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How social media use can hurt a personal injury case in Georgia

On Behalf of | Jan 26, 2024 | Personal Injury

Many people in Georgia use social media. However, what they share online can have significant consequences.

This is often especially true for people involved in a personal injury case.

Evidence

Insurance companies and opposing parties frequently scour social media platforms to gather evidence. Other parties can use even seemingly harmless posts or photos to challenge the severity of your injuries or the validity of your claims.

Oversharing

One of the pitfalls individuals face is the tendency to overshare on social media. Posting details about your daily activities, especially those that may contradict your injury claims, can jeopardize your case. For instance, if you claim to have a back injury, but you share photos of yourself engaging in physically demanding activities such as hiking, it could undermine your credibility.

Impact on damages

In personal injury cases, the damages often include medical expenses, pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Social media content can dispute these claims. If, for example, you post about engaging in activities that suggest you are not experiencing significant pain or distress, it can challenge the extent of your suffering.

Privacy invasion

While it may seem like a safe space, the virtual world is not immune to privacy invasion. Opposing parties can easily access the information you share among friends or followers. Even if your accounts are set to private, there is no guarantee that the information will not wind up in the hands of those who can use it against you.

Exercising caution on social media is important. Refraining from sharing details about your case, injuries or activities can protect your legal standing. Think twice before posting anything.