At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we understand how critical it is to protect your legal rights after a car accident. While most people are aware of the importance of medical treatment and insurance documentation, many do not realize that their social media activity can significantly impact the outcome of their case.
In today’s digital age, what you share online can be used against you in court or during settlement negotiations. As a trusted car accident lawyer in Baltimore, we believe in educating our clients so they do not unknowingly jeopardize their claims.
Social Media and Car Accident Claims: The Basics
Following a car accident, victims often take to platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) to update friends and family. A simple post stating, “Feeling better today,” or a photo of a weekend outing can be used by insurance companies or opposing attorneys to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
Social media content is considered discoverable evidence in both personal injury lawsuits and insurance investigations. Courts have repeatedly ruled that public posts can be admissible, and even private accounts may not be protected if the information is relevant to your case.
At our Baltimore car crash law firm, we have seen how one careless post can derail a valid claim. That is why we encourage all of our clients to pause before posting anything online after an accident.
What Types of Posts Are Most Dangerous?
Even seemingly innocent content can be misinterpreted or manipulated to cast doubt on your credibility. The following types of posts are particularly problematic:
- Photos or videos showing physical activity, travel, or social events
- Status updates mentioning your recovery, pain levels, or emotional state
- Check-ins or geotags at locations that imply you are more mobile than you claimed
- Comments made to or by friends that reference the accident or legal case
- Memes or jokes that downplay injury severity or imply fault
For example, suppose you post a photo of yourself smiling at a family gathering a week after the crash. In that case, an insurance adjuster may use that image to suggest you are not experiencing serious pain or emotional distress, even if you are only putting on a brave face for your loved ones.
Can Private Accounts Still Be Searched?
Many clients assume that setting their social media accounts to “private” will protect them. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Courts have ruled that if a post is relevant to the facts of a case, it may be subject to discovery even if it is not public.
Opposing counsel can request access to private messages, archived posts, and deleted content through formal legal procedures. If the court agrees that the information may help determine liability or damages, it can compel you to provide access.
As a Baltimore auto accident attorney, we advise all clients to consider everything posted online as potentially public and permanent, regardless of privacy settings.
How Insurance Companies Use Social Media
Insurance companies are highly motivated to minimize the amount they pay in settlements. As part of their investigation, adjusters often monitor accident victims online. This includes:
- Reviewing public profiles
- Searching hashtags related to the accident
- Following geotags at hospitals, gyms, or recreational venues
- Using software to track digital footprints and patterns
- Monitoring friends and family who might tag or mention you
A single post can serve as a basis for claim denial or reduced compensation. If a victim shares a video of themselves dancing at a wedding two days after reporting a neck injury, the insurer may question the validity of that injury, even if the video was recorded before the crash and posted later.
We have seen how these tactics are used against claimants. As your Baltimore car accident lawyer, we are committed to ensuring that you do not fall into these traps.
Legal Precedents and Real Cases
Courts across the country have increasingly allowed social media posts as evidence in personal injury cases. In one Maryland case, a woman’s photos of herself hiking and swimming after a car accident were used by the defense to argue that she exaggerated her injuries. The judge admitted the posts into evidence, significantly weakening her position during settlement talks.
Similarly, in another case involving a car wreck in Baltimore, MD, the plaintiff’s posts about “getting back to normal” undermined her emotional distress claim. The court found that the content painted a picture inconsistent with her sworn testimony.
These examples highlight why it is vital to work with a Baltimore car crash law firm that understands how to manage digital evidence effectively.
What You Should Do Instead
If you have been involved in a car accident, we recommend the following social media precautions to protect your legal interests:
- Stop posting immediately about the accident, your injuries, or your recovery
- Do not delete past posts, as this may be seen as destroying evidence
- Avoid discussing your case with anyone online, including private messages
- Ask friends and family not to tag or mention you in posts or comments
- Let your attorney review any content that may be in question before you share it
We also suggest documenting your pain, injuries, and recovery process privately with your attorney rather than publicly online.
How We Use Social Media to Help You
While social media can hurt your case, it can also support your claim when used correctly. At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we carefully review all aspects of the incident, including online content from the at-fault driver. In some cases, the other party’s own posts can reveal:
- Admissions of fault (“I was not paying attention”)
- Photos showing intoxication or distractions
- Contradictory statements to what they told the police or insurance company
We know how to properly collect, authenticate, and present this type of digital evidence to support your claim. As an experienced car wreck lawyer in Baltimore, MD, we never overlook opportunities to strengthen your position.
How Social Media Can Impact Your Compensation
The compensation you receive after a car accident often depends on the credibility of your injuries and damages. If social media content casts doubt on your honesty, your compensation may be reduced. This includes damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
Even if your injuries are real and severe, social media posts that suggest otherwise can damage your claim. That is why our legal team takes a proactive approach. We help you understand how every decision—from a photo to a comment—can affect the outcome of your case.
Think Before You Post
If you are pursuing an injury claim, assume that every post, photo, and comment is being monitored and evaluated. What may seem harmless or humorous can quickly become a key piece of evidence against you.
At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we take every step to protect our clients from unfair tactics. Our role as a Baltimore auto accident attorney extends beyond paperwork and court appearances. We guide you through the modern realities of injury claims, including the risks posed by social media.
Why Choose Us After a Car Accident in Baltimore
We understand that recovering from a car accident involves more than just healing physically. It means protecting your legal rights, securing fair compensation, and navigating complex digital threats. When you hire us, you gain a team that:
- Understands Maryland law inside and out
- Has experience with high-stakes injury claims
- Knows how to address and counter social media evidence
- Offers honest advice with your best interests in mind
If you are looking for a car accident lawyer in Baltimore who understands today’s legal landscape, including the impact of digital evidence, we are here to help.
Speak to a Baltimore Auto Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a car crash and have questions about how your online activity may affect your case, reach out to us. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation and provide clear guidance on what to do next.
Let Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law protect your rights from every angle—including your digital footprint. Contact our Baltimore car crash law firm today.
