Insurance Company Goals in Social Media Investigation
September 2025
Insurance companies use social media as a tool to investigate a personal injury claim. The goal of the investigation is always the same - minimize the value of your claim or deny it altogether. They achieve this goal by gathering evidence that contradicts the alleged injuries, damages or facts of the accident.
The most common use of social media is to assist with denying an injury. This is accomplished when a person claims an injury and then posts a picture on social media which contradicts the claimed injury. For example, a person with a claimed back injury posts a picture of themselves playing softball, tubing or moving boxes.
Another use of social media is to contradict an injured person's claim of emotional distress. If a person claims severe pain and suffering, anxiety or depression, information will be sought to minimize the claim. This is done by gathering social media information about family events, vacations and parties.
Additionally, insurance companies will use social media to help them dispute the facts of the accident. There are occasions when the injured person or their friends or family post pictures on social medial of the accident scene. These pictures can be used to confuse the accident scene and prove what actually happened more difficult. For example, some pictures are not taken until after vehicles are moved from their resting place after a collision.
At Herrick & Hart, we have been on the side of the injured since 1951. We offer a free consulation on personal injury cases.