Posted in Uncategorized
When Sharing Feels Natural
When an accident happens, it is natural to want to share what you are going through. Social media feels like a quick way to keep friends and family updated, and in moments of stress, support from loved ones can feel comforting. But if you have been injured and are thinking about pursuing a personal injury case, posting about your accident online can be one of the biggest mistakes you make.
We’d like to thank our friends at Hayhurst Law PLLC for providing the following discussion about why you should avoid posting about your accident online.
Words Can Be Twisted
The problem is not just what you say, but how others may interpret it. A short update like “Feeling better today!” may be an honest reflection of having a good morning, but to an insurance company or defense attorney it looks like proof that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. Even emojis can be taken out of context. A simple thumbs-up or smiley face can be used to downplay your pain and recovery.
Photos Do Not Tell The Whole Story
Photos can be even more damaging than words. Suppose you are tagged in a group picture at a birthday dinner. You might have been in pain the whole evening, sitting down most of the time, but the photo of you smiling tells a different story. A defense attorney could use that image to argue you are living normally and exaggerating your injuries.
The same goes for activity photos. A quick snapshot of you tossing a ball to your dog or standing at a sports game might suggest you are more physically capable than you actually are. The reality, that you needed rest, medication, or help afterward, is not captured in the image.
Conversations Can Backfire
It is not only your posts that matter. Comments from friends and family can also come back to haunt you. Imagine someone commenting “So glad you are back to normal!” under a photo. Even if that is not accurate, the statement is now attached to your profile and can be presented as evidence. If you respond, you may unintentionally admit to things that contradict your legal claim.
Why Silence Is Safer
When you are in the middle of a lawsuit, every detail counts. Insurance companies are skilled at piecing together small bits of information to create a narrative that works in their favor. By talking about your accident online, you are essentially giving them free evidence.
What To Do Instead
Update Privately: Call or text close family and friends instead of posting on your wall.
Seek Support Offline: If you need emotional outlets, consider journaling, joining a support group, or talking directly with trusted people.
Keep A Case Journal: Document your recovery and symptoms privately. This can actually help your personal injury lawyer build your case rather than hurting it.
A Smart Approach To Protecting Your Case
After an accident, social media can feel like the easiest way to communicate, but it is also the riskiest. A single post can be twisted to weaken your credibility or lower the value of your claim. The safest choice is to avoid posting about your accident altogether until your case is resolved. Protecting your story and your right to fair compensation is worth the temporary silence.