If you have begun pursuing — or may need to pursue — a personal injury case, your actions now and as the case progresses can have a big impact on its success. One area that can affect many modern cases is the use of social media. What changes should you implement in your social media use and how can others help? Here are some key tips.

1. Consider Avoiding All Posts. Certainly, one of the safest ways to use your social media accounts during an ongoing case is to stop posting completely. Social media is a common tool that insurers, businesses, and at-fault individuals use to try to counter claims of injury, loss, or damage.

2. Don't Assume You Can Purge. Remember that once anything goes onto social media or the internet as a whole, it is very difficult to remove it completely. Forensic investigators may be able to access posts from deleted or suspended accounts, from private accounts, and from deleted tweets or posts. So avoid posting anything questionable regardless of how private your account or your intention to delete. 

3. Watch Your Friends' Accounts. Talk with friends, co-workers, and family members about using your image or making reference to you during your case. Investigators will look at the social media accounts of anyone connected with you. So if you go for drinks with co-workers and they tag you in a photo having fun, the other side's attorneys may use the images to argue that your mental health after an accident isn't as affected as you purport.

4. Avoid New Followers. During this time, limit risky exposure by not allowing any new followers access to your social media feeds. Even an account that appears to be someone you know could be a ruse by investigators attempting to pierce your veil. Only accept new connections — or make them — if you can speak to them in person and verify that you know them well. 

5. Don't Speak of Your Case. If you do decide to post on your or other people's accounts, avoid any references to your case. Anything you say in this written form is open to interpretation and use by the insurer's legal team. As a rule of thumb, avoid "saying" anything on the internet that you wouldn't say to the opposing attorney in front of a judge. 

If you follow these few ground rules for social media use, your personal injury case will go smoother and more successfully. Want more tips for handling your particular situation? Start by meeting with an experienced personal injury lawyer today or click here for more info.