Social Media Challenges Cause Real Car Accidents

Viral Doesn’t Mean Safe

It might seem harmless to record a quick video behind the wheel—but social media challenges cause real car accidents. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat have fueled a wave of dangerous driving challenges, some of which have directly led to car crashes, injuries, and even fatalities. Social media challenges have become so common that they have been featured in commercials.

At Anthem Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand how these seemingly silly trends can turn tragic in an instant. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving someone filming or participating in a viral challenge, you may be entitled to compensation. Here’s what you need to know.

📹 Related: Watch partner Anthony Golden discuss the impacts Social Media can have on your claim.

Dangerous Social Media Driving Challenges That Have Gone Viral

Some of the most popular (and problematic) social media trends involving vehicles include:

• 🚗 The “Kia Challenge”

This trend, which exploded on TikTok in 2022, showed viewers how to steal certain Kia and Hyundai models using just a USB cable. Not only did this result in a surge of stolen vehicles nationwide, but many were then used in reckless driving stunts that ended in crashes.
Read more about this on the NHTSA site.

• 📱 Filming While Driving

TikTok videos like “day in the life,” “driving aesthetic,” or “car karaoke” often involve recording while behind the wheel. Nevada law prohibits distracted driving, and filming content can be just as dangerous as texting.

• 🌀 The “Roundabout Challenge” & “Ghost Riding”

Some trends encourage drivers to exit a moving vehicle to dance or perform tricks—often on public streets. These stunts have resulted in severe injuries to participants and bystanders alike.

Why Are These Trends So Dangerous?

The problem with viral challenges is that they prioritize attention over safety. Most involve:
– Distracted driving, which increases crash risk by 23x
– Speeding or reckless driving
– Endangering passengers and others on the road
– Lack of seatbelt use or protective gear

Who’s Liable If a Crash Is Caused by a Social Media Stunt?

If you’re injured in a crash caused by someone engaging in a social media trend, several parties could be liable:
– The at-fault driver
– Vehicle owners
– Other passengers

Nevada follows a fault-based system, which means the person who caused the accident is responsible for damages. If distracted driving caused your injuries, the driver may also face criminal charges.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a TikTok-Related Crash

If you believe your accident was caused by someone participating in a social media trend, take these steps:
1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Document the scene with photos.
3. Get witness statements.
4. Request nearby traffic or surveillance footage.
5. Ask your attorney to preserve digital evidence.

Can You Use Social Media Posts in a Legal Case?

Yes! With the help of a lawyer, posts or stories showing the driver engaging in a challenge may be admissible as evidence. To learn more about digital evidence and privacy, visit the FTC article Protecting Your Privacy Online.

💡Read our blog about What Not to Share on Social After a Car Accident to protect your case for more information.

Stay Safe: Don’t Film and Drive

Nevada law prohibits any use of handheld devices while driving. Violators can face fines and license points, which may be helpful to proving liability for your case.
Learn more at the Nevada DMV article Distracted Driving.

Injured by a Social Media Driver? Call Anthem Injury Lawyers

At Anthem Injury Lawyers, we fight for victims of reckless and distracted drivers. Social media challenges cause real car accidents! If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving a viral stunt or TikTok challenge, we’re here to help.

Call us today at (702) 857-6000 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation.