How Social Media Can Affect Your Columbus Motorcycle Accident Case

Social media is an integral part of our lives. Research suggests that seven out of ten Americans use a social media site. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok allow us to connect with friends and strangers, share our experiences, express our feelings and thoughts, engage with news content, and entertain ourselves. However, if you have a pending motorcycle accident case, it is crucial to think about the consequences that social media can have. Social media can complicate your Columbus motorcycle accident claim and hurt the outcome of your case. Here’s what to know about how social media can affect your Columbus motorcycle accident case.

How Can Social Media Affect Your Columbus Motorcycle Accident Case?

When you are involved in a motorcycle accident and decide to file a compensation claim against the negligent party, your entire life comes under scrutiny, including your social media profiles. You can be sure that the defendant’s insurance company and attorney will search your social media profiles to collect evidence they can use to undermine your motorcycle accident claim. Even a seemingly innocent post or picture can be misinterpreted and used against you in your claim. Insurance companies and defendants’ attorneys use social media to show inconsistencies and contradictions. For example, if you claim that you sustained a serious back injury that limits mobility, but your social media shows you engaging in activities like hiking or dancing, it can damage your credibility. The defendant’s insurance company or attorney may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. If you share a recovery update telling your friends and family that you are feeling better or good, such a post could be taken to mean that your injuries are exaggerated or fabricated.

Are Social Media Posts Admissible in Court?

One question you may have is whether social media posts are admissible evidence. So, are social media posts admissible evidence? Information obtained from social media can be admitted in court as evidence. Courts recognize social media posts as electronic evidence that can be used to undermine or support claims. Photos, status updates, comments, and even private messages that are relevant to your case can be used against you.

Best Practices for Social Media Use After a Columbus Motorcycle Accident

Staying off social media completely until your motorcycle accident claim has been resolved is the best thing to do. However, this may be impossible or unrealistic. If you must continue using your social media while your motorcycle accident case is pending, the following are some best practices to consider;

• Adjust privacy settings: Review and adjust your privacy settings to limit who can view your posts. However, note that privacy settings are not foolproof. That said, privacy settings can provide an added layer of protection.
• Don’t discuss your accident: Avoid posting anything about your accident on social media.
• Don’t discuss your health: Do not share information about your medical condition or treatment progress. Share these updates offline with family and friends.
• Tell your friends not to tag you in posts that could be taken out of context.
• Think before you post: Scrutinize everything before you post it.
• Preserve any posts related to your collision: The parties of a lawsuit are under an ongoing obligation to preserve evidence, such as social media posts, that may relate to this incident .This includes and posts you or others make and commentary on such posts. Deleting evidence may later lead to a “spoliation of evidence” claim asserted against the offending party.

Contact a Columbus Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident and need help seeking the compensation you deserve, contact our Columbus motorcycle accident attorneys at the law firm of Brian G. Miller CO., L.P.A.

Source:

pewresearch.org/internet/2021/04/07/social-media-use-in-2021/#:~:text=roughly%20seven%2Din%2Dten%20Americans%20say%20they%20ever%20use%20any%20kind%20of%20social%20media%20site