Can Social Media Hurt My Maryland Car Accident Claim?

 Posted on September 29, 2025 in Car Accidents

A serious car accident can have a devastating financial, physical, and emotional impact on your life. It is natural to want to share what happened with your friends and family online. However, many people share updates online without realizing the risks, and your social media posts might hurt your personal injury claim.

Insurance companies and defense attorneys often check for posts, photos, or comments that might weaken your case. A simple update can be taken out of context and used against you in court. Before you do anything related to your accident, talk to our knowledgeable Baltimore County, MD car accident lawyer. We will help you build and protect your claim.

Do Insurers Monitor Your Social Media When You Make a Car Accident Claim?

It is common for insurance companies to review your public social media accounts after a crash. Maryland’s insurance requirements, found in Md. Code, Transportation § 17-103, require drivers to carry liability coverage. Because of this, insurers are on the hook to pay damages. They have a financial motive to protect their bottom line and redirect blame elsewhere. They may be looking for signs that your injuries are not as serious as you claim, or they want to see if you are doing anything that contradicts what you say about how your injuries have impacted your life.

If they can find any evidence that you contributed to the crash at all, they could avoid payment. This is because Maryland follows the contributory negligence rule stating that you cannot recover damages if you are found even one percent at fault for the accident. Social media posts may be used to argue that you were distracted, reckless, or not seriously hurt, even when that is not true. Often, private accounts may not even be safe. Opposing attorneys can sometimes request access through the discovery process.

Examples of Social Media Posts That Can Damage Your Car Accident Claim

You may not realize how much information your posts reveal. Some of the most common types of content that create problems include:

• Photos or videos of physical activity: If you are claiming back pain but post a photo of yourself playing basketball, an insurer may argue you are exaggerating the severity of your injury.

• Vacation updates: A trip you had planned before the accident may be harmless, but photos of travel can be used to suggest you are not suffering.

• Comments about the accident: Saying "I feel fine" or joking about the crash can be twisted to downplay your injuries.

• Posts about money or lawsuits: Talking about your claim or settlement may appear as though you are more focused on financial gain than medical recovery.

What Content Is Safe To Post on Social Media After a Car Accident Claim?

Most attorneys will advise you to stay off social media until your case is resolved. If that is not realistic, you should limit your posts to neutral content that cannot be misinterpreted. Examples include sharing inspirational quotes, posting non-personal articles, or liking friends’ updates without adding comments.

Additionally, avoid posting about your injuries, your medical treatment, or the progress of your case. Protecting your claim means avoiding anything that gives the insurance company an excuse to reduce or deny your compensation.

Contact a Catonsville, MD Car Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation

At Serafini Law, we help clients protect their rights after serious car accidents. We understand how devastating a car accident can be and how easy it is for an insurer or attorney to misconstrue your social media posts.

Attorney Andrew A. Serafini, Jr. offers an aggressive approach with compassionate support. With more than 12 years of experience, he gives every case personal attention and remains deeply involved in the local community. Call 240-744-1600 today to speak with a Baltimore County, MD car accident lawyer who cares. Our office is available 24/7, and we work on contingency. That means you do not pay attorney’s fees unless we win.