How Social Media Threatens Personal Injury Cases

We’re often told to “think before we post” on social media, but this is especially important when it comes to legal matters. By monitoring social media, wanted criminals have been caught and illegal activity which was previously unknown has been brought to light. Just as with a police officer, anything you say online about a personal injury case may be used against you by the insurance company which has a vested interest in the matter.

Despite the ongoing debate about online privacy and what is and is not “private,” any text or images uploaded to the internet (especially social media) become public domain, even if they exist nowhere other than a social media profile, and an insurance company may certainly use such content to build a case against an individual if the opportunity exists. Such online monitoring by insurance companies is very real and has risen steadily over the years, and includes all popular platforms – Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Twitter, and so on. In more extreme cases, an insurance company may even request any and all relevant [case-related] information from one’s computers, phones, and other devices to use against him/her at trial or deposition.

Individuals who are involved in personal injury cases should certainly refrain from posting any information or details about their accident or resulting case; conversely, any strange new “friend requests” on social media should be disregarded, especially if the profile seems suspicious. Anything posted online by an individual that is worth using against him/her will be of interest to insurance companies, and it’s simply naïve to think they will not bother to look. Always “think before you post.”

If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.