In today’s digital world, a personal injury law firm in New York will often warn that social media is second nature and potentially risky. Whether you’re posting a selfie, keeping your friends informed about your recovery, or sharing pictures of your motorcycle, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are always present.
Yet, if you’ve recently been injured in a motorcycle accident, your social media postings can hurt your case, possibly without you even realizing it. If you’re working with a New York motorcycle injury lawyer, they’ll likely tell you to exercise extreme caution regarding what you post. Here’s why your next status update could cost you thousands or even risk your entire claim.
Social Media Is Not as Private as You Think
The majority of accident victims believe that what they share on social media is private and that only their followers or friends can see it. The truth? Defence attorneys and insurance adjusters will sift through your social media. Courts have more and more allowed this content to be admitted as evidence, even if your account is private.
If you’re claiming you’re seriously injured but you’re putting up a smiling brunch selfie or a clip of you walking your dog, that content can be edited and used against you. A savvy Manhattan motorcycle crash lawyer will tell you that the insurers are watching, and they are watching.
Photos and Comments Can Be Misleading
For instance, if you post a photo of yourself going out with friends after your accident, you might still be in pain, but it will look to a jury or insurance company like you’re perfectly fine. Even harmless posts like “feeling better today!” can be taken out of context.
At a New York personal injury law firm, attorneys have seen how innocent posts have been used to reduce or refute legitimate claims. When your case depends on proving pain, suffering, and residual limitations, online content can be used to deny your legal position, even unintentionally.
Tagging, Check-ins, and Location Services Are Risky
It’s not just what you write. Friends’ tagging, checking you in at locations, or posting photos of groups where you’re shown getting active can harm credibility. Consider telling people you can’t ride due to back problems and getting tagged in a video dancing at a wedding.
A seasoned motorcycle injury lawyer New York will likely advise you to avoid social media altogether during the pendency of your case, or at least tighten privacy controls and ask friends to avoid tagging or mentioning you in their posts.
Deleting Posts Can Backfire
Some freak out and start deleting posts after an accident in the hopes it’ll protect them. There’s a catch, though: social media content removal can be considered destruction of evidence. If your case is in court, courts take “spoliation of evidence” very seriously, as well as sanctions or even case dismissal.
That’s why it’s important to speak with your attorney before you do anything. A top New York personal injury law firm can tell you what’s safe to post and what’s likely to be trouble without breaking the law.
How to Protect Your Claim on Social Media
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, here are some social media tips to protect your case:
- Do not post about your accident, injuries, or recovery.
- Do not post physical activities or outings, even if limited.
- Do not accept friend/follow requests from individuals that you do not know.
- Turn your privacy settings to the highest level.
- Ask friends and relatives not to tag you or mention your case.
- Consult with your lawyer before posting something you are not sure about.
An experienced Manhattan motorcycle accident lawyer will tell you that even when you are telling the truth 100%, the interpretation of a post can be used to impeach your claim. It is simply not worth it.
Final Thoughts
When you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, recovering physically is only part of the struggle. The other part is legal recovery, getting the compensation you deserve. And in the social media age, social media is now part of it. Having a dedicated New York motorcycle injury lawyer or a reputable New York personal injury law firm is having somebody who can help protect every facet of your case, even your reputation online. So, stop before you post. It could be the most expensive Instagram post you will ever make.