Most all Americans, no matter their age or level of technological skills, have at least dabbled in some form of social media. Whether keeping up with family and friends on Facebook, posting photos on Instagram or Snapchat, or sending Twitter updates, social media can be a good way to share moments of your life with others. If you are involved in a personal injury case, however, using social media after an accident may end up costing you money—or even your entire case.

Talk to Your Attorney Before Posting Anything on Social Media

If you are in the middle of a personal injury case it is extremely important that you use good judgment regarding your social media accounts. It is equally important to note that while using social media is likely to have a negative impact on your personal injury case, there are certain times when a social media profile could actually help your case. Posts and photographs could document your actions during a specific timeframe, or help you prove your side of an issue. Once the wheels of justice have been put into motion, you should be extremely cautious regarding what you post onto social media, and if you have any doubts about what is appropriate, talk to your attorney before posting.

Avoid Posting Photos of Your Activities or Even Status Updates

As an example, if you are suing for personal injury, it would probably not be the best idea to post photos of yourself in a fun, physical activity. Regardless of how innocent, the information could be used against you. If you feel it necessary to update your friends and family on your physical condition following your accident, do so in person or on the phone. Even if you are not posting anything directly about your accident or your injuries, remember that a jury may wonder just how much pain you could have been in if you found the time to chat regularly with friends, no matter the subject.

Furthering Reading: GPS Related Car Accidents

Do’s and Don’ts for Social Media

If you are involved in any type of legal action, remember the following do’s and don’ts:

• Do remember that every single action you take during this time could be watched;
• Do remember that virtually anything you post on social media has the potential to be used against you;
• Do remember that opposing counsel could be looking not only at your social media pages, but those of your friends as well, so caution friends not to discuss your accident or injuries on social media;
• Do increase your security settings on all social media accounts to the maximum levels;
• Don’t erase posts or take down photos—those records and documents can be obtained, even after you delete them, and it could look like you had something to hide;
• Don’t cancel your account—a subpoena can result in the page being re-activated, and, once again, you could look like you had something to hide, and
• Don’t use social media to show how badly you are hurt—most attempts of this sort backfire or end badly.

Disputing Pain and Suffering Claims

In many cases, when you are suing for a personal injury, you are not only claiming damages for actual expenses, but for your pain and suffering as well. If your Facebook page shows you at a party with friends laughing and having a good time, it could be difficult to show you are actually in pain or suffering in any tangible way. If you are claiming in your lawsuit that you are unable to enjoy your regular activities because of the accident, yet there you are on Instagram bowling on Tuesday night, it will be difficult to show your injuries have affected your activities to any measurable degree. Even saying something on social media about what you plan to do with your settlement money can end up causing you trouble. In the end, avoid social media as much as you possibly can while your case is pending, and you can avoid having an innocent comment or photograph used against you, costing you the settlement you were entitled to.

Contact Our Experienced Broomfield Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident in Broomfield, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, or anywhere in Colorado, it is important to contact our experienced personal injury attorneys immediately. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., our committed personal injury lawyers are dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves justice. Contact us at (303) 423-1770 or (866) 385-3505.

Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing injured accident victims in Broomfield, Arvada, Superior, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, Longmont, and throughout Colorado.