The Impact of Social Media on Personal Injury Claims 

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, providing a space for sharing experiences, connecting with others, and expressing personal narratives. However, when it comes to personal injury claims, what you post online can significantly impact the outcome of your case. At McCune Law Group, we understand the complexities that digital footprints can introduce to legal proceedings and advocate for informed and cautious use of social media during this critical time. 

What is a Personal Injury Claim? 

A personal injury claim is a legal process in which an individual seeks compensation for harm or injury suffered due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. This claim aims to address the financial, physical, and emotional damages that resulted from incidents such as car accidents, slips and falls, medical malpractice, or product defects. Nolo.com has in depth definitions and information regarding personal injury. 

Social Media as Evidence 

Social media platforms serve as virtual diaries for many, where moments from daily life are broadcasted to friends, family, and sometimes a broader audience. However, in the context of personal injury claims, these posts are not just seen by your followers—they can also be accessed by insurance companies and opposing legal teams. Lawyers are increasingly turning to public social media posts as evidence in court, mining data that might contradict or undermine a claimant’s case. A single post suggesting physical activity or a stress-free lifestyle can be used to argue that your injuries are less severe than claimed, potentially jeopardizing compensation. 

Privacy Settings and Precautions 

While tightening privacy settings on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is a prudent step, it is not a foolproof solution. Contrary to common belief, anything shared on social media, even within closed networks, can be subpoenaed and presented in court. Therefore, the safest approach is to refrain from posting anything related to your accident, injuries, or even recovery process during an ongoing claim. Encouraging friends and family to avoid tagging or mentioning you in posts is equally important, as such interactions can inadvertently disclose information. 

Perception vs. Reality 

An essential factor to consider is how social media posts can often present an idealized version of reality. A single picture or comment taken out of context can create a misleading impression of your physical or emotional state. For instance, a photo taken during a rare good day amidst ongoing pain or during an essential physical therapy activity might be misconstrued as evidence of full recovery. These misrepresentations can hinder your ability to secure fair compensation by painting a picture that contradicts your claims. 

• What kind of social media content should I avoid posting during a claim? 
  • Avoid posting about your accident, injuries, physical activities, or anything that might contradict your reported condition. Also, refrain from discussing any details of your legal case. 
• Can my friends’ posts about me affect my claim? 
  • Yes, posts in which you are tagged or mentioned can also be used as evidence. It is advisable to ask friends and family not to tag or reference you during your claim period. 
• Should I delete existing posts after filing a claim? 
  • It is not advisable to delete posts, as this might be construed as destroying evidence. Consult with your attorney for the best course of action regarding past posts. 
• Can checking into locations on social media impact my case? 
  • Yes, location check-ins can indicate activities inconsistent with your injury claims, so it is best to avoid using location-based features during this time. 

How to Start Your Potential Case  

McCune Law Group can help you with your personal injury cases. Contact a highly experienced team member from McCune Law Group and we can help with your interests. Here are four steps to help you initiate contact:    

1. Step 1: Research and Gather Information – Before reaching out, gather all relevant information about your case. This includes details about the incident and information about the parties involved. Take note of the date, time, and location of the incident.     
2. Step 2: Call or Complete the Form for Initial Evaluation – Use the provided phone number or online form to contact our team. You may find it helpful to prepare a summary of your case before making the call or completing the form. This will ensure you provide essential details efficiently.     
3. Step 3: Schedule a Free Evaluation – Request a free evaluation to discuss your case in detail. We offer free initial evaluations to assess the viability of your case. During this meeting, you can share the specifics of your situation, ask questions, and get a better understanding of how our team can assist you.     
4. Step 4: Prepare for the Evaluation– Before the scheduled evaluation, organize all relevant documents and be prepared to articulate the details of your case clearly. This will help the attorney assess the merits of your case more effectively. During the evaluation, feel free to ask any questions you may have about the legal process, potential outcomes, and our approach to personal injury lawsuits. 

Protecting Your Interests 

Social media is a powerful tool, but when dealing with personal injury claims, it must be used judiciously. Every post, comment, or shared photo has the potential to influence the outcome of your case. At McCune Law Group, we are committed to protecting your interests and ensuring that social media does not become an obstacle to receiving the justice and compensation you deserve.  

It takes experience and commitment to succeed in this complex field of law, and that is the level of counsel found at McCune Law Group. Our attorneys are leaders in the realm of personal injury law. We have achieved this reputation by consistently winning large verdicts and settlements for our clients. In fact, we have recovered over $1 billion across our practice areas for the injured and wronged.