Have you been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Los Angeles? If so, you may be understandably frustrated. Although you can pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other such losses with the help of a Los Angeles personal injury attorney by filing a lawsuit, while your case is pending, you may feel tempted to vent about it on social media.
This is a mistake. Posting about a personal injury case in any capacity on social media (even after your case has been settled) is a poor decision for the following reasons:
- It can harm your case: Anything you post on social media can be used as evidence in your personal injury case. If you post something that contradicts your claim or diminishes the severity of your injuries, it can be used against you in court. For example, if you post pictures of yourself participating in activities that you claim you cannot do because of your injuries, it can be used to undermine your claim.
- It can be misinterpreted: Social media platforms are not the best place to discuss legal matters because they lack context and can be easily misinterpreted. A comment or post that seems innocent to you could be taken out of context and used against you in court.
- It can be accessed by the other party: The other party in your case, as well as their insurance company and attorneys, can access your social media accounts and use anything you post against you. They may be monitoring your accounts for information that could be used to dispute your claim.
- It can be used to question your credibility: If you post something that is inconsistent with your claim, it can be used to question your credibility as a witness. It can also be used to make you appear untruthful or unreliable.
- It can be used to contact you: Posting about your case on social media can make it easy for the other party to contact you, which can be uncomfortable and may lead to unwanted interactions.
Only Discuss Your Case With Your Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney
Along with refraining from posting about your case on social media, you should strive to avoid discussing your claim or lawsuit with anyone aside from your lawyer. The following are key reasons why:
- Your attorney is bound by attorney-client privilege: This means that anything you tell your attorney is protected by law and cannot be used against you in court. This level of protection does not apply to conversations you have with anyone else, including friends, family, or insurance adjusters.
- Your attorney has the expertise to advise you: Your attorney is an expert in personal injury law and will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your case. They can also provide you with an accurate assessment of the strength of your case and the potential outcome.
- Your attorney can negotiate on your behalf: Your attorney can negotiate with the other party’s insurance company and attorney to reach a fair settlement for your case. They can also represent you in court if necessary.
- Your attorney can protect you from making damaging statements: Your attorney can advise you on what to say and what not to say during the course of your case. They can also advise you on what information to share with the other party and what to keep confidential.
At the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg, you’ll find a Los Angeles personal injury attorney who will gladly answer your questions and help you better understand your options when you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence. If you believe you have a case, contact us online or call us at 310-474-5588 today.