A Story of Insult Added to Injury
I used to think it’d be kind of cool to get in a car accident. Not, like, hurt hurt, but dramatic enough to have a story to tell. A near-miss. A wild spinout. Something with sirens, maybe.
Yeah—don’t wish for that. I’ve been in two car accidents, and let me tell you: it’s not that cool. Zero stars.
The first time, I got slammed into on the interstate in Utah (where the average speed is “just don’t die”) and became the first car in a five-car pileup. I ended up with brutal whiplash, months of rehab, and lots of complications that interfered with my competitive ballroom dance career. Not ideal.
But that’s a story for another day. Right now, I want to share about the second accident—which has a less cinematic, more “you won’t believe what happened next” energy.
A Real Pain-in-the-Neck Collision
I was rear-ended at a stoplight, just sitting there, vibing, watching a pedestrian cross the street. I saw her point at my car in horror—then BAM. I got hit hard enough that my neck snapped like a rubber band. No airbags but instant pain radiating through my shoulders and spine.
Cue the long parade of medical bills; countless visits with doctors, chiropractors, a spinal surgeon; physical therapy; and a whole year of daily exercises that are very much not sustainable for the rest of my life. The driver who hit me admitted fault. But their insurance company (which was my former insurance BFF prior to the accident) offered me a whopping $500 to cover my thousands of dollars in medical costs.
Spoiler alert: $500 doesn’t even cover four chiropractic visits.
When I pushed back, they changed their minds and offered (wait for it!)... nothing.
So I lawyered up. For the first time in my life, I filed a lawsuit.
And that’s when the real plot twist dropped: The insurance company started stalking my Instagram.
Under a Microscope
Apparently, this is what they do. My attorney warned me that the opposing side would comb through my social media, looking for any excuse to say I wasn’t injured as seriously as I had claimed.
A photo of me smiling in Europe? Clearly not in pain.
A whitewater rafting trip I went on months later? Proof that my spine must be just fine.
And since I hadn’t posted about the accident or my symptoms (Shame on me for trying to stay positive!), they argued that I’d made it all up in spite of the fact that I’d spent over $8,000 on appointments, with each visit costing more than a plane ticket.
We went back and forth with the legal team for months while they built a case using nothing but my carefully curated online highlight reel.
That’s when it hit me…
Social media isn’t just for friends anymore. It’s for insurance adjusters, lawyers, employers, landlords, admissions officers, border patrol—essentially anyone with Wi-Fi and a reason to doubt you.
That silly photo of you dancing at a wedding while you're on disability? It might tank your claim.
That spring break post from 2016? It could cost you an apartment.
That edgy meme you reposted in college? It might ruin your chances of landing your dream job.
The Silver Lining
But here’s the flip side—your social media can also save you.
- A timestamped photo can back up an alibi.
- Documenting your pain or rehab journey can support a claim.
- A well-built profile can double as a digital résumé.
- A kind, thoughtful online presence can speak volumes in a court case or custody battle.
It’s not about being fake or paranoid. It’s about knowing that your profile and what you post isn't just for your friends. It’s part of your public record. And people will use what you share online to tell whatever story benefits them most.
So post the funny memes and share your selfies. But be careful not to give your critics the receipts they need to ruin your life.
Have you had any similar frustrating experiences with social media? I’d love to hear how you navigated the challenges. Comment and share your insights!
