclipsing over 1 billion users – its safe to say social media has entrenched itself firmly into our lives and isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. And with such staggering statistics on social media usage, many individuals have a tendency to post every tidbit they can in regard to their daily lives. From big, life-changing events like the birth of a child, or their wedding photos, to even the most insignificant of news, like what they had for lunch or their personal feelings on paper clips. While many would argue so much transparency is a good thing – allowing us to be connected in a way that was never possible before, but others would say this high-level exposure has left us vulnerable and ruined true human connection. No matter what your feelings on the issue might be, social media has become a hot button issue in the legal world as well. According to Anissa Morris, considered to be the best personal injury lawyer in Lutz, in the cutthroat world of personal injury lawsuits, social media exposure has recently been a huge deterrent to justice.
In the event an individual is pursuing a personal injury case, it is because they’ve suffered an injury of some kind – maybe a broken bone, are left with chronic pain issues, concussion or other traumatic brain injury – and the injury has been caused by the negligence of another, at-fault, party. A personal injury claim is used to bring the negligent party to justice and having them compensate the injured party for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. Considered thebest personal injury lawyer in Lutz, Anissa Morris, has been able to help countless clients recover millions in compensatory damages over the years. According to Ms. Morris, during a personal injury case, the best thing an injured party can do, is to keep as quiet as possible about EVERYTHING. The more you divulge to the world, the less likely you are to win your personal injury claim. This is where social media can prove to be a huge detriment.
Individuals have a tendency to want to share big life events on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram – in order to let their friends and family know what’s happening with their lives. However, the problem with social media is the access it gives to the outside world and the consequences to this access. One of the first things Anissa Morris, thebest personal injury lawyer in Lutz, advises her clients is that they should absolutely take a break from posting ANYTHING on social media, for the duration of the trial or any proceedings having to do with their personal injury claim. The main reason for this is that anything and everything you post onto social media, especially during the time of your personal injury lawsuit, can and will likely be used against you. Even the simplest of posts may seem harmless but can prove to be the thing that completely ruins your entire case.
Evidence is the most important aspect of any lawsuit, especially a personal injury lawsuit. And social media can be a goldmine of evidence for the opposing party’s legal team. Insurance companies will pour through your social media pages in an effort to prove that your injuries are not anywhere near as severe as they might seem. When you are seeking compensation for your injuries or damages, the defense will do anything and everything to discredit you and your claims of injury. For instance, if you file a personal injury claim for a car accident, and you make a claim that your injuries have left you temporarily immobile, yet you post an image of yourself dancing at your cousin’s wedding, the defense will use this and completely dismantle your case. While this is an obvious example, even the most innocuous of things can come back to bite you. Posting a picture of a dinner that you made, when you are supposed to be in a wheelchair or on crutches may be misinterpreted by others, even though even while your injured you may still be able to cook fairly easily – the defense may use this to prove that your quality of life has not been hampered at all. The best thing to do is to completely avoid social media for the entire time of your proceedings, in addition, tell any of your close family and friends to avoid posting anything about you or that includes you in any way. Whether it be photos, videos, or text content – this is the best means of protecting yourself, and your personal injury lawsuit. For more information on all facets of a personal injury case or to schedule a legal consultation for you or your loved ones, contact Anissa K. Morris, today.