Should You Post on Social Media After a Wreck?

What to Know About Using Social Media During an Injury Claim

In 2023, social media will remain ubiquitous. 

Over half of the world’s population regularly use a Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, or TikTok account, which, in turn, means that social media posts have the potential to garner millions of views.

For this reason, it is not advisable to post on social media after a car wreck. 

The Dangers of Using Social Media During an Injury Claim

After a wreck, you’re scared. You’re probably shaken up, but you’re relieved that you survived. The desire to reassure your family and friends may tempt you to post about your harrowing experience. 

However, be extremely careful — what you post online can and will be used as proof against you in your personal injury case.

Picture this: you are in a serious car wreck. You come away with minor scrapes, bruises, and soreness. You don’t want to complain, so you post on Instagram to tell your friends and family that you are “okay”. 

But as time passes, the soreness gets worse. Now, you require extensive treatment, medication, and maybe even surgery. You miss work from all of the medical appointments and now cannot return while in recovery. You’ve lost wages and the medical bills are piling up. Plus, your car is totaled — you need help. 

You file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company, but they assert that your injury is not due to the accident. Because of your social media posts, they have proof that you were “okay” after the crash.

Remember: even simple tweets or Facebook posts can make or break your case and negatively impact the outcome of your insurance claim.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Posting on Social Media During a Personal Injury Claim

• DO change your privacy settings. Only let your friends, family, and the people you actually know visit and view your profile.
• DON’T share any photographs. Avoid posting images of damage to your vehicle or images of injuries sustained in the wreck. 
• DO ask others to remain silent about your injury. Others’ pictures or updates posted to social media could also be used in your lawsuit. 
• DON’T post updates about your condition or claim. Do not post about visits with doctors, your lawyer, or any case updates.
• DO ask your family and friends to NOT tag you in any of their posts or stories for the duration of your case.  
• DON’T reach out to anyone involved in the case via social media. 
• DO know that anything on your social media could be used against you. 

Anderson Traylor Edwards Is Here to Help 

If you or a relative were recently injured in a car crash, you may be entitled to punitive damages and medical compensation. 

The dedicated injury attorneys at Anderson Traylor Edwards have over 50 years of combined experience representing people in Louisiana. If you are in need of empathetic and experienced counsel for your case, look no further. We’re dedicated to fighting for you, no matter how long it takes. 

Don’t wait until time runs out. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.