How Social Media Impacts Your Maryland Personal Injury Claim

Social media is a great way to keep up with family and friends, network or promote a new business, or gain handy tips. Unfortunately, what we post can end up working against us.

If you have recently suffered personal injuries and have an outstanding claim, be aware of the potential hazards. Our Maryland personal injury attorney explains how sharing on social media or even being tagged in posts could impact your rights to compensation.

Social Media One Of The First Places Insurers Go When Investigating Claims

Personal injuries in Maryland often happen due to car accidents, falls, or being struck by objects. When the reckless and negligent behavior of others causes your injury, you are entitled under the Maryland Civil Code to hold them liable for medical costs, lost wages, and other losses you incur as a result.

The at-fault party may have insurance policies in place to help cover your losses. While insurance representatives may make it appear that they are on your side, the fact is they work for a for-profit business and, to protect profits, are strongly encouraged to find reasons to either deny or downplay your claim.

According to a report by the Claims Journal, social media is one of the first places they are likely to look. They can easily locate pictures, posts, and other comments available through public settings and may even gain access to private content through former friends or family members. Information they can use from social media accounts to dispute your claim includes:

• Details about what happened leading up to your accident, such as if you posted about being tired, distracted, or out drinking with friends;
• Details about how the accident occurred and who caused it;
• Information that can be used to downplay your injuries and the impact they have on your life, such as through photos or videos of you engaged in sports, recreational hobbies, home repairs, or other activities.

Protecting Yourself On Social Media When You Have An Outstanding Claim

Our Maryland personal injury attorneys advise that if you are on social media platforms, take the following precautions to protect your rights:

• Set social media accounts to private;
• Prevent friends from tagging you in posts, pictures, or videos;
• Be suspicious of any new friend requests;
• Avoid discussing your accident, your injuries, or the status of your claim with anyone other than your attorney.

Request A Consultation With Our Maryland Personal Injury Attorney Today

Personal injuries can have devastating impacts on your life. You have just one chance to get the compensation you are entitled to in a claim. At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP we protect your rights and help you get the maximum you are entitled to. To request a consultation, contact our Maryland personal injury attorneys today.

Sources:

dcourts.gov/lawlib/research/gateway-to-md-law/code-rules-laws-sources

claimsjournal.com/news/national/2023/08/17/318768.htm