After an accident, it’s natural to update friends and family about what happened. Many people turn to social media to share photos, post updates, or simply vent about a stressful situation.
But if you’ve been injured and are considering a personal injury claim in Missouri, what you post online can seriously damage your case; even if your account is private or your posts seem harmless.
Insurance Companies Do Look at Social Media
One of the biggest surprises for injury victims is learning that insurance companies actively review social media accounts during a claim. Adjusters and defense attorneys may look for anything they can use to argue that:
- Your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim,
- The accident wasn’t the real cause of your injuries, or
- You were partially or fully at fault.
Photos, comments, check-ins, and even tagged posts can be taken out of context and used to reduce or deny compensation.
Common Social Media Posts That Can Be Used Against You
Even posts that seem unrelated to your accident can raise red flags. Examples include:
- Photos of you smiling, traveling, or attending social events,
- Posts saying you’re “feeling better” or “doing okay,”
- Comments about physical activity, work, or daily routines, and
- Jokes or casual remarks about the accident itself.
An insurance company may argue that these posts contradict your injury claims — even if you were in pain before or after the photo was taken.
Why “Private” Accounts Aren’t Always Safe
Many people assume that setting their social media accounts to private protects them. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Content may still be obtained through:
- Mutual friends or followers,
- Tagged photos or shared posts,
- Discovery requests during a lawsuit, or
- Public comments on private accounts.
Once a personal injury claim is filed, social media content can become part of the evidence.
What You Should Avoid Posting After an Injury
If you’re pursuing — or even considering — a personal injury claim in Missouri, it’s wise to avoid posting:
- Details about the accident,
- Updates about your injuries or recovery,
- Photos or videos of physical activity, and
- Comments about fault, blame, or settlement expectations.
It’s also a good idea to ask friends and family not to tag you in posts or photos while your case is pending.
How a Missouri Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
An experienced personal injury lawyer can guide you on how to protect your claim — including how to avoid common social media pitfalls. They can also challenge insurance companies that try to misuse online content or take posts out of context.
In many cases, having legal representation early on helps prevent mistakes that can weaken an otherwise valid claim.
The Bottom Line
Social media can feel harmless, but in a Missouri personal injury case, it can quickly become a powerful tool for insurance companies trying to minimize what they pay. What you post — or what others post about you — can impact your credibility and your compensation.
If you’ve been injured, the safest approach is to limit social media activity and speak with a knowledgeable attorney who can help you protect your rights from the start.
Contact Rogers Sevastianos & Bante
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, the attorneys at Rogers Sevastianos & Bante, LLP can help you understand how to protect your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve under Missouri law.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every legal situation is unique, and you should consult an attorney for personalized guidance on your specific circumstances.