When Sarah was rear-ended at a red light in Baltimore, she suffered serious neck and back injuries. While waiting for her case to move forward, she continued using social media to stay connected with friends. She posted photos of a weekend barbecue, a beach trip, and a smiling selfie at a family party. What Sarah didn’t realize was that the insurance company’s lawyers were also watching her posts. They argued that her pictures showed she wasn’t as injured as she claimed. What she thought were innocent updates ended up being used against her in her Maryland car accident case.
The Role of Social Media in Modern Car Accident Claims
Today, nearly everyone uses platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or X (formerly Twitter). Sharing updates has become second nature. But in the aftermath of a serious accident, social media can be a trap. Insurance companies in Maryland car accident cases are trained to search for evidence that can weaken a victim’s claim. Even a single picture or post—taken out of context—can cast doubt on the extent of your injuries or your credibility.
How Insurance Companies Use Your Posts Against You
Insurance adjusters are not just reviewing medical records and police reports. They are also monitoring your online presence. Their goal is to find inconsistencies between what you claim and what you post. For example:
- Photos of activities – A simple photo of you at a wedding or enjoying dinner could be spun as evidence you are not truly in pain.
- Status updates – A cheerful post about “feeling good today” could be taken out of context to suggest your injuries are minor.
- Check-ins and tags – Location updates might imply you are traveling or socializing when you should be recovering.
- Comments from friends – Even jokes or casual remarks made by others on your posts can be misinterpreted.
These tactics may seem unfair, but they are entirely legal. Anything posted publicly—or even privately if discovered during the litigation process—can become evidence. A Maryland car accident lawyer can explain how even innocent posts may end up hurting your claim.
Why Deleting Posts Can Make Things Worse
Some accident victims think deleting their posts is the best solution. Unfortunately, this can backfire. Courts may view deleted material as an attempt to hide evidence. This perception can seriously damage your credibility and harm your case. Instead of deleting, it is far safer to avoid posting altogether once you are considering a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland.
Maryland Laws and Discovery Rules
In Maryland, personal injury cases follow strict discovery rules. Discovery is the legal process where each side gathers evidence. Social media content is considered fair game if it is relevant to the case.
Even private posts can sometimes be requested through subpoenas. This means that if your online activity contradicts your testimony, it can be brought before the court. A Maryland personal injury attorney can help you understand how discovery rules apply to your situation.
Protecting Yourself After a Car Accident
To safeguard your claim, it is critical to take control of your online presence. Here are some steps you should follow:
- Pause posting altogether – The safest option is to stop posting on all platforms until your case is resolved.
- Tighten privacy settings – While not foolproof, adjusting privacy settings makes it harder for outsiders to see your content.
- Ask friends not to tag you – Well-meaning friends might share photos of you that could hurt your case.
- Avoid discussing the accident online – Do not post details about the car accident, your injuries, medical treatments, or the case itself.
- Consult your lawyer before posting – Your Maryland accident attorney can guide you on what is safe and what is risky.
Real-Life Consequences of Oversharing
There have been many real cases across the country where social media cost accident victims thousands of dollars in compensation. For example, a plaintiff who claimed severe back pain lost credibility when photos surfaced of him lifting heavy items. Another case weakened because the victim posted about training for a 5K run while claiming she was unable to walk without pain.
In Maryland, these same types of examples can play out. Judges and juries may not see the full story behind a post. They only see what’s presented by the opposing side. A simple photo that doesn’t show the pain you felt afterward could become the centerpiece of the defense’s argument.
How Social Media Affects Settlement Negotiations
Most Maryland car accident cases are settled out of court. But settlement negotiations can be heavily influenced by the strength of your evidence. If the insurance company finds questionable material on your social media, they may offer a much lower settlement. They know it will be harder for you to prove your case in court if your credibility is in question. Protecting your online presence can preserve your bargaining power and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Building a Strong Car Accident Claim in Maryland
Beyond social media, many factors go into building a strong case. A skilled Maryland car accident attorney will gather medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony. They will also advise you on pitfalls to avoid—like careless online posting. Working closely with your lawyer helps ensure your case is not derailed by mistakes that can easily be prevented.
Social Media Is Not Worth the Risk
We hope this blog post helped you understand how social media can hurt your car accident case in Maryland.
After a serious car accident, your health and your legal rights should be the top priorities. Social media may seem harmless, but in the eyes of an insurance adjuster or jury, it can be damaging. Protect yourself by limiting your online activity until your case is resolved. Every post, picture, or comment could become evidence, and once it’s out there, you can’t control how it will be used.
Call Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer Steven H. Heisler Today For Help With Your Car Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Maryland, don’t let social media mistakes jeopardize your recovery. Steven H. Heisler, a Maryland personal injury lawyer, has spent decades fighting for accident victims across the state. Let us protect your rights and build the strongest case possible for you. Call us today at 410-625-4878 to schedule your free consultation.