DIAL '3' FOR ME
334-333-3333Social media plays a huge role in most people’s lives these days. They share almost every aspect of their days with friends and strangers alike. If you were injured in a slip and fall or car accident your first instinct may be to update your followers. This is especially likely if the crash was not your fault. You may want to rant about how reckless someone was or express gratitude that your injuries weren’t catastrophic. It’s natural to want to express your feelings or seek support. However, most personal injury lawyers will tell you to avoid discussing an accident on social media. Doing so can jeopardize your ability to get compensation. Continue reading to find out how.
If you get into an accident in Montgomery, AL, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. One of the things they will do is advise you on what you should and shouldn’t say following the crash. Let’s look at some of the things they will tell you.
Being Too Active on Social Media May Be Viewed with Suspicion
The defendant in your case and their attorneys will be waiting for you to slip up. While you are at home recuperating, you may spend lots of time online. Even if you don’t post about the accident, you may comment on photos or share lots of funny content. This may seem like an innocent way to pass the time. However, the insurance company may say this means your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
Emotions are often running high after an accident. Even if you weren’t responsible, you may post a tweet or Facebook status saying you’re sorry about the crash. Someone may interpret this as you accepting blame for what happened. Similarly, if you say you never saw a puddle before you fell, you may be accused of being distracted. Given Alabama’s harsh contributory negligence law, you can’t recover damages if you were even partially at fault.
In general, you shouldn’t discuss your case in great detail with anyone but your Montgomery personal injury lawyer. Unless your lawyer gives you the go-ahead, you shouldn’t talk to the at-fault party or their representatives. Similarly, you shouldn’t post information on social media that the defendant wouldn’t otherwise have. Avoid giving them detail about your diagnosis or your mental and emotional wellbeing. They will almost certainly use it against you.
Recovering from injury is often difficult both mentally and physically. Even if your injuries are long-lasting, you won’t spend every minute in bed. You may socialize to help you stay active and in good spirits. The doctor may even recommend it. However, you should avoid posting photos or videos of yourself out at parties or concerts. Even if you only stayed for 30 minutes before you went home to rest, the images may be used against you. The other party’s lawyer or insurance company may argue that you were exaggerating or faking your injuries.
It may seem extreme to have to limit your social media activity so much. However, insurance companies do everything they can to avoid paying out claims. Your posts won’t tell the whole story, but this may not matter. Your claim for full and fair compensation can easily be placed in jeopardy. That’s why it’s so important to hire an attorney and follow their advice even if it seems overly cautious. If you’re filing a claim or lawsuit, it’s because you need the money for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. You need to do everything you can to protect your right to get compensation.
What you do in the aftermath of a personal injury accident is very important. Whether you slipped and fell, got hit by a car or got bitten by a dog, you need to act appropriately. Otherwise, you may not get the compensation you so badly need. If your medical bills are high and you’re losing out on wages, you can’t afford to take chances. No matter how good your attorney is, they may find it difficult to help you if you share too much.
As soon as possible after your accident, contact the personal injury lawyers in Alabama at The Vance Law Firm. We will guide you through the entire process and do everything we can to ensure you’re treated fairly. Reach out to our team today to schedule a free consultation.
