Establishing fault in a car accident can be difficult as it often relies on one person’s word against another’s. However, the data from your vehicle’s black box may be able to help you determine who is liable. Please continue reading as we explore how black box data can be used as evidence to support your accident claim and how a skilled Bronx Car Accident Lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
What is a Black Box?
A black box, also known as an event data recorder (EDR) is a device that captures and stores information about a vehicle’s operation before, during, and after a car accident. This information can include:
- The vehicle’s speed
- The impact timing
- Braking and acceleration movements
- Seatbelt usage
- Airbag deployment times
- Steering angles
- Throttle position
Essentially, it can provide a detailed record of a vehicle’s actions and driver decisions. This information can demonstrate how a car accident happened and identify contributing factors that could help determine fault. However, you need to act quickly as some devices are only able to store data for 30 days before they erase it.
How Can Black Box Data Be Used to Support My Accident Claim?
Under New York law, the data stored in a black box is considered the private property of the vehicle’s owner. As such, if you are involved in a car accident, the only way investigators can access this information is with your consent or a warrant. It’s important to note that only certain parties can interpret the data stored by EDRs after a crash. Black box data can support your accident claim by:
- Establish liability: One of the key ways black box data can benefit your accident claim is by providing evidence that can help determine who bears liability for the crash. It can provide evidence of negligence, recklessness, or other forms of fault on the part of the other motorist. For instance, the data can show who was speeding, who failed to brake, or who made improper lane changes. By looking at the actions of the drivers involved, this data can help identify who was responsible.
- Reconstructing the accident: Investigators can use this data to recreate the sequence of events leading up to the accident to determine potential causes of the crash. This is particularly important in disputed cases. Unlike witness accounts, black box data provides objective and reliable information about vehicle dynamics before a crash.
- Supporting the severity of your damages: As mentioned above, a black box can record the force of impact during a collision. This information can be used to corroborate the severity of your injuries and support your claim for damages.
- Challenging contradictory testimonies: If there are any discrepancies between witness accounts, black box data can help you challenge witness statements, providing information that provides a more accurate depiction of the accident.
- Negotiating settlements: The data stored in a black box can bolster your position during settlement negotiations with the insurance company. By providing concrete evidence, it can encourage the insurance company to offer a more favorable settlement, as they are less likely to dispute liability.
At James Newman, P.C. we are prepared to do everything in our power to get you the justice you deserve. OCnnect with our firm today so we can get started working on your case.
