What You Share Online Could Be Used Against You After a Crash
You’ve just been through something traumatic. A motorcycle accident throws your whole life into chaos, physically, emotionally, and financially. Maybe you're lying in a hospital bed. Maybe you're back home, hurting in more ways than one. Friends start checking in, and your family wants updates. In today’s world, the first instinct is to grab your phone and post something online. Don’t!
What you share on social media after a motorcycle accident can seriously damage your injury claim. It’s not fair, and it's not always logical. But it’s real, and insurance companies know exactly how to use your digital footprint against you.
Why do insurance companies care what I post online?
Because your posts tell a story, if that story doesn’t line up perfectly with what’s in your official claim, they’ll jump on it.
Insurance adjusters don’t just look at medical records and crash reports. They also comb through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and even LinkedIn. They’re trained to look for anything that they can use to reduce or deny your compensation. Something as innocent as a smiling photo, a check-in at a restaurant, or a quick comment like “Feeling better today!” can be twisted to suggest that your injuries aren’t that serious or that you’re not being honest.
Even if your profile is set to private, that doesn’t make you safe. Courts in Florida and elsewhere often allow discovery of social media posts if they’re relevant to your injuries or credibility. That means insurance companies can request access, and judges may grant it.
What kind of posts can hurt my motorcycle accident claim?
You might be surprised how small things can be turned into big problems. It doesn’t take much. A single screenshot out of context can do real damage. Let’s say you post a photo at a birthday party. Maybe you’re seated the whole time, and maybe you’re in pain, but that’s not what the photo shows. To an insurance company, it might look like you’re active, social, and not as hurt as you claim. They won’t know you left early to lie down with an ice pack. They’ll just see the smile and the cake.
Here are more examples of how social media posts can hurt your claim:
- “I’m fine” posts can make it seem like you’ve recovered, even if you were just trying to reassure loved ones.
- Check-ins at gyms, events, or restaurants (even if you didn’t go) can be misinterpreted.
- Comments from friends such as “Glad to see you out and about!” or “Back on the bike already?” can be twisted to suggest you're ignoring medical restrictions.
- Posts about your motorcycle accident itself can complicate how liability is viewed, especially if they contain guesses, opinions, or apologies.
What should I do with my social media after the crash?
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, the safest move is to stop posting entirely until your case is resolved. That may sound extreme, but it’s often the best protection you have. That means no photos, updates, or comments about your recovery, the crash, or how you're feeling. Also, never vent about the insurance company or the driver who hit you.
Next, tighten your privacy settings. Make your accounts as locked down as possible. Disable public tagging. Limit who can see old posts. However, don’t delete anything without consulting your lawyer. Deleting posts after a crash can raise red flags and may even be seen as tampering with evidence.
Finally, talk to your inner circle. Let your friends and family know you’re keeping a low profile and ask them not to tag you or post about you for the time being.
Can a lawyer help me manage my online presence?
Armando Personal Injury Law knows how easily social media can be weaponized. One of the first things we do with new clients is review their online presence. We look for anything that could be taken out of context or misused by the other side.
We also provide ongoing advice throughout your case, including what to avoid, how to respond if someone tags you, and what to do if a past post becomes relevant again. We’ll deal with insurance companies directly so you’re not tempted to post in frustration or defend yourself online.
If the opposing party requests access to your social accounts, we know how to challenge overbroad or intrusive demands. We work to protect your privacy while ensuring compliance with applicable laws. Most importantly, we build your case on solid ground, not shaky posts or misunderstood content.
Let a knowledgeable Tampa lawyer protect your rights
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, what you post on social media can have a serious effect on your claim. In some cases, it can be used against you by insurance companies to reduce or deny your compensation. Armando Personal Injury Law understands how overwhelming this process can feel, especially when you're recovering from serious injuries and trying to protect your rights at the same time.
From the moment you reach out to us, we’ll help you through every step, from gathering evidence and managing your digital footprint to negotiating with insurance companies and building a strong case on your behalf. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t owe us a dime unless we win your case. Plus, we offer a free consultation where we’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and give you clear, practical advice on what to do (and what not to do) next.
We proudly serve motorcycle accident victims in Tampa, St. Pete, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, and surrounding Florida communities. Contact us online or call today to schedule your free case evaluation. The road to recovery starts with the right legal team, and we’re ready to ride alongside you every step of the way.
“Armando and his crew were great when dealing with my case !! I would highly recommend. When my car was totaled out, they even referred me to a nice chiropractor who provided transportation to and from my destination. THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH .” – V.M., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐