Social media is part of everyday life. People use it to share photos, updates, and thoughts with friends and family. But if you’re involved in a personal injury case in Maryland, what you post online can affect your case—sometimes in ways you don’t expect.
Social media posts can affect your personal injury case in Maryland by being used to downplay the extent of your injuries, assert that you were at fault for your accident, or contradict your official story. This is why most Baltimore personal injury lawyers recommend that their clients stay away from posting on social media.
Why Social Media Matters
When you file a personal injury claim, insurance companies and lawyers may look at your social media accounts. They want to see if your posts match what you’re saying in your case.
For example, if you say you’re badly hurt but post pictures of yourself hiking or playing sports, that could hurt your case. Even simple posts like “Feeling great today!” might be used against you.
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Is Social Media Evidence Allowed in Court?
Yes. In Maryland, social media posts can be used as evidence in court. According to the Maryland Rules of Evidence, anything that is relevant and properly authenticated can be admitted. This includes:
- Photos
- Videos
- Status updates
- Comments
- Messages
What Does “Authenticated” Mean?
To use a social media post in court, the person presenting it must prove it’s real. That means showing:
- Who made the post
- When it was made
- That it hasn’t been changed
How Social Media Can Hurt Your Case
Here are some ways social media can affect a personal injury case in Maryland:
1. Contradicting Your Injury Claims
If you say you’re in pain but post photos of yourself smiling at a party, it may look like you’re not being honest. Even if you were just trying to stay positive, the other side may use it to say your injuries aren’t serious.
2. Sharing Too Much Information
Talking about your case online can be risky. You might accidentally say something that hurts your claim. For example, saying “I didn’t see the car coming” could be used to argue that you were partly at fault.
Maryland follows a strict rule called contributory negligence. If you are even 1% responsible for your injury, you may not be able to recover any money.
3. Tagging and Location Sharing
Even if you don’t post anything, being tagged in someone else’s photo or sharing your location can reveal what you’re doing. Insurance companies may use this to say you’re more active than you claim.
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What You Should Do
If you’re involved in a lawsuit or insurance claim in Maryland, here are some smart steps to take to avoid social media affecting your personal injury case:
Make Your Accounts Private
Change your settings so only close friends and family can see your posts. But remember—private doesn’t mean safe. Courts can still request access to your posts.
Avoid Posting About Your Case
Don’t talk about your injury, the accident, or your legal claim online. Even innocent comments can be misunderstood.
Be Careful with Photos and Check-Ins
Avoid posting pictures or tagging your location. These can be used to question your injury or activity level.
Ask Friends Not to Tag You
Let your friends know you’re in a legal case and ask them not to tag you in posts or photos.
Talk to Your Lawyer
Your lawyer can give you advice about what’s safe to post and what to avoid. Always check with them before sharing anything that might relate to your case.
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What if You Already Posted Something?
If you’ve already posted something that might hurt your case, don’t delete it without talking to your lawyer. Deleting posts can sometimes be seen as destroying evidence, which could lead to legal trouble.
Maryland courts take evidence seriously. If you remove something after a lawsuit has started, it may be considered spoliation of evidence, which can hurt your case.
Think Before You Post
Social media is fun and easy to use, but it can be risky during a personal injury case. In Maryland, your posts can be used in court—even if they seem harmless. To protect your case:
- Keep your accounts private
- Don’t post about your injury or lawsuit
- Avoid photos and check-ins
- Talk to your lawyer before posting anything
Experienced Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Maryland
Personal injuries can be life-altering, affecting your health, finances, and emotional well-being. Whether caused by a car accident, slip and fall, dog bite, or another form of negligence, these incidents often lead to unexpected medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery challenges.
At The Bishop Law Group, we understand the toll personal injuries take—and we’re here to help. Our experienced Baltimore personal injury attorneys are committed to helping individuals and families across Maryland pursue justice and secure the compensation they deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Maryland, including Baltimore, Ocean City, and surrounding communities.
Call or text (410) 390-3101 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
