In recent years, technology has become more influential than ever in United States court systems. And considering Florida now accepts many forms of technology as evidence (if the right conditions are met), it’s important for those currently involved in personal injury cases to understand the potential ways in which different types of technology can help or hurt them.
How Technology Can Help or Hurt Your Case
There are many ways in which technology could work to your benefit in a personal injury case. Consider, for example, a situation where you were injured in an auto accident. You’re sure that the other driver was at fault because he or she wasn’t paying attention and merged into your vehicle. Unfortunately, there aren’t any witnesses, so your case appears to be a matter of “he said, she said.”
However, with more vehicles these days being manufactured with “black boxes” that track acceleration, braking, and other vehicle functions in the moments leading up to a crash, obtaining this information from the other driver’s black box could be key to proving your case. On the other hand, if your recollection of the accident turns out to be wrong, the black box information from your accident could end up hurting your case.
Social media is another type of technology that is being used more and more frequently in courts these days. While there are strict rules regarding when social media is and is not permissible in court, it can be very powerful when presented as evidence. And like many other forms of technology, it could work in your favor or heavily against you.
For example, consider a case where you are pursuing medical bills as well as pain and suffering damages for a personal injury case. Your doctor ordered you to be on bed rest as you recover from your injuries, but you post a public photo of you partying with friends shortly after the accident. Even if your injury is completely legitimate, the defense could very well use this photo against you in court with the claim that your injuries were exaggerated or completely fabricated.
The Bottom Line
In general, as long as you’re being honest and forthcoming with any information you have on your personal injury case, technology should only be able to help you. Of course, it’s always wise to have a legal professional on your side every step of the way. To set up your free case evaluation with an experienced legal team in the Fort Lauderdale area, contact Ginnis & Krathen, P.A.