When you are hurt and trying to recover, posting on social media might seem like a harmless way to stay connected. But if you are thinking about filing a personal injury claim, what you share online could quietly work against you. Even the most innocent updates or photos can be taken out of context and used to question your pain or your story.
Insurance companies and the other side may look through your online activity to find anything they can use. A smiling photo, a location tag or even a light-hearted comment might end up being used to reduce or deny your compensation.
Think before you post
When you are in the middle of a claim, it is important to pause before sharing anything online. Protect your case by all means using the following tips:
- Keep your updates private: Adjust your privacy settings so that only close friends can view your posts. Still, remember online privacy is a fallacy.
- Avoid posting about your injury or accident: What you say can be misunderstood. Even saying “I am doing better” could be used to argue that you are not as hurt as you say.
- Skip photos and check-ins: A picture of you at a gathering or a check-in at the gym might seem innocent, but it can be spun to make it look like you are not struggling.
- Ask friends and family not to tag you: Their posts can show where you are and what you are doing, even if you are not posting yourself.
- Do not delete anything: Removing posts after your claim starts could look suspicious. Just leave things as they are, or stop posting altogether.
Being mindful of these steps can help you avoid small mistakes that could greatly impact your claim.
Every personal injury story is different, and how your online activity may affect your case depends on many things. When you are unsure about the next step, quiet legal support can go a long way in helping you move forward with confidence.
