It is estimated that more than 75 percent of people who use the Internet also have social media profiles. You can find people from all generations and all walks of life on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and other sites, sharing their photos, activities, thoughts, and experiences. What many people do not realize is that the things you post on social media can have an impact on any personal injury case you may have.
What You Post May Be Used against You
When you have been injured and file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party, the point of the purpose of the claim is to recover financial damages that you have lost due to those injuries. Financial damages can also be collected for the way your life has been adversely impacted due to those injuries, such as for pain and suffering.
The attorney that the at-fault party hires will do their best to prove that the injuries you sustained have not really impacted your life or that you may even be faking your injuries. There are several different tactics the other party’s attorney may use. It is not uncommon for the attorney – or even the insurance company – to hire a private investigator to watch you. Often, an injury victim has no idea they are under surveillance. The goal of the investigator is to catch you on camera doing some type of activity that you are claiming your injuries prevent you to do.
The other side may also interview your neighbors, friends, and family members in an effort to gather negative evidence against you. But with so many people posting details of their personal life on social media, attorneys for injury lawsuit defendants now have another way to gather negative evidence – your social media profiles.
How Can My Social Media Hurt?
In many personal injury lawsuits, not only is financial compensation being sought for medical expenses and loss of income, but there is also the emotional and quality of life factors. For example, if your injuries are causing constant pain that has greatly reduced your quality of life by making it difficult – if not impossible – to enjoy many physical activities you used to enjoy, you could be awarded financial damages for that. However, most people post photos that show happy and fun times or comment on an enjoyable time with friends and families. These types of postings could be used by the defense to show that your life has not been impacted by your injuries and you are not entitled to damages.
Contact a Carolinas Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident, contact a North Carolina personal injury attorney to discuss the details of your case and whether or not you may be entitled to damages. It also may be best to stay off your social media sites until you have the opportunity to ask your attorney for advice on what you should and shouldn’t post.
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