There are a few things that are absolutely vital if you've been in a motorcycle accident involving other parties, and one of the single most important is protecting your rights throughout any resulting processes. There are several resources at your disposal for doing so, and one that's especially beneficial for many people is the use of a motorcycle accident attorney.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to offer a wide range of motorcycle accident attorney services for clients around Utah, including Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo, and nearby areas - this in addition to various other car accident and auto accident attorney solutions. Our motorcycle injury lawyers work tirelessly to fight for your rights and ensure you are never taken advantage of, whether by an insurance company, another party in the accident, or any other entity. Here are some of the specific ways in which our attorneys help protect your rights.
Within any kind of auto accident case, including motorcycle accidents, gathering and preserving evidence is absolutely vital to the process. This is especially true in cases where you are not at fault for the accident - if this is the case, you may need to build a strong case against an insurance company that's trying to deny or reduce your payment.
Our attorneys will work with you to identify key pieces of evidence within the accident scenario and ensure they are properly collected and maintained. This includes not only initial evidence like police reports, but also medical records, witness statements, or any other pieces of information that could be important down the line.
Ensuring that your case is filed within the appropriate statutes of limitations is another important step in protecting your rights. If you wait too long after an accident, you may lose out on the ability to seek any kind of compensation - and unfortunately, insurance companies are well aware of this fact.
This is why it's important to work with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney who will help you file your case in a timely manner and ensure you are not taken advantage of. Our team at William Rawlings & Associates is well-versed in all relevant laws and will make sure your case is filed within the appropriate time period.
One of the biggest ways our motorcycle accident attorneys protect your rights is by negotiating fair settlements on your behalf. Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements to victims of accidents, but our attorneys will fight aggressively for your rights and make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Even if it means going to court, we will be with you every step of the way and ensure your voice is heard in any settlement negotiations. Our goal is always to get you the best possible outcome so you can focus on recovering and moving forward from your accident.
During the course of any motorcycle accident case, there are many dangers and pitfalls that could potentially arise. Our attorneys have seen it all and know what to look out for, including tactics from insurance companies or other parties designed to trick you into agreeing to a settlement that is not in your best interests.
Our team will always be honest with you about potential risks and make sure you understand your rights throughout the entire process. We will advocate for your best interests and provide you with the guidance you need to navigate any challenges that may come your way.
When searching for a motorcycle accident attorney, one of the key factors to consider is experience. The field of motorcycle law is complex and nuanced, so it's important to work with an attorney who has a deep understanding of the subject matter.
At William Rawlings & Associates, our attorneys have years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and are well-equipped to handle any challenges that may arise. We understand the unique dynamics of these types of accidents and will use our knowledge and skills to protect your rights and get you the best possible outcome.
In addition to our experience with motorcycle accidents, we also have a strong track record of success with other types of auto accident cases. Whether you've been involved in a car accident, trucking accident, or any other type of vehicle-related incident, we have the knowledge and expertise to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Don't let an accident derail your life - contact William Rawlings & Associates today to learn more about how a motorcycle accident attorney can help protect your rights and get you the justice you deserve. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch legal representation for clients throughout SLC, Draper, Provo, and other parts of Utah.
While there are certain kinds of major car accidents where actions like calling a car accident attorney tend to be more obvious and standard, but also some less severe accidents where people regularly wonder if this is actually necessary for their case. One great example is a basic situation where you've been rear-ended by another driver, possibly with limited vehicle damage and/or injuries - should you be hiring a car accident injury lawyer?
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to help with a huge range of car accident attorneys, truck accident attorneys, and related auto accident attorney services for clients around Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo, and other parts of Utah. Do you need to be hiring a lawyer after being rear-ended in Utah? Here are some of the key factors to consider, plus the benefits that our team of car accident attorneys offer to clients around the state.
One of the first things to remember when it comes to any kind of car accident case is the state in question, and here you have an important item to keep in mind: Utah is a no-fault state. This means that regardless of who is at fault in a given crash or accident, each driver will need to file a claim with their own insurance provider.
In addition, this also limits your ability to sue the at-fault driver for damages. If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to speak with a car accident injury lawyer who can help navigate these laws and ensure that you receive proper compensation for any injuries sustained.
Within the realm of car accidents, it's common for people to believe that minor accidents don't require legal representation. However, even in cases where there may only be minor vehicle damage or seemingly minor injuries, the long-term effects can still be significant. For example, a seemingly minor neck injury from being rear-ended can develop into chronic pain or other more serious conditions over time.
An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand the full extent of your injuries and fight for proper compensation, even in cases that may seem minor at first. Additionally, a car accident lawyer can help negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair settlement offers.
When it comes to car accident cases, the majority are settled outside of court through negotiations between insurance companies and attorneys. This means that it's highly unlikely you'll need to go through a lengthy trial process if you hire a car accident attorney.
This also highlights the importance of having an experienced car accident attorney on your side. They will have the skills and knowledge to negotiate with insurance companies and ensure that you receive just compensation for any damages or injuries.
While many insurance companies like to pretend that they have their client's best interests in mind, the reality is that their main priority is to save money. This means that they may try to offer low settlement amounts or deny claims altogether.
Having a car accident attorney on your side can help level the playing field and ensure that you receive fair treatment from insurance companies. They will work to protect your rights and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
On top of the specific benefits mentioned above, there are other advantages to hiring a car accident attorney after being rear-ended in Utah. For example, they will handle all communication with insurance companies and other parties involved in the case, allowing you to focus on your recovery. They can also provide valuable advice and guidance throughout the legal process.
If you've been involved in a car accident, no matter how minor, it's always a good idea to consult with a car accident attorney. They can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to reach out to William Rawlings & Associates for expert legal representation in SLC, Draper, Provo, or any nearby part of Utah. Our team is here to provide the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
If you've been awarded a personal injury settlement in a recent case, or are expecting such a settlement sum in the near future, you may already be thinking about important areas like taxes and tax returns with regard to this sum of money. In particular, a common question is regularly asked in these scenarios: Is a personal injury settlement considered income that's then taxable on your yearly tax return?
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we happily assist clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and surrounding areas of Utah with all their personal injury attorney needs, from auto accident lawyer services and motorcycle accident attorneys to areas like dog bite claims, wrongful death and more. Here are some of the elements of a typical personal injury settlement, plus some of the ins and outs of whether they will be considered taxable income.
One of the more nuanced areas when it comes to personal injury settlements and taxation relates to medical bills. A couple relatively consistent tenets of IRS qualification to keep an eye on here:
Also known as mental anguish, this is another area that's somewhat nuanced. Generally, whether emotional distress portions of a personal injury settlement will be considered income will depend largely on whether these sums relate to the subject of the settlement itself.
That is, if you undergo emotional distress as the direct result of a physical injury like those mentioned above, it's unlikely the IRS will consider this taxable income. But if a settlement is based purely on emotional distress with no physical element involved, it may be considered income and taxed as such.
In most cases, any portion of your personal injury settlement that's specifically designated to replace lost wages from missed work as a result of the injury will be considered taxable income. In these cases, your employer may also be required to report this income and issue you a W-2 form at the end of the year.
However, if you are receiving disability payments for lost wages through an insurance policy, these generally will not be considered taxable income. This is because they are meant to compensate for lost wages and do not represent income.
For those unfamiliar with them, punitive damages refer to those set aside in cases where the defendant is found to have acted with gross negligence or malicious intent. These are meant as a punishment for such actions, rather than to compensate victims for specific losses.
The IRS considers punitive damages to be taxable income in most cases. This applies even if they're part of a personal injury settlement that also includes non-punitive sums – only the punitive portion will be taxed, while the others may not be if they meet the criteria outlined above.
In fact, punitive damage taxation tends to override some of the other basics we've gone over here. For instance, even if the punitive damages are directly related to physical injury or illness, they will not receive the same tax exemption that other portions of a settlement might.
In some cases, particularly if a large punitive damage payment was part of your settlement, you may consider investing some or all of the sum. In these cases, it's important to remember that any interest you receive from this investment will be considered taxable income – even if other portions of your settlement may not be.
In addition to these factors, there are some special considerations for certain types of personal injury settlements. For example, if your settlement includes reimbursement for attorney fees or legal costs, these may be considered tax-deductible. Additionally, if your settlement is paid out over multiple years, this could potentially impact the way it's taxed each year.
Ultimately, the specifics of your personal injury settlement will dictate its taxation – for these and any other relevant areas or questions, our experienced attorneys are here to provide guidance and expertise. Contact our team at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates to learn more about any of our personal injury attorney services around SLC, Provo, Draper or nearby areas of Utah.
Insurance coverage can be confusing at times, particularly when it's possibly necessary for a personal injury situation or certain similar settings. A common question asked of personal injury attorneys within this vein: Does renter's insurance cover personal injury issues that take place on the rented property in question?
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we proudly offer the very best personal injury attorney services you'll find in Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo or any nearby part of Utah, handling cases ranging from car and truck accident injuries to personal injury types like dog bite injuries, property liability and much more. The short answer to the question above: Usually yes, at least to some degree. Let's dive a bit further, however, into the key factors at play in whether a personal injury you or someone close to you sustained might be covered by renter's insurance.
Firstly, for those who aren't familiar with the concept, what exactly is renter's insurance? It's a specific type of insurance coverage that tenants, or renters, take out on their rented homes or apartments. This coverage provides financial protection against losses due to several basic events such as thefts and fires.
Precisely what is covered by a given renter's insurance policy will depend on the specifics of the policy itself, including its terms and coverage limits.
While this will again depend on the specific policy, most renter's insurance policies cover the following kinds of accidents or injuries:
However, it's important to note that each insurance policy is different and may have varying coverage limits. It's always best to carefully review your own policy and speak with your insurance provider for specific information on your coverage. Additionally, if you are injured in a
While most common accidents and personal injuries sustained on rented properties are often covered by renter's insurance, there are some notable exceptions. These include:
As always, it's crucial to carefully review your own renter's insurance policy and speak with your provider for specific details on coverage. In addition, if you sustain a personal injury on a rented property, it's important to consult with a personal injury attorney to determine your legal options and potential for compensation. Don't hesitate to contact the team at William Rawlings & Associates for experienced and knowledgeable representation today, whether you're in SLC, Provo, Draper or any nearby area of Utah!
There are certain kinds of accidents or injuries that can take place in ways or settings where injury seems entirely unlikely, and a common example here is the slip and fall accident. While some slip and fall accidents do happen in likely places like wet surfaces or those being cleaned, they can also take place in totally unexpected situations - and knowing what to do if this happens to you is important.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to help clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and surrounding areas of Utah with all their personal injury lawyer needs, ranging from car and truck accident attorney services to distinct injury types like slip and fall cases, trampoline injuries, dog bite cases and more. Like many other personal injury situations, knowing what to do in the aftermath of a slip and fall accident where you feel another party may be liable for your injuries is important - here are some of the basic steps to follow.
Before we dig into the specific approach you should take after a slip and fall accident, let's briefly touch on some of the most common settings and injuries that may result from this type of situation. As we noted earlier, slips or falls on wet surfaces or while cleaning are relatively common - but so too are those that happen in grocery stores due to spills or tripping hazards, accidents at work due to unsafe conditions, and even slip and falls on items like broken escalators or elevators.
Injuries that may result from these accidents can range from minor scrapes and bruises to serious issues like head trauma, spinal cord injuries or broken bones. And in cases where these injuries were caused by another party's negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury case.
So what should you do in the aftermath of a slip and fall accident? Here are some key steps to follow in our next few sections.
Just like in a car accident or any other situation where you or someone close to you has been injured, the very first step to take after a slip and fall accident is ensuring that everyone involved receives proper medical attention. Even if you don't feel like you've been seriously hurt, it's important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible, both for your own health and to document any potential injuries for the purposes of future legal action.
This includes not only getting immediate medical attention, but also following up with any recommended treatments or appointments to ensure that you make a full recovery. Failure to do so may hurt your case if you decide to pursue legal action for your injuries.
In addition to obtaining medical care, another important step after a slip and fall accident is gathering evidence at the scene. This can include taking pictures of the area where the accident occurred, documenting any hazards or conditions that may have contributed to your fall, and getting contact information from any witnesses who may have seen what happened.
This evidence can be crucial in proving liability for your injuries and building a strong case in your favor. It's important to do this as soon as possible after the accident, as conditions may change or evidence may be removed over time.
Depending on the severity of your injuries and where the accident took place, you may also need to file a report with the proper authorities. This could include an incident report with the property owner or manager, a police report if necessary, and even an incident report with your employer if you were injured at work.
Having these reports on file can help to establish a timeline of events and provide additional documentation to support your case.
One of the most important steps you can take after a slip and fall accident is to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, gather evidence on your behalf, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other damages. They can also handle communication and negotiations with insurance companies or other parties on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
At William Rawlings & Associates, we have a team of dedicated personal injury lawyers who are ready to help you navigate the aftermath of a slip and fall accident. We want all prospective clients to know that there is no obligation to hire us after an initial consultation - we just want to make sure you understand your rights and options in the aftermath of this type of injury.
At this point, it's important to remember that any communication about your case should be kept private and only shared with your personal injury lawyer. This includes discussions with insurance companies or other parties who may try to contact you - always refer them to your attorney for any questions or requests for information.
This also includes social media - try to avoid posting about your accident or injuries on social media, as it may be used against you in your case.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to help you with every step of the slip and fall accident process. Contact us today for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured in this type of accident, or for any personal injury attorney need around SLC, Provo, Draper or other parts of Utah.
While most people are aware that they should be hiring an attorney for any major car accident in which they were injured by the fault of another party and are seeking just compensation, some have understandable questions about whether this is necessary for a more minor accident. And while we understand this question, the reality is that it's actually often framed in the wrong way.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we proudly provide the very best auto accident lawyer, truck accident attorney and related vehicle accident services around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper or any nearby part of Utah. We serve clients across all types of vehicle accidents, even including many that some would consider "minor" in nature - and we're here to tell you that the severity of the accident itself actually isn't the largest factor in whether you should hire an attorney. Here are some basics on why this is the case, some misconceptions about "minor" accidents, and when it makes sense to call a car accident attorney.
You may have noticed that we keep putting the word "minor" in quotation marks, and there's a reason for that - because many accidents that are labeled as "minor" by those involved can actually cause significant injuries. In fact, it's not uncommon for someone to walk away from an accident thinking they're fine, only to find out later that they have whiplash, soft tissue damage or other similar issues.
Furthermore, even supposedly minor accidents can cause immediate, severe injuries. These include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and other problems that require immediate medical care and can lead to long-term effects. So even if your accident seems minor, it's always best to get checked out by a doctor just in case - and this is especially true if you're hoping to seek any type of financial compensation for the damages caused.
Another misconception about "minor" accidents is that they don't cause significant damage to vehicles. In reality, even low-speed collisions can result in expensive repairs or even total losses for your vehicle. And if the accident was caused by someone else's negligence, you shouldn't be responsible for paying these costs out of pocket.
Moreover, even if the damage to your vehicle is minimal, it's important to remember that it's not just about the physical damage. The emotional stress and inconvenience caused by a car accident can be significant, and you shouldn't have to shoulder these burdens alone.
Down somewhat related lines, it's vital to remember that "minor" accidents still need to be reported to the authorities and your insurance company, just like any other accident. Failure to do so can lead to legal complications and jeopardize any potential claims you may have for compensation.
Even if your accident is considered "minor", it's still a good idea to consult with a reputable car accident attorney. They can help you navigate the legal process, handle negotiations with insurance companies and ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you're entitled to.
Additionally, they can provide valuable insight into the true extent of your injuries and damages, helping you accurately assess the value of any potential settlement offers. And in the event that a settlement can't be reached, having an experienced car accident attorney on your side can greatly improve your chances of success if you need to take the case to court.
When you contact our office, our team of experienced attorneys will immediately begin working on your case. We'll gather all the necessary information and evidence, handle communication with insurance companies, and fight for your rights every step of the way. We handle everything from liability and injury assessment to negotiating settlements and representing you in court, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Don't let the term "minor" accident fool you - if you've been injured in any type of vehicle accident, it's always best to consult with a car accident attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to reach out to William Rawlings & Associates for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve, whether you're in SLC, Provo, Draper or any nearby area of Utah. We also assist with numerous other personal injury lawyer needs and case types.
There are a few different conditions or disorders that may arise from various traumatic events, and one that's somewhat well known is PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Can PTSD symptoms be considered part of personal injury cases when a claim is being made against another party for a given incident?
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we assist clients around Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and nearby parts of Utah with all their personal injury attorney needs, covering cases ranging from car and truck accidents to dog bite injuries, child injuries, wrongful death and more. We're here to tell you that yes, PTSD symptoms can often be included as part of your claim against another party for negligence or other liability - our attorneys will be happy to walk you through this entire process if you believe PTSD to be part of your symptoms. Here are some basics to keep in mind if your case may include this sort of thing.
There are two broad types of PTSD claims that may be used in personal injury cases:
If you believe you may be suffering from PTSD related to a given incident, the first step is always seeking proper medical care from professionals who can properly diagnose and document your condition. This documentation will be key in any personal injury case where PTSD is involved - without it, proving that you're owed damages for this type of pain and suffering will be very difficult.
This documentation may include:
When it comes to actually proving that PTSD was caused by a given incident or series of incidents, the burden is on the plaintiff (you) to do so. This will generally come down to testimony and documentation from medical professionals, along with any other evidence you can provide.
There are a couple witness types you may utilize here, depending on the specifics of the case:
For instance, a therapist is a common example of an expert witness in PTSD cases, providing valuable insight into the origin and impact of your symptoms. A therapist may be called to testify that your PTSD symptoms are a direct result of the traumatic event in question, as well as to explain how these symptoms have impacted your daily life and ability to function. This testimony won't necessarily be the only or even the largest factor in proving your case, but it will play a significant role in convincing the court that you're owed damages for these symptoms.
In addition to expert witnesses, other evidence like medical records, personal journals or even testimony from friends and family can also help support your claim for PTSD in a personal injury case.
The key is building a strong case with all the necessary documentation and testimony, which is something our attorneys excel at here at William Rawlings & Associates. We're proud to help clients secure the compensation they deserve for all their personal injury needs, including those related to PTSD and other trauma-induced conditions. So if you believe that your PTSD symptoms are a result of someone else's negligence or wrongdoing, don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance in building your case - we serve clients around SLC, Draper, Provo and nearby parts of Utah.
There are a few cases of personal injury situations where some people wonder if they're legally allowed to seek compensation from another party, and one good example here is when the party involved is a government employee or entity of any kind. Some good news right off the top: It's absolutely possible and legal to seek such compensation if you're injured in this way - there just may be a few additional nuances involved.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to offer the very best personal injury attorney services you'll find in Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo or any other part of Utah, from car and truck accident cases to numerous others. It's absolutely within your rights to file a claim and seek compensation for injuries you believe were caused by a government employee or entity - here are some basics on how our attorneys will help you through this process and some of the particular details that may come up along the way.
Firstly, one of the areas that can be a bit more complex when dealing with government-related injury cases is determining the proper defendant. In most personal injury cases, this is a fairly straightforward process - it's whoever was responsible for your injuries.
However, in government scenarios, there may be multiple layers or parties involved that could be held liable for your damages. For example, if you were injured by a government employee while they were on the job, they may be the defendant in your case. But if the injury occurred due to a faulty government-owned property or equipment, it may actually be the government entity itself that is responsible. Our experienced attorneys will help you navigate these complexities and ensure the proper parties are held accountable for your injuries.
Also at play here is whether you're filing a claim against a city or town, a state, or a federal entity - each one has different laws and procedures that must be followed, which our attorneys are well-versed in.
When considering filing a suit against a government employee or entity, one of the key factors our attorneys will help you evaluate is whether there was a duty of care owed to you by the government in this situation. If the employee or entity did not owe you a duty of care, then it may be difficult to prove they were responsible for your injuries.
However, if they did owe you a duty of care, our attorneys will work tirelessly to show how that duty was breached and resulted in your injuries. For instance, if a government entity failed to properly maintain their property and it led to your injury, they may be held liable for not upholding their duty of care.
From a details perspective, two areas our attorneys will be highly knowledgeable about are tort claims acts and statutes of limitation.
A tort claim is a legal proceeding against the government for damages caused by its employees or entities, and each state has specific guidelines for how these must be filed. Our attorneys will make sure your case follows all necessary procedures to avoid any potential roadblocks.
Statutes of limitation refer to the time limits you have to file a claim against the government. These can vary significantly from state to state and depend on several factors, such as whether the case is being filed under federal or state law. Our attorneys will ensure your case is filed within the appropriate timeframe to avoid any consequences.
In many cases, government entities or employees may try to claim immunity from liability for your injuries. This is when they argue that they cannot be held responsible for certain actions due to their role as a government entity. This can be a complex defense to navigate, but our attorneys have the experience and knowledge necessary to counter these claims and fight for your rights.
Seeking compensation for personal injuries caused by a government employee or entity can be overwhelming, but our experienced attorneys at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates are here to guide you through the process and fight for your rights. Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you find yourself in this situation - we're ready to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve, whether you're in SLC, Draper, Provo or any nearby part of Utah.
While many personal injury cases are based around direct forms of physical harm like car accidents or traumatic injuries, there are also many other types to consider. One sadly common example here is that of product defects, and one especially worrisome area where this can be a concern is within the realm of defective child toys.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to provide the best personal injury attorney services you'll find around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and nearby parts of Utah - including not just common claim types like car accidents, but also many others including child injury cases and more. Let's look at some of the kinds of injuries that children can sustain from defective toy products, the classifications that resulting claims are often placed into, how liability is established in these cases, and how our attorneys will work around the common defenses that toy manufacturers tend to fall back on in such cases.
Sadly, there are a number of possible injuries that children can sustain from defective toy products. They range in severity all the way from minor bruising and scrapes to more serious damage like lacerations, burns, choking hazards, suffocation risks, electrical shocks and other similar concerns.
While it's certainly essential to keep a close eye on young ones while they're playing with toys of any kind, even then it's sometimes not enough to prevent injuries - particularly in cases where products are defective.
In the legal world, claims resulting from defective child toys can be placed into a few general categories. These are as follows:
When it comes to building a case against toy manufacturers for injuries caused by defective products, there are two general approaches our attorneys may take:
If you're filing a claim against a toy manufacturer for a defective product, there are several defenses they may try to use. These can include:
So remember, if your child has been hurt by a faulty toy, call William Rawlings & Associates today for expert legal representation and advice! We fight for the rights of parents and children around SLC, Provo, Draper and other parts of Utah on a regular basis, helping them win the compensation they deserve for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and more. Consultations are always free, so don't hesitate to reach out and speak with us about your case today. Your child deserves justice!
While various social media entities have created whole new ways for people to communicate and share their lives, there are some potentially significant downsides to improper usage of these sites in certain situations. One great example: Within a personal injury case, where improper care with social media posts during your case may have an adverse effect on your results.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're proud to assist clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and nearby parts of Utah with all their personal injury claim needs, whether you're filing for a car accident claim or one of numerous other types like dog bite claims, child injuries and more. We regularly advise clients on care with social media posts following any kind of injury or accident where they're making a claim, helping ensure they do not damage their case accidentally. Here are some basics on why social media posts about your injury can be risky, plus some best practices on how to behave in the social sphere during a personal injury claim.
To help understand why you need to be careful with social media posts about your injury, it's important to first understand the process of discovery in a personal injury case. During this process, both sides will gather evidence and information from each other to build their case. This includes requesting documents, conducting depositions, and more.
And as you may have guessed already, social media posts can be used as evidence during this process. This means that any careless or inappropriate posts you make about your injury on social media can end up being used against you in court. This can have a major impact on the outcome of your case and potentially limit the compensation you receive.
So what types of posts should you avoid during a personal injury case? Here are some examples:
To protect your personal injury claim and avoid any potential negative impacts from social media posts, here are some best practices to follow:
One important facet of proper social media usage during a personal injury claim is to not delete any old posts that may be used as evidence. This can actually be seen as tampering with evidence and could harm your case even further.
Furthermore, it's easier for computer experts to retrieve deleted posts than you may think. Instead, follow the best practices mentioned above and refrain from posting anything that could damage your case in the first place.
Many personal injury cases end with a settlement between the parties involved. It's important to note that any discussion or posts about your settlement on social media can also have negative consequences. For example, if you post about receiving a large settlement and then shortly after purchase an expensive item, this could be used to argue that you were not truly injured and did not need as much compensation.
In fact, there may be specific limitations or restrictions on what you can say or post about your settlement depending on the terms of the agreement. Always consult with your attorney before making any public statements.
In short, social media usage during a personal injury case should be approached with caution and care. Any posts related to your injury or claim could potentially harm your case and limit the compensation you receive. It's always best to consult with your attorney and limit or refrain from social media use during this time.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to guide you through the process and help ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation for legal needs around SLC, Provo, Draper or any nearby part of Utah.