Social media has likely become so much a part of your life that you no longer recognize how prevalent it is to your daily comings and goings. If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, however, it is important to think carefully about what you post on social media – because the insurance company may try to use it against you. If you have suffered an injury that was caused by the negligence of someone else, consult with an experienced Central Texas personal injury lawyer today.
Your Social Media Accounts
We all use social media to highlight the bright spots in our lives. This is why perusing someone else’s Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat history often gives you the impression that his or her life is comprised solely of happy moments captured in attractive images. This, of course, is not the case. Our lives consist of a combination of ups and downs; it just happens to be the nature of social media that we tend to post our best and brightest moments. If you have been injured in an accident, however, this falsely positive narrative can be misconstrued as evidence that mitigates the injuries you claim to have sustained in the accident.
The fact is that your social media posts, like nearly everyone else’s, probably paint an overly positive picture of your life. Any posts made after your accident date can – and likely will – be used against you in your personal injury case.
Your Personal Injury Claim
Your personal injury claim will eventually be resolved by the insurance company offering you a settlement to compensate you for the damages you have suffered. If the accident is serious, your damages may be extensive:
- Medical expenses
- Lost hours and wages on the job
- A diminished earning capacity
- Emotional pain and suffering
It is important not to even consider accepting a settlement offer until you are well aware of the full extent of the damages you have suffered. Work closely with a skilled personal injury lawyer.
Minding Your Social Media
They call them stories for a reason . . . your social media posts tell a story about your life. This is regardless of editing and staging. In other words, if you continue to maintain social media posts that paint a rosy picture of your life after the accident in question, the insurance company can use it as evidence that refutes your claim of being seriously injured. If you have a personal injury claim, it is in your best interest and in the best interest of your claim to take a break from posting until your settlement is finalized.