Social media has become a prevalent part of our online activities. Did you know that approximately 3.6 million people use social media worldwide? What’s more, this number is only projected to increase.
Since Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Pinterest, and other platforms have grown in popularity, many individuals have taken to sharing glimpses of their lives online. However, if you are involved in a personal injury case, there are a few things to consider.
Social Media is Not Private
Never assume that anything you post online is private. You may think that checking in at a location or sharing a photo via SnapChat is no big deal, but it could become an issue if you have been injured.
Insurance adjusters may see your posts and assume that your injury is not seriously impacting you. For example, if you check in at the gym while rehabbing your injury, it could become an issue in your case. A lot of social media activity can be taken out of context and misunderstood by opposing counsel or the insurance company.
You may think that your privacy settings will protect your social media posts from scrutiny, but there are several ways for others to access content that you share.
Finding Community
If you or a loved one is part of a personal injury case, it’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to using social media. If you’re not sure how a post might be viewed during an investigation, it’s best to not post at all.
Since the impulse to post on social media is often related to a need for connection, you might try calling a trusted friend or family member instead of sharing your thoughts online. Continue to document injuries and any complications related to them offline. Share that information with your medical providers and attorney.
If you’re struggling to manage pain associated with your injury or looking for helpful information, look for organizations such as the Brain Injury Association of America and the Mayo Clinic. You can find information about what to expect as you heal, questions to ask your doctor, and more. For severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, you can even find support groups where you can talk to others who have experienced similar symptoms. If you choose to participate in an online community, be sure that you are not providing personally identifiable information related to you or your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
