In today’s digital age, nearly everyone has a presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
While these platforms serve as a way to connect with others and share life updates, they can also have significant consequences if you’ve been involved in a car accident. Whether you’re in Texas or anywhere else, your social media activity before and after an accident can play a crucial role in any potential legal proceedings.
Almost everyone has a social media account nowadays, and there are definitely some pros and cons to social media. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, though, social media could prove advantageous or disadvantages depending upon the circumstances surrounding your accident.
Before the Accident: Establishing a Record
While most people don’t anticipate being involved in a car accident, your social media presence before such an event can still be relevant. Photos or videos that show your lifestyle, physical activity, or other personal details could be used to establish a baseline of your health or daily routine. For example, if you’ve posted about going to the gym or engaging in physically demanding activities, these posts may be used in court to demonstrate your pre-accident physical condition. However, even innocent posts could be misconstrued to harm your case if not carefully considered.
After the Accident: Social Media’s Impact on Your Claim
Once a car accident occurs, social media can become a double-edged sword. Insurance companies and defense attorneys may scour your social media accounts for posts, photos, or comments that could discredit your injury claims. For example, a seemingly harmless photo of you smiling at a family gathering or on vacation could be used as evidence to downplay the severity of your injuries.
Key Considerations After a Car Accident:
Avoid Posting About the Accident
Sharing details about the accident, your injuries, or your emotional state on social media can harm your case. Posts may be taken out of context and used against you during settlement negotiations or in court.
Check Your Privacy Settings
While setting your accounts to private doesn’t guarantee complete protection, it can limit access to your posts. However, even private content can sometimes be subpoenaed in legal cases.
Refrain from Engaging in Physical Activities
If you claim serious injuries, posts or tags showing you participating in activities like hiking or sports can significantly undermine your credibility.
Why It Matters for Houston Car Accident Cases
Texas law requires plaintiffs in personal injury cases to prove the extent of their injuries and how the accident has impacted their life. Social media can either help or hurt that effort. For Houston residents involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to understand that insurance companies often hire investigators to review public social media accounts. Even if a post is deleted, it may still be accessible or archived elsewhere, meaning it’s better to exercise caution from the beginning.
Consulting a Houston Auto Accident Attorney
At Sandoval Law Firm, we advise all of our clients involved in car accidents to be cautious about their social media use during their case. We understand that each piece of evidence—whether from the accident scene or your social media profile—can play a vital role in the outcome of your claim. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston or anywhere in Texas, contact us today for a free consultation and expert legal guidance.
I am Texas work injury lawyer and for more than 20 years, I have represented injured workers including those in Non-Subscriber claims throughout Houston, Dallas, Austin, Corpus Christi, San Antonio and The Rio Grande Valley. For the first 12 years of my career, I handled work injury cases all over the country against all major railroads including Union Pacific, BNSF Railway Company, Canadian Pacific, Norfolk Southern, Canadian National, Kansas City Southern, etc.
Contact a Houston car accident attorney today to find out how an attorney can assist you. Call (346) 347-7777 and put Sandoval to work for you!
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