Dangers Of Using Social Media During Your Florida Personal Injury Case
According to Pew Research Center, almost two-thirds (65%) of American adults use social networking sites. The rise of social media has affected communications patterns around the globe, work, news consumption, dating, and many other things. Even though young adults are the most likely to use social media, Pew Research Center reports that usage among those aged 65 and above has more than tripled since 2019. According to Pew Research Center, today, 35% of the individuals 65 years or older reported using social media, compared with only 2% in 2005. Additionally, according to the research center, men and women use social media at similar rates.
As much as social media offers many benefits, it can also lead to many negative consequences. This is especially true for personal injury cases. So, if you have a pending personal injury claim, you should keep in mind that even the most innocent activity on your Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook account can lead to undesirable results.
So, how exactly can social media hurt your personal injury case? Read on to find out.
Social Media Can Be Used Against You
Social media evidence is admissible evidence. According to Florida Statute 90.402, “All relevant evidence is admissible, except as provided by law.” Generally, a social media post that is relevant to your personal injury case, authentic, and not hearsay, can be used as evidence against you. If, for example, you post something on social media that contradicts what you claimed in your case, that post can be used against you. For instance, suppose you suffered a back injury in your accident, and then you post about how good it feels to go out and do yard work. Even if you have not done anything strenuous, the defense team may use such a post to dispute your injuries. Also, suppose you suffer an arm injury in an accident and then “check in” in the bowling alley. In such a situation, it could be argued that you are doing well, and your injury is not as extensive as you claim.
Unfortunately, as much as social media can be fun, it can be very misleading. Just one image of you with a smile on your face may lead to the insurance company claiming that you are not suffering from your injury. Because of how social media posts can be so easily misinterpreted, it is crucial for anyone with a pending personal injury case to remain extremely cautious about what they post on social media. If you have a pending case, it would be best for you to avoid posting on social media until your case is settled. Remember, even when you are extremely cautious about what you post, comments from friends and family may still end up causing problems.
Contact Us for Legal Help
After suffering a personal injury in Florida, you need to retain a skilled personal injury attorney who can guide you throughout your case and ensure you avoid making mistakes that can jeopardize your case. The Key West & Marathon car accident attorneys at Florida Keys Injury have years of experience helping victims of other people’s negligence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Resource:
pewresearch.org/internet/2015/10/08/social-networking-usage-2005-2015/
