Don’t Let Social Media Postings Ruin Your Personal Injury Case

It’s the twenty-first century and most of us turn to social media to report the happenings in our lives. There are events that you want to share with family and friends – promotions, movie and restaurant reviews, family news. But if you are involved in a car accident or any other type of injury, stay away from social media.

Seemingly Harmless Posts Can Be Damaging to Your Personal Injury Case

Let’s look at an example: You receive injuries from an auto accident that wasn’t your fault, so you meet with an attorney and initiate a lawsuit for negligence against the other driver.

The opposing attorney and insurance company will work hard to reduce any compensation in your case. One technique will be to search the internet and other records for all information about you – including researching your social media accounts.

Social media posts like these can damage your case:

· “My poor car had a fender bender today.” How do you know the extent of the damage? Has your mechanic had time to inspect the car? Damage that appears to be minor can still add up to thousands of dollars.

· “My head hurts, but other than that I am okay.” Are you really? Some symptoms may appear later. This statement indicates that your injuries are minor.

· “Too bad our victory celebration ended like this.” Were you drinking alcohol? The lawyer for the other party will use this statement to demonstrate that you were drinking and driving.

Avoid Social Media

No matter what type of accident has caused your injury, from vehicle accidents to defective products to slips and falls, stay away from social media. You may consider suspending your accounts, as well-meaning friends may post something inappropriate on your sites.

If you keep your accounts open:

· Don’t delete any existing posts.

· Recheck your privacy settings and limit access to people you know. But don’t ever expect that you have complete privacy on social media.

· Don’t accept new “friend” requests unless you personally know them. Another attorney or insurance adjuster may try to access information this way.

· Never post any information or photos about the accident, your injuries or property damage.

· Limit posts on physical activities.

· If you are claiming emotional distress, don’t add posts about a vacation or your latest relationship.

We also caution you against making angry or negative statements on social media about the other driver, attorney or insurance company. Avoid any speculation on a potential settlement.

We Can Help If You Have Been Injured in Any Type of Accident

If you or a family member has been harmed by a defective product, car accident, truck accident, construction accident, slip and fall or any other type of personal injury, please contact StolzenbergCortelli, LLC Attorneys at Law immediately. Please call us for a free consultation at our locations in New York County, Rockland County and Westchester County. Attorneys Howard Stolzenberg and Terrence James Cortelli, personal injury attorneys in White Plains, Nyack and New York City, will fight to secure justice for you and your family. You can reach us at (914) 361 – 4888 or contact us via the website.