Let’s be honest: most of us share more than we think on social media. A quick update here, a photo there—it’s second nature. But if you’re involved in a personal injury claim, your online presence can do more than just connect you with friends. It can impact your case.
Here’s what you need to know about social media during an active injury claim—and how to use (or pause) your accounts wisely.
❌ What Not to Post During Your Injury Claim
Before posting on social media, think about the injury claim you’ve posed. Even a single post can be taken out of context and used against you.
These are the top types of content to avoid entirely while your claim is pending:
1. Photos or Videos of Physical Activity
Anything that shows you walking long distances, lifting objects, playing sports, dancing, exercising—even casually—can contradict your injury claim.
Example: You say you can’t bend or lift due to a back injury. Then you post a video helping your friend move. Your post just became evidence.
2. Travel, Vacations, or Nightlife
You might still be in pain while traveling or attending an event, but optics matter. If it looks like your life hasn’t been affected, the other side will argue your injuries aren’t serious.
Example: A photo of you at a wedding can be spun to suggest full mobility and no emotional distress.
3. Check-Ins and Location Tags
Tagging yourself at the gym, park, or a concert—even if you’re just there briefly—can be used to question your pain levels or mobility restrictions.
4. Work and Business Posts
Be cautious about showing yourself working, launching a new project, or talking about how busy you are. If you’re claiming lost wages or a reduced ability to work, these posts may weaken that claim.
5. Jokes, Sarcasm, or Memes About Your Injury
Humor is understandable, but online jokes can appear dismissive or contradictory to a claim of physical or emotional pain. It’s best to not discuss your injury online at all.
6. Alcohol or Drug-Related Content
Photos or posts involving alcohol or partying can be used to question your judgment or imply you contributed to your injury, especially in auto accident claims.
7. “I’m Fine” or “Feeling Better” Status Updates
Phrases like “Doing much better today!” or “Glad to be out and about” are often taken literally by insurance companies. Even if you’re just trying to stay positive, it can hurt your claim. Again, its best to not discuss your injury or legal claim online at all.
8. Posts About Your Case or the Other Party
Never discuss the details of your accident, your attorney, the insurance company, or the defendant. Not only can this backfire legally—it can also damage your credibility or violate court orders.
9. Tagged Posts from Friends
Even if you avoid posting yourself, you can still be tagged in someone else’s photo or status. Ask friends and family not to tag you in anything while your case is open. Adjust your privacy settings accordingly.
10. ⚠️ Private Messages Are Not Off-Limits
Direct messages can be subpoenaed or discovered. That includes DMs, group chats, and archived stories. If you wouldn’t want it read in court, don’t type it.
✅ What Is (Generally) Safe to Post
If you’re not ready to go totally offline, here’s what’s typically okay to post—with care:
- Book recommendations, movie recommendations, neutral updates, or throwback content unrelated to your injury.
- Business-related posts that don’t exaggerate your activity level.
- Encouragement or gratitude (as long as it doesn’t contradict your claim).
Still, the safest bet is to pause posting entirely until your case is resolved.
Final Thoughts: Be Mindful, Be Consistent
You don’t need to disappear from the internet. But you do need to be smart.
The most damaging evidence in injury claims often comes from the client’s own posts. Not because they’re dishonest—but because a moment, a photo, or a phrase can be spun into something it wasn’t.
At Comer Law Group, we help our clients avoid these pitfalls early so they stay in control of their case, their image, and their outcome.
If you’re pursuing a personal injury claim and unsure how your online presence might affect it, reach out. We’re here to guide you through the legal—and the practical—side of recovery.
New to Comer Law Group? We’re a dedicated group of experienced and highly credible legal professionals, proudly representing clients all across Texas. From our Dallas office, we honor a commitment to excellence and a client-centered approach. Comer Law Group provides expert legal services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. With our knowledge and case-winning strategies, our team is committed to achieving justice and securing the best possible results for our clients. To become a client, visit the Comer Law Group website, or call us directly at 1 888 387 0650.
