Today, social media outlets like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are common ways people communicate with each other, post pictures, and publicly share their opinions in real time with the push of a button. Though it may seem harmless, if you have been injured and are engaged in a Long Island personal injury lawsuit, this behavior can unintentionally destroy your claim for recovery or drastically limit the amount of compensation you receive.
For instance, if your back was hurt in a car accident and you pursue a personal injury claim against the other driver, you may claim an inability to work and severe pain resulted from their negligence. If you decide to post a status update at the gym and then a photo of yourself out for drinks with friends later, defense counsel or the defendant’s insurance company may argue that you can’t possibly be as injured as you claim – otherwise you wouldn’t be engaging in the activities you posted on social media. Their job is to downplay your injuries and shift the fault to you, and they often go to great lengths to do so.
Tips for Social Media Use After You’ve Been Injured
If you’re pursuing a personal injury claim, following a few simple steps can help you avoid pitfalls that could damage your case and cost you the money you might otherwise receive.
- Don’t post anything about your accident or injuries; tell your friends and family not to as well.
- If you must post, read and re-read the content before posting.
- Change your privacy settings so nobody but your connections can view your photos and posts.
- Refrain from posting angry or negative comments about anyone involved in the lawsuit.
- Don’t add connections you do not personally know – insurance companies and defense lawyers may try to connect to “dig up dirt” and disprove your claims.
Contact an Attorney
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, it’s important you take steps to protect your legal rights and put forward the strongest claim possible for recovery. To help you navigate tricky legal waters and avoid pitfalls that can derail your arguments for compensation, contact the experienced Long Island car accident attorneys at the Falkowitz Law Firm, PLLC. Contact us 24/7 at (844)-385-4279 or by completing our online Contact Page to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us use our resources and skills to get the best possible outcome for you so you can get your life back on track.
Gary P. Falkowitz is the Managing Partner and Founding Attorney of the Falkowitz Law Firm PLLC‚ one of the premiere personal injury law firms in New York. Gary received his J.D., in 2005 from St. John’s University School of Law and served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
