Social media has become deeply ingrained in modern life. Platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and more allow us to stay connected, share life updates, and express ourselves online. However, many don’t realize the significant impact social media activity can have on a personal injury claim in Missouri. Seemingly innocent posts and photos could weaken your case down the road or give insurance companies ammunition against you. This article will take an in-depth look at how social media can affect your injury claim and the steps you can take to protect your right to fair compensation.
The Rising Frequency of Workplace Injuries in Missouri
Workplace injuries are becoming more common across Missouri based on recent data. In May 2024 alone, there were 4,883 reported occupational injuries and illnesses statewide. Compare this to the previous year, 2023, when there were 88,295 total recorded workplace accidents and injuries for the entire 12 months. This indicates a concerning upward trend of on-the-job injuries impacting Missouri workers.
If you are injured at your job, you may have a right to workers’ compensation benefits or the ability to file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent party. However, social media activity could weaken your injury claim if you aren’t cautious. Photos, videos, and posts on sites like Facebook and Instagram have the potential to contradict or undermine claimed injuries and losses. This makes monitoring social media use essential if you end up filing a workplace accident claim.
Alarming Statistics on Car Accident Frequency Across America
In addition to workplace injuries, car accidents resulting in injuries are extremely prevalent nationwide. According to statistics from 2020, approximately 35,766 lives were lost in fatal car crashes across the United States that year. To put that in perspective, that’s over 90 deaths by car accident every single day. Beyond fatalities, an additional 1,593,390 auto collisions resulted in injuries during 2020. Even more accidents, 3,621,681 to be exact, caused only property damage.
When you add up the numbers, there were a staggering 5,250,837 total car crashes on American roadways over just a 12-month period. With so many accidents happening, it’s very possible that you or someone you know will be injured in an auto collision at some point. If that occurs, social media activities could easily jeopardize your injury claim following the crash. Pictures, posts, and other online interactions may be used against you throughout the claims process or in court.
How Social Media Activity Can Undermine Your Injury Claim
There are several concerning ways that social media posts and shares can negatively impact a personal injury case in Missouri:
Oversharing Details About Your Injury
While you may feel inclined to share updates about your recovery with friends and family online, revealing too many specifics can alert insurance companies about the severity and duration of your injuries before you even file a claim. This could weaken arguments for damages down the line. Try to avoid venting all your frustrations about your injury and treatment online.
Appearing Inconsistent with Your Claimed Injuries
Photos or videos showing you actively taking part in sports, physical recreation, or other activities after an accident can make your claimed injuries seem exaggerated or less severe than alleged. Even if you only feel up to light activities on certain “good days,” extensively documenting this online can still jeopardize your case.
Sharing Potentially Offensive or Discriminatory Views
Distasteful jokes or clearly offensive statements that you share publicly could alienate the jury if your injury case goes to trial. Racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise prejudiced views you express online can significantly undermine your credibility and likeability.
Posting About Alcohol or Drug Use
Photos of you drinking, taking prescription medications, or using recreational drugs after an injury event can also diminish your credibility and damages award potential in some cases. Even legal substances like alcohol can contribute to an appearance of reckless behavior in the insurance company’s eyes.
Steps to Protect Your Claim on Social Media
Here are some tips on navigating social media carefully to avoid jeopardizing your injury claim:
- Set all accounts to private to limit the visibility of your posts and photos. Insurance companies can and will scour public profiles for evidence against you.
- Avoid venting frustrations or complaints about your injury recovery online where insurers could see it.
- Refrain from sharing photos/videos of yourself engaging in physical activities after an accident that caused injuries.
- Delete or archive old posts with offensive jokes, discriminatory content, and any statements that could be taken out of context.
- Avoid posting photos or making references to alcohol consumption or prescription/recreational drug use after an injury occurred.
- Seek advice from your personal injury attorney before posting anything relating to your accident or injuries. They can guide you on social media best practices.
Proceed with Extreme Caution on Social Media
Social media platforms make it very easy to unintentionally jeopardize your injury claim in Missouri if you aren’t extremely cautious. Consider all the insights in this article before posting anything even remotely related to your accident, injuries, or recovery online. Protect your right to fair compensation by being selective and strategic with social media use throughout your injury claim process.
If you or someone close to you has suffered an injury in an accident caused by another party’s negligence in Missouri, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Monge & Associates today. Our legal team can provide the guidance and aggressive representation needed to help you recover the maximum compensation for your injuries. Don’t let careless social media activity ruin your right to fair damages.
Contact us today to talk with one of our compassionate and dedicated lawyers. We will protect your rights and work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Missouri, Florida, and Iowa, so there is bound to be a law office near you.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 to see if you have a case.