If you’ve been involved in an accident due to the negligent actions of another party, understanding your legal rights is imperative. Though you may know to avoid contact with the other party unless it’s through an attorney, you may not know that scrolling on your social media accounts can hurt your claim. If injured, you’ll want to keep reading to learn how social media use can impact the outcome of your case and why working with an Orange County accident attorney is in your best interest during these complicated matters.
Why Is Using Social Media a Bad Idea After an Accident?
Though you may not think twice about these matters, social media use can impact the outcome of your claim against a negligent party.
While warnings about the dangers of the internet may have seemed more common when you were a child, they still hold truth today. Once something is on the internet, it is there forever. As such, anything you post online following a collision can be collected and used against you during court. Even if your posts are protected by privacy settings, your information can still end up in the hands of the defendant’s legal team to be held against you.
There is a common misconception that as long as the post isn’t on your profile, the defendant won’t be able to see it. This is far from the truth, as even photos you are tagged in that are posted by others can be held against you. For example, if you broke your leg during a car accident, but you’re seen smiling in photos from a concert, the legal team for the negligent party can fight to have your compensation reduced. This is because the images can be twisted to suggest that the injury must not be severe if you can have fun and do normal activities even with a broken leg.
While most people use social media platforms as an outlet for their inner thoughts, it’s best to refrain from posting anything about your accident. These statements may conflict with previous claims you’ve made, which can impact your credibility and call the integrity of your claim into question.
Do I Need an Attorney if I’m Injured?
If you are injured in an accident in Florida, it’s imperative to understand the importance of connecting with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many believe all they need to do is file a claim against the negligent party’s insurance and wait to receive a check in the mail. However, this is far from the truth, as the insurance company will likely do everything possible to reduce the value of your claim. As such, connecting with an experienced attorney as soon as possible is critical to protect yourself during these matters.
At Tropical Injury Law Firm, we understand how devastating it can be to sustain an injury due to the negligent actions of another person. That’s why our firm will do everything possible to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We can help guide you through filing a personal injury claim so you can focus on healing. Connect with our team today to learn how we can assist you.