How Social Media Can Destroy Your Personal Injury Case
In today’s digital world, it’s second nature for many Floridians to post updates, photos, and thoughts on social media. But if you’ve been injured in an accident and are pursuing a personal injury claim, what you post online can seriously damage your case.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys regularly scour platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok looking for content they can twist to undermine your credibility and reduce your compensation. A single post, or even a comment, can damage your path to recovery. When you connect with a Miami personal injury lawyer, they’ll share with you how to communicate while navigating a claim and what forms of communication to avoid.
Words and Photos Telling the Wrong Story
Imagine you’re in a car accident and you suffer a back injury. A few days later, you post on a social media platform that you got hurt but are now feeling better. Even if you’re genuinely still in pain and were only trying to be positive, the defense might argue that you’ve exaggerated your injuries.
In one real case, a woman claimed serious injuries after a slip and fall at a store, but then the defense attorneys involved in her case found a Facebook post where she mentioned training for a marathon. Even though she said she was struggling with the training, that single comment led to a reduced settlement offer.
It’s not just written messages that can cause problems. Photos and videos, even if these are posted by someone else, can raise red flags. For instance, there was a man involved in a motorcycle accident who posted a photo riding a jet ski with friends two weeks later. He claimed ongoing knee injuries, but the image was used to suggest he was physically active and not in as much pain as he claimed. Ultimately, his case was dismissed.
Even posts from birthdays, weddings, or vacations can be taken out of context. Insurance adjusters don’t see the full picture. Their role is to look for inconsistencies they can use to cast doubt on your story.
Privacy Settings Aren’t Enough
Many people believe that if they set their profiles to private that is enough to protect them, but that’s not always the case. Courts have allowed defense attorneys to request access to private social media content if it’s relevant to the injury claim. And mutual friends or followers can unknowingly share your content publicly.
To shield yourself from undue losses, work with a Miami personal injury lawyer who can guide you through settlement risks. Your personal injury claim is about proving the extent of your damages, not giving the insurance company ammunition to deny your needs. Attorneys are available to guide you through every step of the legal process, including what to avoid posting online.
Has an insurance adjuster approached you to discuss your social media posts? If you’ve been injured, contact the seasoned attorneys at Spencer Morgan Law, professionals who have the knowledge to protect your rights, on and off social media. Call 305-423-3800 to book a confidential consultation.