Social Media Can Hurt Your Case: Here’s How

In this episode, Southern California personal injury attorney Lowell Steiger uncovers the hidden risks of social media in personal injury cases. With insurance companies and defense attorneys closely monitoring online activity, even innocent posts can be twisted out of context to undermine legitimate claims. Lowell shares practical advice on how clients should approach their online presence during a case, the potential consequences of old posts, and why deleting content may actually do more harm than good. He also explains how friends’ and family members’ posts can be used against you, and why full transparency with your lawyer is the best way to protect your case. Whether you’ve been injured or simply want to understand the role of digital evidence in modern litigation, this episode highlights the critical importance of managing your online footprint. Key Timestamps: 00:45 – How insurance companies and defense attorneys use social media to discredit injury claims 02:20 – Why smiling in a photo can be used against an injured client 04:05 – Discovery and how private accounts may still be accessed in litigation 06:30 – What types of posts to avoid during a personal injury case 08:15 – How old posts and past injuries can complicate a new claim 10:05 – Why deleting posts can make a case worse 12:10 – The risks of friends and family tagging clients in photos 13:25 – Lowell’s final advice: tell your lawyer everything Episode Description: In Episode 9, personal injury attorney Lowell Steiger discusses the growing impact of social media on personal injury cases. He explains how insurance companies and defense lawyers use digital footprints to challenge claims, why even innocent posts can damage a case, and what clients should do to protect themselves. From discovery rules to the dangers of deleting old posts, Lowell provides clear, practical guidance for anyone navigating a personal injury claim in today’s digital world.