What Not to Post on Social Media After an Accident
Posting on social media after an accident can seriously damage your personal injury claim, especially if you share photos, updates about your recovery, or comments about the crash. Insurers and defense lawyers routinely monitor Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for anything that could cast doubt on your injuries or your story.
Even a quick post stating you’re feeling better today, or a smiling photo, can be used to argue you’re not as hurt as you claim. At Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, our Harrisburg personal injury lawyers tell clients to stay off social media entirely while their case is active.
Otherwise, what feels like a harmless post or a way to stay connected can cost you thousands in lost compensation.
What Social Media Posts Can Hurt My Claim?
Anything that creates doubt about your physical or emotional condition can harm your case. Photos showing physical activity, upbeat captions, or comments about fault may seem innocent, but can be twisted by insurance adjusters. For instance, if you post a photo enjoying a night out in downtown Harrisburg, the defense could argue you’re not in pain.
Even reactions like “likes,” “shares,” or check-ins at restaurants can be spun as proof that your injuries aren’t serious. Once your claim is filed, assume every post is potential evidence. Likewise, friendly replies can hurt your case.
If someone comments, “You look great!” and you respond with a heart emoji, that can be misinterpreted as a sign of full recovery. The safest approach is to pause posting completely until your case concludes.
Can My Deleted or Private Posts Still Be Used Against Me?
Yes. Even deleted or private content can be recovered through subpoenas or screenshots. Pennsylvania courts have repeatedly allowed social media evidence when it contradicts a person’s statements about their injuries.
In other words, deleting a post doesn’t erase it from your case. The best move is prevention. Avoid posting altogether until your claim is resolved.
Why Do Insurance Companies Monitor Social Media?
Insurance investigators and defense attorneys are skilled at finding inconsistencies online. Their goal is to reduce payouts by showing that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed. They will use a single smiling photo, a gym check-in, or a comment about returning to work to suggest you’ve recovered.
A recent Pew Research Center survey found that approximately 72% of adults in the U.S. use social media daily, which means insurers have a wealth of material to review. What you post becomes part of your digital evidence trail.
Can Injury Lawyers Protect Me from Social Media Mistakes?
Yes. Reputable Harrisburg personal injury attorneys routinely advise their clients to lock down their privacy settings, avoid posting altogether, and refer any online questions about the crash to them. They monitor for potential digital evidence issues early so they can address them before they affect negotiations or a trial.
A skilled lawyer can likewise do more than warn you about social media. They can gather witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony to build a clear picture of how your injuries impact your life, so a misleading post doesn’t tell your story for you. Your Harrisburg personal injury lawyer also handles communication with insurers, ensuring nothing you say or share can be twisted against you.
Talk to Our Personal Injury Attorneys Before Posting on Social Media
Once you’ve been hurt in an accident, everything you share online could end up under a microscope. Before posting, speak to our personal injury lawyers in Harrisburg, PA. We understand how local courts and insurers handle digital evidence.
For your no-cost consultation, contact Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky at 717-260-3527 or online.