Social media can be fun. It can also be a catalyst for many positive changes. Nonetheless, the permanent nature of social media, in that what is posted never truly disappears, has been the downfall of many people who were just expressing what was on their mind at the time. Social media is certainly not the place to vent when you are angry.

If you are pursuing a personal injury claim, your best default position regarding discussion of your claim on social media should be: Don’t. If you have been injured in an accident, before you say anything on social media, contact a Florida personal injury lawyer at Searcy Denney for help.

The Effect of Social Media on Your Personal Injury Claim

Posting information about your personal injury claim, even if done honestly and innocently, can have a variety of negative effects on your claim, including:

• Your Updates May Contradict Your Testimony. When you post on social media about your personal injury case, you might say something that directly or indirectly contradicts what you’re claiming in your case.

• Your Updates May Show Your Injuries Aren’t as Extensive as You Claim. Defense lawyers may use your social media updates to dispute the severity of your injuries. For example, if you claim that you broke your arm and then post pictures from a family vacation in which you’re carrying groceries without a cast, the defense may use the photos to show your physical capabilities and dispute your injuries.

• Posts From Friends and Family. Even the things that your friends and family post on social media can hurt your case. They might contradict your claims about your injuries, or discuss how much money you are seeking.

The “Don’ts” of Social Media

Remember, you have only one chance to collect everything you’re entitled to after an injury. To ruin your claim because of a few misplaced or misinterpreted social media posts is simply counter-productive. Be careful, and remember a few important points:

• Set your social media to “private.” This will help prevent outside parties from easily accessing everything you post online.
• Never discuss your case online. 
• Never discuss your communications with your attorneys online. This may destroy the attorney-client privilege.
• Never discuss your injuries online. While friends and family are always curious and concerned, posting updates about your treatment and injuries can actually damage your case.
• Educate your friends and family regarding the “don’ts” of social media regarding your case.
• While your claim is pending, limit your use of social media. Avoid it entirely if possible.
• Think carefully before posting pictures, videos, or check-ins that involve certain activities or locations.
• Most importantly: When in doubt, don’t.

A Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Can Protect the Integrity of Your Case

If you have a personal injury claim, contact a Florida personal injury lawyer at Searcy Denney before you post anything on social media. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing until and unless you recover. Contact us online today for help.