Source: unsplash.com

Over the years, social media has significantly revolutionized our way of living. Not only did It become a medium to connect with distant loved ones, but it also became a platform for soliciting virtual support, especially during challenging times.

However, with improper usage, social media can damage critical affairs such as personal injury cases. If you’re a recent motorcycle accident victim, these are the 11 common social media mistakes you must avoid at all costs while your case is in progress.

1. Sharing accident-related details

Source: unsplash.com

Since being involved in a motorcycle accident can be highly traumatic, it is natural for victims to vent out on social media and share relevant details about the accident. Even if you want to share positive updates about your injuries and healing recovery, refrain from doing so, as the insurance company can use your statements against you. The other party’s legal team can use your public posts to disprove your claim and say that you’re not in pain or your sustained injuries did not result from the accident.

2. Posting videos and photos of the accident

Aside from essential case details, avoid posting photos and videos related to the accident. A harmless picture of your damaged motorcycle with a non-triggering caption can be taken out of context and eventually ruin your entire case. Even a simple selfie with your loved ones or a short video of you exercising can be used against you in court, so be sure to post with caution.

3. Not contacting an accident attorney

Source: pexels.com

The best way to ensure you’re not compromising your legal rights is by getting professional legal help. The legal system is already a complicated sphere, so you must have a great legal team behind you. If you’re unsure if your social media posts are incriminating, consult your lawyer immediately so they can efficiently guide you on how to engage properly in the online world. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident in Wichita, click here to get more information on how to efficiently file a lawsuit.

4. Not educating your loved ones

Your social media efforts will become futile unless you educate your loved ones on how their posts can affect your legal case. Inform your family and friends to be mindful of what they share, as the opposing party might stalk their accounts to get incriminating evidence. Tell them not to tag you in their posts and comment on anything pertaining to your accident. You should also refrain from commenting or reacting to other people’s posts, even if they’re unrelated to your claim. When speaking with your loved ones, make sure to do it respectfully to avoid altercations.

5. Not monitoring your social media accounts

If you have several social media accounts, it is essential you keep track of all of them while your case is ongoing. Avoid deactivating your inactive accounts, as it may appear as if you’re destroying crucial evidence. Discuss with your attorney for the best recourse, and remember to be transparent when sharing details or activities you’ve done previously with your social media platforms.

6. Accepting suspicious social media requests

Source: unsplash.com

Some insurance companies often create fake social media accounts or hire individuals who will befriend the victim or plaintiff to obtain essential case-related information. Until your case settles, avoid accepting follow or friend requests from strangers and even from old acquaintances. Being skeptical is deemed acceptable during these challenging times, as you can never guarantee the true intentions of your virtual acquaintances.

7. Not being mindful of your statements

Another common social media mistake of accident victims is posting regrets or apology statements. Even if you believe that you caused the accident, never apologize or admit that you’re at fault. Statements such as “I made a grave mistake” or “Off to buy a new motorcycle today” can significantly impact your case. Be mindful of what you say in your posts and with the content you share with others.

8. Connecting with the other party

Refrain from reaching out to the other party, as their legal team can use this simple gesture negatively. Even if the accused party is someone you know, avoid interacting with them and other related acquaintances while your claim is still underway. If they initiate contact, do not respond and inform your lawyer immediately.

9. Using the check-in feature

Source: unsplash.com

While letting your digital friends know where you had dinner or plan to do yoga might seem harmless, tagging yourself at an establishment that contradicts your supposed injury can be raised as conflicting evidence in court. In addition, the insurance party or defense team can easily send someone to spy on you and take pictures and videos without your consent.

10. Deleting your posts

Your social media posts serve as your digital footprint so avoid deleting them, no matter how innocent they may seem. Even if you feel your posts are damaging, leave them as they are and confer with your lawyer immediately. It is highly possible that the opposing team already secured screenshots of your previous posts, so removing them might appear that you’re concealing vital information.

11. Not setting your profiles to private

Source: screenrant.com

Changing your social media privacy settings right after the accident is essential during a personal injury case. Setting your profiles to private can hinder other users from gaining access to your accounts and make it more challenging for the insurance company to see your posts. Remember to inform your loved ones to secure their respective profiles and be wary of suspicious individuals.

However, restricting access to your socials doesn’t guarantee that your posts will be completely safe from interested parties. User information and public posts can be acquired through subpoena, so never assume that your private accounts will always remain private.

Even if it was only a minor fender-bender, getting into an accident can be highly traumatizing. To ensure you receive a favorable case result, avoid making these social mistakes and always listen to your legal team. If you’re unable to behave appropriately on social media, it would be best to stay off it altogether until your claim is resolved.