Why Your Facebook Posts Could Hurt Your Personal Injury Case. An Experienced Spokane Personal Injury Attorney Explains

Have you been injured due to someone else’s negligence? If so, you’re likely considering your legal options and the possibility of filing a personal injury case. While gathering medical records and witness statements are crucial steps, there’s another factor you might not be aware of — your social media presence.

As an experienced Spokane personal injury attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how seemingly harmless Facebook posts can significantly impact a personal injury case. In today’s digital age, social media has become a powerful tool — and unfortunately, that power can be used against you in court.

While navigating a personal injury case can be stressful, taking control of your social media presence is an empowering first step.  Don’t let a Facebook post jeopardize your case. Contact our Spokane accident attorneys at Albrecht Law today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights, minimize the risk of social media missteps, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Call us at (509) 495-1246 or visit our website to schedule a consultation.

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.

The Power of Social Media in Personal Injury Cases

Social media platforms like Facebook have become a treasure trove of information for legal proceedings. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys routinely scour social media profiles to gather information about potential claimants. This information can be used to build a case against you, weaken your claims, or even completely discredit your lawsuit.

For instance, imagine you’re suing for injuries sustained in a car accident and claim limited mobility due to back pain. The opposing attorney might discover a recent Facebook post showing you participating in a vigorous hiking trip. This type of inconsistency can raise questions about the legitimacy of your injuries and potentially reduce the compensation you receive.

How Facebook Posts Can Damage Your Case

Let’s delve deeper into specific ways Facebook posts can be detrimental to your personal injury case:

Photos and Videos

A picture is worth a thousand words, and in the context of a personal injury case, it can be worth a significant reduction in compensation. Posting pictures or videos of yourself engaging in activities that contradict your claimed limitations can be highly damaging.  For example, if you allege you can’t lift heavy objects due to a shoulder injury, a post showing you weightlifting at the gym creates reasonable doubt about the severity of your injuries.

Posts Suggesting Fault

Social media is a platform for venting frustrations, but be cautious about what you post regarding the accident.  If you share details implying you were partially at fault (e.g., “Ugh, got into an accident today because I was texting and driving”), this can be used against you, especially if liability is contested.

Revealing Your Activity Level

Personal injury cases often involve claims of limitations due to injuries. Posting about activities that contradict these claims can weaken your case. For instance, attending a physically demanding concert while claiming you can’t walk for extended periods raises questions about the true extent of your limitations.

Misinterpretation and Out of Context Posts

Even seemingly innocent posts can be misinterpreted and used against you. A sarcastic remark about your pain tolerance or a lighthearted post about your daily struggles could be twisted to downplay the severity of your injuries.

How to Protect Yourself on Social Media

Here are some crucial steps you can take to minimize the risk of social media jeopardizing your personal injury case:

Privacy Settings

Review your Facebook privacy settings and adjust them to limit who can see your posts. Consider making your profile private or restricting access to specific details like your location and activity feed.

Think Before You Post

Before hitting that “post” button, take a moment to consider how your post might be perceived in a court of law.  Would it contradict your injury claims or paint a picture of you being more active than you claim to be?  If there’s any doubt, err on the side of caution and avoid posting.

Avoid Posting About Your Case

It’s best to keep the details of your personal injury case entirely off social media. This includes refraining from discussing the accident, your injuries, or the legal proceedings.

What to Do If You’ve Already Posted Damaging Content

So, you realize you’ve already posted content on Facebook that might be detrimental to your personal injury case. Here’s what you should do:

Don’t Delete

Resist the urge to delete any incriminating posts. Deleting evidence can raise suspicion and potentially hurt your case further.

Contact Your Attorney Immediately

Be upfront with your Spokane personal injury lawyer about any social media posts that could be problematic.  They can advise you on the best course of action depending on the specific content.

Damage Control (if possible)

In some cases, your attorney might recommend damage control measures. This could involve changing the privacy settings of the post to limit visibility or issuing a clarifying statement explaining the context behind the post.

Consult Your Attorney

When dealing with a personal injury case, open communication with your lawyer is key.  Inform them about your social media habits and seek their guidance on how to best manage your online presence during the legal process.

Social media is a fantastic tool for staying connected, but during a personal injury case, it’s crucial to be mindful of what you post.  By following these steps and remaining vigilant about your online activity, you can significantly reduce the risk of social media jeopardizing your case and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Ready to Discuss your Personal Injury Case?

Contact our Spokane law firm today for a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you navigate the legal process with confidence. Remember, protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation are our top priorities.

Contact our Spokane injury attorneys today at (509) 495-1246, or fill out our online form for a FREE consultation. Serving clients throughout Eastern Washington, including Grant County, Adams County, and Spokane County, we are committed to providing the guidance, support, and representation you need during this challenging time. We offer consultations based on your schedule and can travel to your location if needed.

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.

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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Albrecht Law PLLC
5105 E 3rd Ave, Suite 101
Spokane Valley, WA 99212
(509) 495-1246
https://albrechtlawfirm.com/