After a car accident, understanding the events that led up to the crash can be crucial in determining fault and resolving any insurance claims or legal action. One of the most valuable sources of information in a car accident case comes from black box data. If you or someone you know were involved in a car crash, it is imperative that you seek legal representation and explore all of your options for compensation. Set up your complimentary case evaluation with an experienced Washington, D.C. auto accident lawyer today.
What is Black Box Data?
A black box is a device installed in most modern vehicles, also referred to as an EDR (Event Data Recorder). These devices capture important details about the operation of the car before and during a collision. The information recorded can be important in car accident cases.
The EDR functions similarly to how black boxes in airplanes do and is triggered by a sudden change in velocity or the deployment of the airbags in the vehicle before recording data for several seconds before, during, and after the event. The data that is recorded relates to the vehicle’s operation, including:
- The speed at which the vehicle was traveling
- Acceleration speed
- Deceleration speed
- Steering angles
- Throttle position
- Whether and when brakes were applied
- Whether and when airbags were deployed
- Whether seatbelts were buckled
- The force of impact
- The tilt of the vehicle
This information is accessible by using data retrieval tools and software and can be beneficial in car accident cases.
What Role Does Black Box Data Play in a Car Accident Case?
Black box data can play a significant role in car accident cases. When a collision occurs, this information can help clarify many aspects of the incident. Below are some of the ways that black box data plays an important role.
- Establishing liability
- Clarifying the timeline of events
- Establishing or discrediting a party or witness’s credibility
- Assessing the severity of the crash
- Verifying or refuting insurance claims
- Helping accident reconstruction specialists accurately reconstruct the incident
In general, the information recorded provides an unbiased and factual account of the events that transpired and can be used as effective evidence in a claim or lawsuit.
Although this information can be extremely beneficial, it is important to keep in mind that it is not always used. The Driver Privacy Act of 2015 declares that all data collected with an EDR is the property of the owner or lessee of the vehicle. The information can only be retrieved and used with the owner’s consent or with a court order. The data is also used to perform vehicle safety research and diagnose issues within the vehicle, but for the purpose of a car accident case, the information is only admissible if the owner or court permits it.
For more information, reach out to a skilled personal injury lawyer today.