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Social media is great for sharing life’s moments – the big wins, the beautiful sunsets, maybe a new workout routine you’ve been trying.
But here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: when it comes to personal injury claims, what you post online can sometimes make or break your case.
Let me give you an example.
Chloe Geraghty is an Irish yoga teacher who was in a car accident that caused neck and shoulder pain. This past October, Chloe took the other driver to court for damages, alleging that, seven years later, she still suffers the impact of the collision. However, her personal injury claims were scrutinized and her case was dismissed after the court found social media posts of her performing headstands for her yoga practice.
Now, Chloe isn’t one of our clients. However, we’ve seen this in cases before, and while this might sound extreme, it’s more common than you’d think. Let’s talk about how social media can impact your claim – and how we can help you stay protected.
How social media can work against you
When you’re filing a personal injury claim, the goal is to recover fair compensation for the pain, suffering, and financial losses you’ve endured due to an injury. But insurance companies are always looking for ways to minimize payouts, and social media can be an easy target.
Photos of you looking happy or engaging in certain activities might lead others to question your injury claims. Insurance companies can use this to argue that you’re not as injured as you say. Social media posts, even when they’re innocent, can be used as evidence. In court, defense attorneys may bring up your posts to undermine your credibility. A single post or photo can be misleading. Just because you’re smiling in a picture doesn’t mean you’re not dealing with pain or limitations. But when taken out of context, it can be used against you.
What to Avoid Posting on Social Media
If you’re in the middle of a personal injury case, there are a few things you might want to hold off on sharing.
Avoid details about the accident: Posting about the accident itself, even in vague terms, can hurt your claim. It’s best to keep details private.
Skip the physical activity updates: Maybe you’re posting about a light workout or a walk. While this might seem harmless, it can be twisted to suggest that your injuries aren’t as severe.
Watch out for tagging: Even if you’re not posting, friends tagging you in photos or posts could unintentionally harm your case.
How to protect your claim – without going completely offline
You don’t have to disappear from the internet entirely, but a few smart steps can help.
Tighten up privacy settings: Keep your posts visible only to close friends and family.
Take a Social Media Break: Consider stepping away from social media until your case is resolved.
Tell friends to avoid tags and check-ins: Let friends and family know that it’s best to leave you out of tags and check-ins for a while.
How Slusser Law Firm can help
We understand that navigating a personal injury case can feel overwhelming, and the last thing you want to worry about is how a Social Media post might affect your future. Our team is here to guide you through each step, including how to handle social media while your case is active.
If you’re dealing with a personal injury and have questions about protecting your claim, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to keep things straightforward and help you make informed choices – so you can focus on getting better.