How Social Media Can Ruin Your Maryland Injury Case

Falodun Law
Nov 28
4 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Graphic showing how social media activity can ruin a Maryland injury

Social media is a part of everyday life — but if you’ve been injured in a Maryland or Washington, D.C. car accident, social media can quietly destroy your entire case without you ever realizing it. Insurance companies watch everything you post. They hire investigators. They pull deleted content. They review tags, comments, likes, stories, and location check-ins. And in Maryland’s strict contributory negligence system, where being 1% at fault can wipe out your entire claim, the wrong post can cost you thousands of dollars — or all of your compensation. Whether your accident happened in Baltimore City, PG County, Montgomery County, Howard County, Baltimore County, or D.C., this guide explains:

How insurance companies monitor your social media
What kinds of posts destroy claims
What you should do immediately
What NOT to do
How to protect your case from online surveillance

Let's break down the truth.

Why Social Media Is So Dangerous After a Car Accident

Insurance companies love social media because:

1. It gives them free access to your personal life

They can build a narrative that contradicts your injuries.

2. Everything is taken out of context

A smiling photo = “You’re not in pain.”

A short walk = “You’re not injured.”

A vacation = “You’re fine.”

3. They can use it against you in Maryland courts

And Maryland courts allow broad discovery of social media content.

4. Under Maryland’s 1% Rule, they only need one small piece of “evidence”

They’ll use a single post to argue:

“You weren’t really injured.”

“Your pain isn’t as bad as you claim.”

“You contributed to the accident.”

How Insurance Companies Monitor Your Social Media

Insurance adjusters routinely:

Follow your accounts
Screenshot your posts
Track your check-ins
Review tags from friends
Look at comments & likes
Search usernames & aliases
Review public photos & stories
Hire investigators to access deeper content

Even private accounts are not truly private once litigation begins.

The Types of Posts That Can Ruin Your Maryland Injury Case

Even innocent content can be turned into a weapon. Here’s what destroys claims the fastest:

1. Photos of You Smiling or Looking Happy

Insurance companies will argue:

“You don’t appear to be in pain.”
“Your emotional distress is exaggerated.”
“You’re functioning normally.”

A simple birthday photo can reduce your settlement.

2. Workouts, Gym Pics, or Physical Activity

Even light exercise — walking, stretching, yoga — can be twisted into:

“You’re not disabled.”
“Your back pain must be minimal.”
“Your injuries healed quickly.”

Even if the activity caused pain later, they won’t mention that.

3. Vacation Photos or Nights Out

Travel or social outings = “You’re fine.”

Insurance companies do not care if:

You were in pain the whole trip
You sat most of the time
You struggled through it
You went because the trip was pre-paid

Images are taken at face value.

4. Check-Ins and Location Tags

Posting from:

Restaurants
Gyms
Concerts
Events
Parks
Airports

…will be used to argue you’re functioning normally.

5. Posts About the Accident

The worst mistake.

Anything you say can contradict:

The police report
Your medical records
Your lawyer’s negotiations
Your sworn statements

Never discuss your accident online.

6. DMs and Private Messages (Yes, They CAN Be Discovered) Maryland courts can compel:

Private messages
Deleted conversations
Group chats
Messenger and WhatsApp content

Private is NOT private.

Real Examples of How Social Media Has Destroyed Maryland Cases

Example 1: A woman with a herniated disc posted a smiling photo at her daughter’s graduation. The insurance company argued she had “no pain.” Her settlement dropped by $25,000. Example 2: A man recovering from whiplash posted himself watching football with friends. Insurers argued he was “active and social.” His claim was denied. Example 3: A young driver posted: “My car’s gone but I’m okay!” Insurers claimed this proved lack of injury. His $40,000 case became a $5,000 offer.

What You MUST Do Immediately After a Maryland Accident

Follow these steps to protect yourself: 1. Set All Accounts to Private This won’t block everything, but it adds protection. 2. Stop Posting — Completely No photos. No stories. No check-ins. No fitness updates. No venting about the accident. 3. Tell Friends and Family Not to Tag You

Tagging = automatic exposure. 4. Avoid Accepting New Friend Requests Insurance investigators create fake profiles.

5. Do NOT Delete Anything Deleting posts can be seen as destroying evidence during litigation. Talk to your lawyer first.

What You Should NEVER Post During a Claim

Photos of yourself doing anything physical
Comments about working, exercising, or traveling
Posts about legal strategy
Complaints about the insurance company
Updates about your injuries
Selfies showing you “looking fine”
Angry posts about the other driver
Anything that contradicts your medical treatment

How Falodun Law Protects Your Case from Social Media Attacks

We:

✓ Review your online presence to identify risk

✓ Block improper social media requests in discovery

✓ Prevent insurance companies from twisting your posts

✓ Guide you on what’s safe — and what isn’t

✓ Build evidence to counter unfair arguments

✓ Keep your case protected from start to finish

In Maryland, where insurers weaponize even tiny details, this guidance is crucial.

Serving Car Accident Victims Across Maryland & Washington, D.C.

We represent clients in:

Baltimore City
Baltimore County
Howard County
Montgomery County
Prince George’s County
Charles County
Anne Arundel County
Washington, D.C.

Our most successful personal injury law firms understand the traps insurers use — including social media surveillance — and we know how to beat them.