A slip and fall inside a grocery store, retail shop, or shopping center can happen fast and leave you shaken. When the pain is in your wrist, it can feel confusing at first because the injury might not seem serious right away. Many people brush it off, assuming soreness will fade. Days later, swelling, stiffness, […]
Social Media & Personal Injury
Imagine a trial where the defendant is on the stand testifying that they were not drinking the night of the accident. In fact his entire testimony is about he doesn't drink and at the time of the car accident he was completely sober. He sounds good, sounds believable and seems contrite that the accident took place. Now imagine the plaintiff's attorney standing up and approaching the defendant. Imagine the attorney asking about whether the defendant has a Facebook account. Imagine what the jury is thinking when the plaintiff's lawyer produces pictures of the defendant on his Facebook account showing him holding bottles of beer (and clearly under the influence).
The role of social media is directly influencing personal injury cases. Many times defense attorneys request pages from social media which references the car wreck, slip and fall or other injury the Plaintiff filed a lawsuit regarding. As such, our personal injury attorneys tell our clients during the first meeting not discuss the accident, incident or injury on social media. When the client does post something a skillful defense attorney can spin the statement in a way which benefits their case. Further, many times an innocuous statement can be taken out of context. A jury hearing this statement can view the Plaintiff in a different light which may result in an unfavorable outcome. Best practices dictate that clients should limit discussions of their case and injuries to their lawyer and doctors. Of course, this can work both ways. Our personal injury lawyers will look into the social media of the defendants to see if they discussed the incident. Sometimes statements made by the defendant on social media will be diametrically different than statements made in court, to the benefit of our clients.
Social media is becoming a bigger problem for younger victims of Car accidents. Younger people are so used to sharing all intimate aspects of their life they don't have a problem sharing how they are feeling following an accident. We tell our clients to remember once they hit send it can't be brought back. The other thing to keep in mind is that if they are out with friends those friends can upload pictures to their account, which could tag the plaintiff. For example if a client is complaining of neck and back pain and picture of them with their friends at a club will be hard to explain.
In the end we advise I clients to live their lives as they would normally do. However, before they post anything which may haunt them for the duration of their case to think about it first.
Additional Bar Fights Car Accident Personal Injury Premises Liability Workers Compensation Articles
Why a Charlotte, NC Personal Injury Attorney for Paralysis Cases Is So Important
Life can change in an instant after a serious accident. When paralysis becomes part of that reality, the physical, emotional, and financial impact can feel overwhelming. Everyday routines suddenly require extra planning, medical appointments multiply, and questions about long term care and financial stability can create real stress for both individuals and their families. In […]
What to Look for in a Charlotte, NC Workers Comp Law Firm for Serious Injuries
Getting hurt on the job can turn everyday life upside down. Medical appointments, missed paychecks, and confusing paperwork often arrive all at once, leaving many workers unsure who to trust or where to turn. When injuries are serious, the pressure only increases, especially if an employer or insurance carrier questions the claim. In those moments, […]
Is a Bicycle Accident Case Review Lawyer in Charlotte, NC Worth It After a Crash
A bicycle crash can flip a normal day upside down in seconds. One moment you are riding through Charlotte streets you know well, and the next you are dealing with pain, a damaged bike, medical bills, and unanswered questions. It is common to feel unsure about what to do first, especially when injuries do not […]
