Can Social Media Posts Hurt Your Personal Injury Claim?
Yes. Social media posts can hurt your personal injury claim. Insurance providers can and will use even seemingly harmless posts like smiling selfies, checking in at places or events, or comments about your recovery to challenge your credibility and reduce your payout. Put simply, they will twist and use your social media posts against you.
That’s why it’s in your best interest to work with a seasoned Reading personal injury attorney early in your case. At Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C., our Reading personal injury lawyer will not only help you navigate your legal case to ensure you get compensated properly. They can also shield you from common pitfalls that can hurt your case, such as oversharing on social media.
Social Media Is Really Not as Private as You Think
You may think, like countless people, that your Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok posts are safe because of your privacy settings. Unfortunately, that’s not how the courts always see it. Defense attorneys and insurance adjusters often monitor public posts. In some cases, they can even subpoena private messages or restricted content during discovery.
Let’s say you’re claiming a serious back injury from a slip and fall accident. If you post a photo of yourself helping a friend move light furniture or attending a festival, the defense may argue you’re exaggerating your injuries. That single image could be used to cast doubt on your entire claim, even if you were in pain or only participated briefly.
Likewise, insurers can intentionally take vague statements like “I’m okay” or “It wasn’t really that bad” out of context and use them to reduce your settlement. It’s also risky to vent about the other driver or speculate on who was at fault. These kinds of comments can be seen as admissions and may complicate your legal strategy. In fact, a recent survey by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) found that over 80% of insurers now review claimants’ social media profiles as part of their investigations.
Additionally, family or friends tagging you in photos, commenting on your condition, or referencing activities you’ve participated in can also be used as evidence. The safest course of action while your case is ongoing is to avoid posting, ask online friends not to tag you, and set all social media accounts to private.
How a Reading Personal Injury Lawyer Can Protect Your Case Online and Offline
Personal injury law is already complex, and social media adds another layer of risk. A seasoned Reading personal injury attorney can:
- Advise you on what to avoid posting online while your case is pending.
- Handle communication with insurance providers so nothing is misinterpreted or taken out of context.
- Work with investigators to counter any misleading evidence pulled from social media.
- Gather strong medical and accident evidence that supports your injuries and losses.
- Advocate for your full financial recovery that covers all your medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma in and out of court.
Speak to Our Proactive Reading Personal Injury Attorneys Before You Post on Social Media
Don’t let a single tweet or photo undermine your future. At Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C., our Reading personal injury lawyers have helped many injured clients avoid costly mistakes and win the compensation they deserve. Contact us at 484-869-2113, or online for your free consultation with our Reading personal injury attorneys to start protecting your rights on and offline.