The Role of Technology in Personal Injury Cases

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in personal injury litigation, from smartphones and watches to dashcams and black boxes. Recording devices are available in the palm of your hand, and security cameras are on every street corner. AI is even being used to help investigators reconstruct accident scenes. 

Technology can make or break your personal injury case, so you need a personal injury attorney in California who has kept up with technological advances in law. If you suffered an injury in an accident, schedule a free and confidential consultation with the dedicated personal injury team at Bamieh & De Smeth by calling (805) 643-5555 or connecting with us online.

Technology Available to Prove Your Personal Injury Claims 

Technology is a powerful tool available to attorneys if you’ve suffered an injury in an accident. Quickly being able to take photos of the accident scene, including the angle of a car crash or dangerous wet conditions on a floor, can prove your claim. Further, many homes have doorbell cameras, and many businesses have security cameras.

If you contact a lawyer immediately after an accident, she can request all parties with relevant footage preserve the evidence. Failing to act quickly could result in video footage being recorded or erased. Additionally, most new vehicles have black boxes and other recording technology to prove your car accident claims. Experienced personal injury attorneys in California know how to gather this information and analyze data to prove liability quickly. 

Being Wise About Social Media Use After a California Accident 

If you suffered an injury in California, social media is often the first place insurance adjusters and defense attorneys turn to disprove your claims. They will request your social media records and review all publicly available information about you, including information that appears on TikTok and Facebook. Unwise social media posts have led to countless claims, denials, and reduced settlements because they often negate the severity of your injuries. 

If you’re pursuing a personal injury claim, check with your attorney before making significant social media posts or avoid posting about the following altogether: 

• Travel: Any photos, videos, or stories about vacations or extensive travel may disprove your injury claims, as trips frequently require claimants to spend a long time in vehicles or airplanes. If you suffered from a severe back or neck injury in a California accident, this may significantly reduce available damages. 
• Physical Activity: Do not provide public information about going out dancing, hiking, or engaging in any intense physical activity. This will disprove most serious injury claims. 
• Lifting Children/Grandchildren/Pets: Even something as simple as lifting your child for a photograph has been used to disprove the severity of back and arm injury claims. If you claim to be in extreme pain but you’re able to smile in such a photo, this will likely reduce available compensation.
• Work: Many personal injury claims involve demands for lost income. Do not post about or ask for work under the table, as this may show adjusters you have the physical ability to earn a living. 

It is often best to stay off social media if you claim damages, as even a simple photo can and will be used against you. Discuss these matters with dedicated legal counsel to protect your personal injury case.

Connect with an Experienced California Personal Injury Lawyer Today 

Technology has its benefits, but it also has its drawbacks. By connecting with the California personal injury attorneys at Bamieh & De Smeth immediately after your accident, you can use technology to your advantage and protect your future claims. Call (805) 643-5555 or contact us online to schedule a free personal injury case analysis.