How Social Media Can Hurt Your Injury Claim

Social media is part of everyday life for many of us. Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, people often share what’s happening in their lives without thinking twice. But after a car accident or injury, those posts could actually be used against you. Recently, David Greene from joined Studio 10 to explain why people should be careful about what they share online after an accident.

A lot of people probably don’t realize this, but can social media really affect an injury claim?
It absolutely can. One thing many people don’t realize is that insurance companies and defense attorneys often look at social media accounts when someone files a claim. They’re looking for anything they think might contradict the injuries being reported. Even something that seems harmless can sometimes be taken out of context and used to argue that someone isn’t as injured as they say.

So even an innocent post could potentially cause problems?
Exactly. Let’s say someone posts a photo smiling at a birthday party or standing at a football game. The insurance company might try to use that to suggest the person isn’t really in pain or isn’t limited by their injuries. But what the photo doesn’t show is that the person may have only been there for a short time, or that they were hurting the entire time. Social media doesn’t always tell the full story, but insurance companies will sometimes try to use those posts to their advantage.

What about posts from friends or family? Can those affect a case too?
They can. Even if you’re careful about what you post, friends or family members might tag you in photos or mention you in posts. Those things can still show up and potentially become part of a case. That’s why we often tell clients to be very cautious with social media while a claim is pending.

So what’s your general advice for someone who has been injured in an accident?
The safest approach is to avoid posting about the accident or your activities while your case is ongoing. That doesn’t mean you have to disappear from social media completely, but you should be very mindful about what you share. And if you have questions about what’s appropriate, it’s always a good idea to talk with an attorney who can help guide you through the process.

And if someone has questions after an accident, what should they do?
If you’ve been injured and aren’t sure what next steps to take, speaking with a local personal injury attorney, like the lawyers at Greene & Phillips, can help you understand your rights and avoid common mistakes. Call, text, or come by anytime.