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What You Need To Know About Social Media and Your Georgia Car Accident Case
In today’s digital age, it may be tempting to post about your car accident and injuries on social media. Updating your friends and family about your situation seems harmless. However, these posts can sink your injury claim if they contradict legal allegations or reveal pre-existing medical conditions.
Defense lawyers routinely search social media profiles for evidence that undercuts victims’ cases. Just one problematic post or photo on your accounts could cost you thousands in lost compensation.
The situation is clear – anything you share related to your crash can and will be used against you. The only safe option is to avoid social media altogether until your case is fully resolved. Limiting posts protects you and prevents statements from being taken out of context. It pays to be extremely cautious about social media activity after a Georgia car accident. One wrong post could negatively impact your entire case…
Key Takeaways:
- The way you use social media can impact your car accident case
- Be careful what you post – it can be used as evidence
- Adjust your privacy settings to limit access
Your use of social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat can affect your car accident case in Georgia. Proper use of social media is crucial during the claims process.
How Social Media Impacts Your Car Accident Case
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. We post updates, photos, and videos about our lives without much afterthought. However, if you’ve been in a Georgia car accident, this common behavior can negatively impact your case. Insurance companies and defense attorneys are increasingly using social media posts as evidence in claims and lawsuits.
Anything you post online about your car accident can potentially be obtained and used against you. This includes:
- Admissions of fault or liability
- Details about how the accident happened
- Statements about injuries or severity of injuries
- Photos and videos from the accident scene
- Documentation of your activities before/after the accident
- Comments that contradict the details of your legal claim
Defense attorneys can paint a different picture of your case using your own words against you. For example, they may try to show:
- You were not that badly injured if you posted yourself out socializing shortly after the accident
- The impact could not have been that severe based on photos of the damage
- You were partially at fault for doing something negligent before the crash like texting while driving
A simple social media post can undermine your entire legal claim. You may end up with a smaller settlement or lose the case altogether if key evidence works against you.
Adjust Privacy Settings and Be Cautious Posting
The best policy is to be extra cautious about what you share online after a car accident. Consider the following tips:
- Tighten up your privacy settings so only approved friends can see your posts and photos.
- Temporarily deactivate accounts if needed to limit access.
- Do not discuss details of the accident itself or your injuries online. Wait until your case is resolved before posting about it.
- Avoid any posts that could contradict your legal claims in any way. Insurance companies will look for evidence that you are exaggerating your injuries.
- Tell friends and family to be careful as well. Their social media activities could also impact your case.
Essentially, assume that anything you or your connections post may be used as evidence. A Georgia car accident attorney can provide specific guidance on safely using social media during your case.
Social Media Posts as Legal Evidence
In most cases, your social media accounts can be subpoenaed for investigative purposes. Under Georgia law, online posts are generally admissible as evidence if relevant to the case.
Some exceptions exist, such as attorney-client privilege. However, most online activities do not have special protections. If your social media contradicts your legal claims, expect it to surface during the claims process.
Both insurance adjusters and defense lawyers have departments dedicated to reviewing social media profiles and posts. They utilize automated scanning technology to flag posts that may impact injury claims.
An aggressive legal team will dig deep into your digital footprint for any material that weakens your case. Be extremely cautious to avoid this outcome.
Documenting Injuries Properly
It may be tempting to post about your injuries from the car accident online to update family and friends. However, this should be avoided as defense counsel can use it against you.
If you post that you are seriously injured immediately after the crash, and then are shown dancing at a party a few weeks later, it damages your credibility. Only document injuries through your doctor and legal team. Work closely with your Georgia car accident attorney on properly recording details about:
- Diagnosis and prognosis
- Treatment plans and medications
- Restrictions and limitations
- Recovery process and progress
- Expenses and costs of medical care
Thorough medical documentation beats social media posts any day when proving damages. Let your physicians provide the evidence needed to maximize your injury claim.
Social Media Monitoring of Other Parties
While you should restrict your own social media use, your lawyer may monitor the accounts of other involved parties. The at-fault driver, witnesses, or insurance adjusters may post evidence useful to your claim.
Your attorney can lawfully gain access to this information through the discovery process. Witnesses acknowledging speeding or distraction can prove liability. Photos of vehicle damage or party-going after the crash can also establish negligence.
Social media is a double-edged sword that injury lawyers know how to utilize strategically in car accident cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about social media and Georgia car accident cases:
Can my own posts hurt my injury claim?
Absolutely. Any post that contradicts or undermines your claimed injuries/damages could reduce your settlement value. Insurance companies scrutinize social media accounts closely.
What if I already posted about the accident online?
Immediately remove any potentially damaging posts. Ask others who may have shared them to delete them as well. Restrict privacy settings going forward.
Should I delete my accounts until my case is over?
Temporarily deactivating accounts removes access during the claims process. However, archived online data can still be subpoenaed in lawsuits.
Can my lawyer use social media to help prove my case?
Yes, your attorney can legally access the social media presence of at-fault parties to look for evidence that strengthens your claim.
How far back can defense lawyers research my accounts?
In most cases, several years of social media data may be subpoenaed. Establishing patterns of behavior over time can impact injury cases.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Georgia car accident, be extremely cautious with social media during the claims process. One wrong post could tank your case.
To protect yourself, contact the experienced Georgia car accident lawyers at Langrin-Robertson Law for a free case evaluation. Their legal team can provide specific social media guidance while working to maximize your injury claim.
With extensive experience fighting insurance companies, they have helped thousands of injured victims recover fair compensation. Contact Langrin-Robertson Law today to discuss your specific situation and options. Proper legal representation is crucial following any car accident.