Founding Partner
Last Updated: June 16, 2025
If you’ve recently been in a car accident in Maryland, your first instinct might be to share the news on social media. After all, it’s a big moment—you’re shaken, upset, and looking for support. But posting about the crash could seriously harm your personal injury claim.
Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, or Snapchat, anything you say—or show—could be used by insurance companies or defense attorneys to dispute your injuries or reduce your compensation. At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we’ve seen firsthand how social media can be used against innocent accident victims. Here’s what you need to know to protect your case.
Why Social Media Can Hurt Your Car Accident Case
Insurance companies actively search for ways to undermine your personal injury claim. They look for any indication that your injuries are not as severe as you say—or that you’ve contradicted your official account. Social media gives them a treasure trove of potential evidence.
Here’s how your posts might be used against you:
- Photos of you smiling or out with friends could be used to argue you’re not suffering.
- Check-ins or vacation updates may suggest you’re not physically limited.
- Comments about the accident might be interpreted as admissions of fault or proof that you weren’t badly injured.
- Posts about recovery like “Feeling better!” could be taken out of context to claim your treatment is complete or unnecessary.
Even seemingly harmless posts—like a gym selfie, hiking pic, or celebrating a birthday—can be twisted to fit the defense’s narrative.
What to Do (and Not Do) on Social Media After a Crash
If you’re pursuing a personal injury claim, the safest course of action is to stay off social media altogether. But if you choose to stay online, follow these key tips:
Don’t Share Accident Details Online
Avoid posting anything about how the accident happened, who you think was at fault, or what you’re planning to do next. Even an innocent comment like, “Rear-ended today. At least I’m okay!” can be used to question the severity of your injuries.
Avoid Talking About Your Injuries or Treatment
Your medical condition is between you and your doctor. A comment like “Back at PT today, almost done!” might lead insurers to argue your recovery is complete—before it is.
Refrain from Posting New Photos or Activity Updates
If you’re claiming that you’re in pain or can’t work, but your account shows you dancing at a wedding or playing sports, it may hurt your credibility.
Tighten Your Privacy Settings
Make your profiles private so that only close friends and family can see your content. Still, remember that private settings don’t make you immune—opposing attorneys can subpoena your accounts during litigation.
Ask Friends Not to Tag You or Post About You
Even if you’re careful, friends might tag you in pictures or mention your activities. Politely ask them to hold off until your case is resolved.
Don’t Accept Friend Requests from Strangers
That seemingly friendly new follower could be a representative from the insurance company or opposing legal team looking for access to your profile.
Real Risk: Social Media Discovery in Legal Cases
Once your case enters litigation, the opposing party may request access to your social media as part of discovery. Courts may grant them access to private posts if they’re deemed relevant. Even deleted posts can sometimes be retrieved. That’s why many attorneys recommend going dark on social media until your claim is resolved.
If you’re not sure whether something is safe to post, err on the side of caution. When in doubt, don’t share it.
What to Do Instead
If you need support, talk to family or close friends in person or by phone. Keep a journal of your physical and emotional recovery, but keep it offline. Most importantly, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we help injury victims across Prince George’s County understand how to protect their claims from beginning to end, including advice on handling social media.
Contact McGowan & Cecil, LLC for Guidance After a Crash
We understand how overwhelming the aftermath of an accident can be. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders. If you’ve been injured in a car crash in Maryland, call us before you post another update. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, while helping you avoid mistakes that could cost you your case.