How Social Media Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim

In today’s world, sharing your life online has become second nature. Whether you’re posting photos on Instagram, updating your Facebook status, or tweeting a funny moment from your day, it can be easy to forget how public your online life really is. However, if you’ve been injured in an accident and filed a personal injury claim, what you post on social media could come back to haunt you.

At the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, our Brockton personal injury lawyers have seen firsthand how a simple social media post can seriously hurt a case. Today we can talk about how your online activity can affect your personal injury claim, offer tips to protect yourself, and stress the importance of talking to your lawyer before posting anything related to your injury or your case.

Remember, social media is public

One of the biggest mistakes people make with social media is thinking their accounts are truly private. You might have strict privacy settings, but that doesn’t mean your posts are completely private. Insurance companies and defense lawyers are skilled at digging up online content. They could search your name, look at mutual friends’ posts, or even request access to your account through legal means.

Here’s the thing. Once you put something online, it’s hard to take it back. A photo, status update, or even just a comment could be screenshotted and used against you, even if you delete it later.

How can social media posts hurt my case?

If you’re claiming serious injuries from a car accident, a slip and fall, or any other personal injury case, your credibility is everything. The court, the insurance companies, and juries want to know that you’re being honest about how your injuries are affecting your life. This is where social media can become a problem. Here are a few common ways your posts could be used against you.

• Let’s say you claim a back injury that limits your movement. If you post a picture of yourself hiking, dancing at a party, or lifting something heavy, even if you’re just posing for the photo, the image can raise serious questions. The insurance company might argue that you’re exaggerating your injuries or not being truthful about your condition.
• Social media apps often track your location. If you’re checking in at a local gym, amusement park, or going out frequently, that could be used to demonstrate that you’re not as injured as you claim.
• Sometimes it’s not about what you post, but what you comment. Casual remarks like “I’m fine,” “It wasn’t that bad,” or joking about your accident can be twisted to suggest that you’re not really suffering as much as you claim.
• With TikTok, Instagram reels, and Facebook Live, people share videos of themselves doing everyday things and activities. If you’re involved in a personal injury case, those videos could become evidence against you. Even something as innocent as walking your dog or playing with your kids could be interpreted in a way that can harm your claim.
• And, it’s not just your posts you have to worry about. If a friend tags you in a post or uploads group photos with you in it, that content might also be reviewed. If their post shows you being active or otherwise engaging in something that might be viewed as contradicting your claim, it can still be used against you.

What are the insurance companies looking for?

Remember, insurance companies don’t want to pay out any more than they have to. Their job is to find ways to reduce or deny your claim, and social media can give them an easy way to do that. Here’s what they’re trying to find:

• Inconsistencies in your story
• Proof that your injuries aren’t as bad as you claim
• Evidence of physical activity
• Photos or comments that show emotional well-being that contradicts claims of pain and suffering

Even if you’re telling the truth, the wrong post can create confusion. And that confusion can lead to delays, reduced settlements, or even losing your case entirely. Don’t let this happen.

How can I protect my personal injury claim on social media?

If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence and plan to file a legal claim, here are some simple but powerful tips to protect your case.

• As soon as you know you’ll be filing a personal injury claim, stop posting on all social media platforms immediately. That includes Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Snapchat, and even LinkedIn. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Make all your accounts private – but remember that this doesn’t guarantee full protection. It just makes it more difficult, but not impossible, for others to see your content.
• Be very cautious about accepting new friend or follower requests. Someone could use fake accounts to gain access to your content.
• Never post about your accident, your injuries, your doctors, or your personal injury claim. Don’t mention conversations with your lawyer or anything related to your legal strategy.
• Let your friends and loved ones know about your claim and ask them not to post photos, videos, or updates that mention you until your case is resolved.

Talk to your personal injury lawyer first

A Brockton personal injury lawyer can be your best guide when it comes to protecting your rights. Before posting anything, even something you believe is harmless, talk to our lawyers. We can help you understand what’s safe and what might be risky.

At the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, we always advise our clients to be extremely careful online. A quick post can do a lot of damage, even when it seems innocent. We can work with you closely to make sure your claim is as strong as possible, and that includes helping you avoid common social media traps.

Social media posts can cost you the compensation you deserve

Being injured in an accident is stressful enough without having to worry about whether your social media habits will be used against you. However, the reality is that insurance companies and defense lawyers are watching. That’s why you need to be smart about what you share, or better yet – don’t share anything at all.

Let our Brockton personal injury lawyers do the talking for you. Focus on healing, following your doctor’s instructions, and keeping your online life quiet until your case is resolved.

At the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, we’re here to help you through every step of your personal injury case, including navigating the risks of social media pitfalls. We’ve been serving clients in Brockton and across Massachusetts for over 35 years, and we know what it takes to protect your rights and secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Don’t take chances with your future. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident that wasn’t their fault, call or contact us today to schedule your free consultation.