Navigating Social Media After a Personal Injury Accident

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Missouri, what you post online can make or break your personal injury case. I’m Eric Bartlett, host of the Injury Law Pod and a Missouri personal injury attorney with 29 years of experience. Today’s topic is one of the most overlooked factors in the claims process: how social media can hurt your Missouri injury claim and what you must do to protect yourself.

In an age where Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat document our every move, even one innocent post can jeopardize your right to compensation.

How Social Media Can Affect a Missouri Personal Injury Claim

Social media is often the first place we go to update friends and family—but during a personal injury case, it becomes a digital minefield. Missouri insurance companies routinely comb through social media for anything they can use to reduce or deny your claim.

Consider this: you’re injured in a car accident in Kansas City or St. Louis, but a photo of you smiling at a Chiefs game pops up online. Even if you were genuinely in pain, insurance adjusters may use that post to argue that your injuries aren’t serious. Missouri law allows compañías de seguros to use publicly available social media content as evidence, which makes staying cautious absolutely essential.

How Insurance Companies in Missouri Use Social Media

Insurance adjusters are trained to look for inconsistencies. They may use:

• Photos showing physical activity

• Comments that imply you are “fine”

• Check-ins at social events

• Tags from friends or family

• Posts that contradict your medical reports

Their goal? To devalue your Missouri personal injury claim, whether it involves a car accident, slip-and-fall, workplace injury, or wrongful death case.

What NOT to Post After an Accident in Missouri

To protect your case:

1. Don’t Post Photos or Videos

Even simple activities—walking your dog, attending your child’s game, or grocery shopping—can be twisted by insurance companies to minimize your injury.

2. Don’t Discuss the Accident Online

Never post about fault, apologies, the crash details, or how you’re feeling. These statements can severely damage a Missouri injury claim.

3. Don’t Comment About Your Pain or Recovery

Self-diagnosing or posting “I’m doing better today!” can contradict your medical records.

4. Avoid Arguments or Debates

Angry comments or emotionally charged statements can harm your credibility.

5. Disable Tagging

Friends might tag you at events you didn’t even attend—putting your entire claim at risk.

Smart Steps to Protect Your Missouri Injury Case

1. Make All Accounts Private

This won’t stop insurance companies entirely, but it limits access.

2. Update Tagging Settings

Require manual approval for tagged photos or posts.

3. Talk to Friends and Family

Ask them NOT to post about you, your accident, or your activities.

4. Document Privately, Not Publicly

Keep a written journal about your injuries and recovery for your lawyer—not for the internet.

If you’re injured in Missouri, silence is your superpower. Staying off social media is one of the simplest—yet most powerful—ways to protect your personal injury claim and maximize your compensation.

If you’re unsure what you should or shouldn’t post after an accident in Missouri, or if you believe a social media post has already jeopardized your claim, consider speaking with a Missouri personal injury lawyer right away.