Staying connected through social media is second nature these days. Whether you’re tweeting, posting, or sharing photos, it feels like a harmless way to communicate. However, if you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to think carefully before you share anything online.
How Posting on Social Media Could Hurt Your Case
You might think that your account and posts are private, but unfortunately, social media platforms are rarely truly private. Even with strict privacy settings, anything you post online could still be used as evidence in your personal injury claim.
Insurance adjusters, defense attorneys, and opposing parties in your case can look at your social media activity and use it to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
Examples of How Social Media Can Be Used Against You:
- Photos and Videos: A photo of you at a party the day after the accident could be used to suggest you weren’t hurt or you were overplaying your injuries. Even a harmless video of you laughing and having fun could be taken out of context.
- Location Check-ins: If you check in at the gym or a restaurant on social media, it may raise questions about the severity of your injuries, even if those activities happened before the accident.
- Comments and Posts: A simple comment, such as “I’m doing better,” or “Feeling great today!” could be used to show that your recovery is progressing more quickly than you’re claiming.
In a personal injury case, even a seemingly innocent post can be harmful. Insurance companies and defense lawyers will look for any reason to reduce the compensation they owe you.
Why Social Media Isn’t Truly Private

Even if you set your social media accounts to private, nothing is 100% private. Here’s why:
- Screenshots and Shares: A friend or acquaintance can screenshot your posts and share them with others. This means that even if you post something to a small circle, it can still get into the hands of the defense attorney.
- Subpoenas: Attorneys can issue subpoenas for your social media accounts. Once this happens, even private messages and posts may become public in court, and you could lose control over the information you thought was protected.
So, even with tight privacy settings, assume that anything you post could be used as evidence in your case. Be cautious and avoid posting altogether while your case is ongoing.
If you’re injured from an accident and are concerned about your social media accounts being used against you, consult with our personal injury lawyer. Call El Dabe Ritter now for a free consultation!
Social Media Do’s and Don’ts During a Personal Injury Claim

If you’re pursuing a personal injury claim, it’s important to watch what you post online. Here are some things you should do and avoid doing to help you safeguard your claim.
Do’s:
- Keep Communication Private: To discuss your case or your injuries, stick to private conversations. Text messages and emails are generally more secure than social media posts, but be careful not to discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney.
- Focus on Your Recovery Offline: Instead of posting updates about your recovery, document your progress privately in a journal.
- Review All Your Social Media Accounts: Many people forget about old or unused accounts. Review all your social media profiles, including any second accounts, and be sure you’re not sharing anything that could affect your case.
- Consult Your Attorney: Always reach out to your attorney if you’re unsure about something you’ve posted or want to post. They can provide guidance on how to handle social media during your case.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Post Pictures or Videos of the Accident: Refrain from posting pictures or videos related to the accident. They may seem harmless, they could be misused to challenge your claims.
- Don’t Address the Accident: Avoid posting comments, stories, or details about the accident—like admitting fault or venting frustrations. Even innocent statements or images may harm your case.
- Don’t Delete Posts: Deleting content on social media could be seen as “destroying evidence,” which could have legal consequences. Instead, consult your attorney for advice on how to proceed if you’re considering deleting something.
- Don’t Share Activities or Updates: Posting check-ins or updates about your injuries, treatments, or recovery could contradict your claims or be twisted to weaken your case.
- Don’t Accept New Friend Requests: It’s best not to accept any new friend requests or follows while your case is ongoing. You can’t always be sure of who is behind a profile, and someone connected to the insurance company or defense team may try to access your private information.
What to Do Instead of Posting on Social Media

If you need some alternatives to posting on social media after a car accident, consider these more private alternatives:
- Keep a Journal: Document your daily recovery progress and frustrations privately. This will help you remember details for when you meet with your lawyer.
- Call or Text Close Friends and Family: To update loved ones, consider calling or texting them directly instead of posting online.
- Reach Out to Your Lawyer: If you need legal advice, always speak with your lawyer first. They’ll guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Claim
A car accident case can bring many challenges, but a skilled lawyer can help you stay on track and protect what matters. Here’s how:
- Communicate Social Media Risks: They’ll guide you on what not to post and protect your online presence.
- Safeguard Privacy: Lawyers help prevent your social media from being used against you.
- Negotiate with Insurers: They fight back against lowball offers to get you fair compensation.
- Respond to Legal Requests: Your lawyer ensures only necessary information is shared.
- Prevent Mistakes: They stop errors like deleting posts that could harm your case.
- Maximize Compensation: Lawyers assess all damages to secure the best settlement possible.
Recommended Reading:
- What Does a Personal Injury Attorney Do?
- Is It Worth Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney?
- How Long Will My Personal Injury Lawsuit take?
Consult with Our Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Avoid the pitfalls of posting on social media after a car accident. If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s critical to avoid posting on social media until your case is resolved.
Call our experienced car accident attorney to get the guidance you need to move forward with confidence. We’ll help you protect your rights and ensure your case is handled properly. Call today for a free consultation!
Fill out our form today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards justice.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.