As we all know, Chicago is one of the busiest cities in the United States of America. The city’s traffic issues can’t be denied or ignored as it is one of the worst cities for driving. This is also one of the reasons why Chicago is among those cities where lots and lots of accidents are reported regularly. However, if you have unfortunately been involved in an accident and want to file a personal injury claim, you must consider hiring a personal injury lawyer. Zayed Law Offices, a reputed law firm, says that a victim without a lawyer is an easy target for the insurance company. Apart from hiring a personal injury lawyer, the most important thing you must do during your injury case is to stay away from social media. If you want to know why then continue reading.
Your Post Can be Used Against You
There have been several cases where the plaintiff didn’t receive any or less compensation from the defendant because of the photos, videos, and status they uploaded on their social media. You claim compensation for your injuries to pay the medical bills and damage costs. However, if the jury finds out that you are doing well and can afford luxuries like golf, dine-outs, traveling, etc., the compensation amount would be reduced. The defense lawyers will use your profile, pictures, videos, and any information on your social media that discloses your lifestyle against you.
You Might Discuss the Incident on Social Media
If you remain active on social media, you will want to discuss the incident virtually with your friends, family, and followers. However, doing so can weaken your case as the defense layers and opponents will be able to know your side of the story and what evidence you have. They will then build up their case according to your information and might have enough time to figure a way out. In some cases, the defendants even bribe the witnesses and destroy the evidence if they are influential.
The Defendants Might Threaten You
Your social media reveals much information about you and your family members. Even if you have a private account, the experts can view your account by using a private viewing app or creating a fake profile to follow you. Once the defendants find your social media account, they can quickly figure out your personal information and threaten you to drop your case.
You Might Respond to the Negative Information About You
If the defendants post their side of the story on social media, which will bring you in the wrong light, you won’t be able to resist posting images of your injuries and medical bills. Though it might help you seek sympathy and attention from the public, it can definitely weaken your case. Furthermore, once the defense lawyer gets access to these images, they will leave no stone unturned in proving that the injuries are not severe enough to claim compensation or that the victim is trying to make the injuries worse by not seeking proper medical attention.
You Might be Misguided
Suppose you posted anything related to your accident or injury on social media. Whenever anyone from your friends and family sees your post, they will start giving suggestions. In most cases, people share their personal experiences with you, and it’s obvious that their experiences would be different from others. However, the suggestions and advice these people share might confuse you, and you will end up misguided. Hence, it is better to avoid sharing any information and avoid social media so that you follow only what your lawyer says, who is much more experienced and professional than any of your social media followers.
The Defense Lawyer Might File a Plea
Suppose you post anything about the incident on social media. In that case, the defendant’s lawyer might take a plea against you for defaming his client publicly while the case is still under trial and the court’s decision is pending.
Undoubtedly, social media is one of the most powerful tools of modern times, as it gives every commoner the power to be heard. But, at the same time, it can be damaging, and you will be surprised to see how your posts will be worked against you.