The Impact of Social Media on a Personal Injury Case

What is the impact of social media on a personal injury case for those injured in an accident here in Mission Viejo or across Orange County?   It is important to understand the impact social media can have upon an otherwise valid personal injury claim.  The majority of us here in Southern California post events and news in our lives to social media.  It may surprise you to learn that you should never post information on social media if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident.  This especially applies to the extent of your injuries or thoughts you may have about other drivers or the cause of your accident.

Insurance adjusters and their legal teams scour your social media posts for statements that can and will be used against you to diminish the value of or actually reject a valid personal injury claim.  For example, an insurance adjuster can raise facts from your posts on any platform to present as evidence that you announced on social media you were “ok” or “uninjured” or that your injuries amounted to “just a few bumps and bruises.”  Your attempts to simply calm and reassure family and friends could cost you tens of thousands of dollars or more.   Many injuries take days or even weeks before there are any outward symptoms.

You may wish to post about how good you are feeling on a particular day, or some activity you really enjoyed participating in.  The legal team defending the insurance claim will attempt to twist this and use it against you to argue you were unaffected by the accident, out and enjoying and participating in daily life.  No crutches visible and no mention of pain, or impact of any injuries on your ability to participate in normal activity.  What seems completely natural on the surface can actually severely impact the genuine value of a valid claim.

If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident you should be aware of the impact of social media on a personal injury case.  Avoid any sort of acknowledgement you might have contributed to the cause of the accident.  Do not comment on others involved in the accident or even express you were “sad to see the injuries suffered by the other driver.”  This type of sentiment will be twisted into an accusation of admittance of guilt.

This also applies to photos and updates posted by you or your friends, family and even co-workers.  They aren’t trying to hurt you and have no idea how social media can damage your valid personal injury claim.  However, the impact of social media on a personal injury case can actually damage your ability to seek and achieve fair compensation for what has happened.

The best strategy is to avoid any and all references to the accident itself and instruct your family and friends to avoid the topic on social media to protect your case.  If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident anywhere in Mission Viejo, Irvine or Orange County you will need sound advice and counsel.  We invite you to review the recommendations of former clients and the legal industry and contact the Law Firm of Rivers Morrell or call 949-305-1400 to speak with Rivers Morrell personally for a free consultation.  Learn more about how to protect your valid personal injury claim and how we will work with you to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

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