How Social Media Can Jeopardize Your Naples Personal Injury Claim

The first social networking sites were introduced close to 30 years ago. Today, it plays a major role in many people’s lives. While there is nothing wrong with spending time on sites such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, it is not recommended if you are involved in a personal injury claim. Our Naples personal injury lawyer explains how your posts and online activities could be used against you, jeopardizing your rights to compensation.

How Social Media Is Used In Personal Injury Cases

Personal injuries in Naples pose serious risks. Car crashes, bike or pedestrian accidents, falls, and getting struck by objects in public places are all common causes. When they happen due to negligence on the part of others involved, you have the right to hold them accountable.

Under the Florida Statutes, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs you suffer as a result of their recklessness. However, insurers and others you are likely to deal with in the aftermath have the right to try and deny or downplay your claim.

According to the Claims Journal, social media is one of the first places they are likely to look for evidence that can be used against you. Many people check in regularly on social media accounts and post status updates, pictures, and other personal injuries. Information that can be used by insurers and opposing counsel to dispute your claim includes:

• Your activities immediately before the accident, which could indicate that you were tired, distracted, under the influence, or otherwise partially to blame;
• Your activities after the accident, which could be used to dispute the severity of your injuries;
• Statements you make about the accident, how it happened, or the damages you suffered as a result, which can be twisted, taken out of context, or otherwise used against you.

Social Media Tips When Filing A Personal Injury Claim In Naples

Search Engine Journal states that when social media began in 1997, it was mainly aimed at teens and only had several hundred users. Today, billions of people of all ages log into some type of social media site on a regular basis for both personal and business reasons.

If you suffered personal injuries and have an outstanding claim, it is important to be aware of how your posts could be used against you. Follow these tips to protect yourself and your rights to compensation:

• Disable social media accounts until your claim is resolved;
• If you must post online, avoid mentioning anything about your accident or injuries;
• Avoid discussing your activities, including household tasks, any sports or hobbies, and upcoming travel plans;
• Set your accounts to private and restrict others from tagging you in posts.

Contact Our Naples Personal Injury Lawyer

When personal injuries in Naples happen, Cardinal Law Firm provides the trusted guidance and professional legal representation you need to protect your rights in a claim. To request a consultation, call or contact our Naples personal injury lawyer online today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.72.html

claimsjournal.com/news/national/2023/08/17/318768.htm

searchenginejournal.com/social-media-history/462643/