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The impact of social media on personal injury cases

On Behalf of | Feb 4, 2025 | Personal Injury

In today’s digital age, sharing your life on Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms has become second nature. But that habit can cost you dearly when you’re involved in a personal injury case.

Whether you’ve been in a car accident or suffered from medical malpractice, what you post online can significantly impact your claim. Insurers and defense attorneys scrutinize your online presence to gather evidence that could undermine the case.

These parties twist even seemingly innocent posts to cast doubt on your injuries or credibility.

Key things to remember

Everything you post online is potentially public information, which can harm your personal injury case. Here are three crucial tips to protect yourself:

  • Don’t talk about the case: Do not discuss your accident, injuries or any legal proceedings.
  • Be careful posting images and videos: Refrain from sharing photos or videos that could contradict your claimed injuries.
  • Check your privacy settings: Ensure your settings are up to date but remember that nothing is entirely private online.

Insurance companies routinely scour social media accounts for any reason to deny or reduce compensation.

For example, if you claim a back injury but post a photo of yourself hiking, the insurer might argue your injury isn’t as severe as you claim. Even if you took it before your accident, the other side has no qualms about using it against you without proper context.

Tips for safe posting

If you must use social media during your personal injury case, it’s essential to understand how to do so safely. The best approach is to avoid discussing your case entirely and ask friends and family to do the same. Regularly search your name online to see what information appears.

Before posting anything, the safest thing to do is consult with your attorney to ensure you’re not jeopardizing your case. Remember, even a seemingly harmless update could be misconstrued and used against you in court.