The Schafer Law Office

Social Media Can Be Dangerous To Your Kentucky Accident Case

In today's world, the social networking phenomenon appeals to young and old.  Almost everyone uses social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and LinkedIn.  Even though it is fun be aware of what you expose to the online public, especially if you are involved in a Kentucky personal injury case.

Social networking can be very useful and even addictive.  It is a media for social interaction using web based technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue.  Social-networking sites are now a tool used by employers, college admission officers, investigators, police officers, lawyers and even insurers to do background checks. I even use the site to check on defendants in cases I am involved in.

This sounds alarming but it's true. There have been reported cases that through social network sites where, police have caught fugitives, companies discovered applicants that are perfect-on-paper but are engaged in illegal act or behavior and insurance companies have gathered information that they use for further investigations of fraud.

Personal injury cases, such as Kentucky car accidents, can be ruined by post made on social media sites. Why? Accident victims will provide details about their daily activities in a social network site that may have a negative impact on civil litigation.  As a Kentucky personal injury attorney, I have advised Kentucky accident victims to avoid posting, discussing or commenting about anything regarding the accident. This is because any post or updates may be used by the insurance company to deny your accident claim. 

Insurance companies and investigators also use social networking sites to look for information to help build a defense or reduce potential damage claims.  They search for any pictures or content that could portray the plaintiff in a negative light or simply embarrass him/her and make the jury look at the accident victim less sympathetically.

If you are a Kentucky personal injury victim, it is better to stay off Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other social media networking sites in order to be safe.  If you are on the sites watch who you friend and what you post. Don't post anything you wouldn't be comfortable seeing printed in the paper!