For all the benefits of technology, its impact on our world is not unequivocally positive. Smartphones and social media have limited our attention spans and diluted the quality of time spent with loved ones. They can also hurt a personal injury claim. It is easier to share any aspect of your life than it is to take back what’s shared on the internet.

Everything you say is out there forever.

This is a problem more broadly, but with personal injury claims specifically, it’s a drastic mistake. We are tempted to share any aspect of our life right away on Facebook or Instagram, but you need to be very cautious after an accident if you’re pursuing legal action.

What you post on social media can hurt your claim.

As a Memphis personal injury lawyer, I always like to go over ground rules with my clients regarding their use of social media. I’ve watched people lose the compensation they deserve because of one carelessly posted picture, which is a true shame.

Most people on social media use it to express their feelings and share their experiences, so it’s understandable that a person who’s been injured would want to update their network of friends. However, our legal system has kept pace with changes in technology. Social media posts that are related to your case are routinely considered to be sound evidence, and more often than not, this hurts your case rather than helping it.

Remember, it is the defense’s job to find evidence that proves the damages aren’t all that bad. They will often go to social media profiles to dig up the proof. I’ve seen cases where the victim of an automobile accident has reported limited mobility and pain. But the judge ruled in the defense’s favor because of photos the victim posted of a vacation after the accident.

It isn’t just about physical injuries. As a Memphis personal injury lawyer, I know that accidents take an emotional toll, too. They can provoke anxiety or limit your enjoyment of everyday activities, and you deserve to be compensated accordingly. However, the defense will use social media posts or your personal blog to prove that a supposed claim of distress is invalid.

Social Media Guidelines After an Accident

Really, my advice is to say nothing about an accident or claim on social media. Below are some more specific guidelines.

—Refrain from sharing any information about medical treatment
—Refrain from sharing any information about the case, including conversations with your attorney or any exchanges you’ve had with anyone involved.
—Limit your posts and ask friends to refrain from tagging you in photos, statuses, or check-ins.
—Be cautious of new friend requests on social media networks, especially from people you don’t know.

Get Help From a Memphis Personal Injury Lawyer

For more than 30 years, our lawyers have helped injured parties recover funds to pay for medical bills, cover lost wages, and, ultimately, rebuild after the trauma of an accident. We understand the emotional toll of an injury and are known for our sensitivity as well as our results.

If you or a family member have been injured, we can discuss your options at no cost. Call (901) 327-2100 or contact us here for a free consultation.