How Social Media Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim

Posted October 23, 2025 | Personal Injury Blog

Social media has become a natural part of daily life, a place to connect, share, and document experiences. But if you’ve been injured in an accident and are pursuing a personal injury claim, what you post online could seriously affect your case. Even something as harmless as a photo or casual comment can be taken out of context and used against you by insurance companies or defense attorneys.

In this blog, we’ll explain:

• How insurance companies use social media during personal injury cases
• What types of posts can hurt your credibility
• How to protect yourself online while your claim is pending
• Why working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can safeguard your case from these digital pitfalls

How Social Media Impacts Personal Injury Cases

When you file a personal injury claim after a car accident, slip and fall, or any other type of injury, insurance companies immediately start looking for ways to reduce your compensation.

One of their favorite tools? Your social media profiles.

They may monitor your public posts, and sometimes even private ones through legal discovery, looking for any inconsistencies in your story. A single picture, status update, or “check-in” could be used to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.

Examples of Social Media Posts That Can Hurt Your Claim

Even innocent posts can create the wrong impression. Here are a few examples of content that can damage your case:

• Photos or videos of physical activity – A picture of you hiking, dancing, or working out could be twisted to suggest you’re not really injured.
• Posts about your accident – Sharing details of your crash or injury may contradict your formal statement or testimony.
• “Good day” posts – Even a post saying you’re “feeling better” can be used to downplay your pain and suffering claim.
• Tagging and check-ins – Location tags at restaurants, events, or vacations may imply a level of physical or emotional recovery that insurance adjusters will exploit.

Your car accident attorneys or truck accident lawyers will often advise you to pause or limit your social media use until your case concludes.

Insurance Companies Are Watching

It’s no secret that insurance companies invest heavily in investigations, and social media is one of their easiest sources of information. Adjusters or defense teams may:

• Search your name on all major platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, X/Twitter).
• Look through tagged posts by friends or family.
• Request access to your private content during the discovery phase.

Even if your profile is private, never assume your content is hidden. Screenshots, shares, and tagged photos can make their way to the opposing side.

Protecting Your Claim: Social Media Tips for Injury Victims

If you’re involved in a personal injury case, here are steps to protect yourself online:

1. Pause posting altogether until your claim is resolved.
2. Ask friends and family not to tag or post about you or the accident.
3. Avoid discussing your case online, even in private messages.
4. Tighten your privacy settings, but remember they’re not foolproof.
5. Never delete posts after your case has started; it could be considered destruction of evidence.

Your personal injury attorney can guide you on what’s safe to share and what to avoid.

How Social Media Evidence Is Used in Court

Social media posts are increasingly used in court as admissible evidence. Defense attorneys may use them to challenge:

• The severity of your injuries (e.g., claiming you exaggerated pain).
• Your credibility (e.g., contradicting your testimony).
• Your emotional distress claims (e.g., showing smiling photos after the incident).

For example, in a catastrophic injury case involving long-term disability, a single image showing you walking unaided could undermine medical reports or expert testimony.

That’s why Fielding Law works proactively to control the narrative, ensuring your story is supported by solid evidence, not distorted social media assumptions.

Why Legal Guidance Is Crucial

An experienced personal injury lawyer doesn’t just represent you in negotiations or court, they protect you from mistakes that can weaken your claim.

At Fielding Law Auto Accident Attorneys, we advise clients on how to manage social media activity throughout the legal process. From investigating opposing parties’ posts to ensuring your digital footprint doesn’t harm your case, our team uses every tool to protect your rights.

Whether your case involves a rideshare accident, dog bite, or wrongful death claim, we provide comprehensive representation every step of the way.

Contact Fielding Law Auto Accident Attorneys

Your recovery deserves your focus, not a battle over social media posts. Before you post, comment, or share anything about your accident, speak with the attorneys who understand how digital activity affects real-world outcomes.

Fielding Law Auto Accident Attorneys represent injured clients throughout Texas and Utah, providing personal attention and proven results.

Texas Offices:

• Mesquite: 18601 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway Suite 315, Mesquite, TX 75150
• Heath: 4232 Ridge Rd #104, Heath, TX 75032
• Richardson: 2221 Lakeside Blvd, Suite 1600, Richardson, TX 75082

Utah Office:

• Taylorsville: 4179 South Riverboat Road, Ste 150, Taylorsville, UT 84123

Call Fielding Law today for a free consultation, because it’s not about us. It’s about you.