After a crash, anything you post online could be used against you by the insurance company. Adjusters and investigators often review social media accounts to find statements or photos that contradict injury claims. Our Butte car accident lawyers know how insurers use social media can help you avoid costly mistakes that may impact your compensation after a car accident.
How Insurance Companies Use Social Media Against You After a Crash
Social media can become a liability if you are seeking compensation after a car accident. Insurance companies actively monitor online activity, looking for posts that could be used to dispute your claim. Even seemingly harmless updates can be taken out of context to minimize your personal injuries or shift blame onto you.
Insurance adjusters routinely search social media platforms for posts, photos, and interactions that could undermine your claim. Under Montana Rules of Evidence § 26-1-601, social media content may be admissible in court if it is relevant to the case. This means that anything you post, even if it is taken out of context, could be used as evidence against you.
Common Ways Social Media Posts Hurt Your Claim
Posting on social media after an accident can create complications when pursuing compensation. Insurance companies may argue that photos or status updates contradict your reported injuries or limitations. Even comments made by friends and family can be used to challenge the severity of your injuries or suggest that you were partially at fault.
What Not to Post on Social Media After an Accident
Anything you share online can be misinterpreted and used against you in your claim. Even if your account is private, insurance companies may still gain access through legal requests. The following types of social media posts can harm your case:
- Posts about your injuries – Updates about your recovery, physical condition, or medical treatment can be taken out of context. Insurers may argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed if you appear active or in good health.
- Location check-ins – Checking in at events, vacations, or gyms can be used to dispute your claim. If you claim that your injuries limit mobility, insurers may argue that your activity level contradicts your statements.
- Photos and videos – Any images that show you engaging in physical activities could be used to challenge the severity of your injuries. Even unrelated photos taken before the accident may be used to raise doubts about your condition.
- Comments about the accident – Discussing fault, injuries, or settlement negotiations online can complicate your case. Insurance adjusters may misinterpret or twist your words to weaken your claim.
Even casual social media activity can be used to dispute your injuries and undermine your claim. Insurance companies often take posts out of context to justify reducing or denying a settlement. Adjusting your privacy settings and limiting online activity can help protect your claim.
How to Protect Your Claim From Social Media Scrutiny
Limiting your social media activity after an accident is one of the best ways to protect your claim. Changing your privacy settings, avoiding discussions about your case with anyone, including family and friends, and refraining from posting updates about your injuries can prevent insurers from gathering misleading evidence. Even liking, commenting, or sharing posts from others could be misinterpreted and used against you.