If you’re like most people, you may think black box technology is limited solely to airplanes and other aviation vehicles. However, you may be surprised to learn that if you are driving a newer car, you likely have a black box in your vehicle as well! These devices can help play an important role in the days and weeks following a collision, as the data stored can help investigators and your Monroe, Louisiana car accident lawyer determine how an accident occurred. The following blog explores what you should know about black box data and how it can impact your accident.
What Is Black Box Data?
Since 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has required that all new vehicles come equipped with a device known as an Event Data Recorder (EDR). This device, as the name suggests, records information regarding “events” that the car experiences, typically in reference to accidents. These are often referred to as black boxes, as airplanes also contain the same technology as a way to record information about a flight in the event a plane crash should occur. Having this information allows investigators to determine how the accident happened.
If you have a newer car, you’ll more likely than not have a black box recorder in your vehicle. It’s important to understand what information is recorded in case an event occurs. This includes:
- The speed your vehicle was traveling
- The angle of your steering wheel
- Whether or not the brakes were applied
- Acceleration and deceleration information
- If and when the airbags were deployed
- The force of the impact
In some vehicles, EDRs also come equipped with GPS and audio/video recordings. If you are involved in an accident, investigators can pull limited recordings from the moments leading up to the collision, typically 20 seconds of footage.
Can I Use This Information as Evidence?
In the event you are involved in a collision, the information recorded by the black box can be incredibly beneficial. Investigators can access this information to help investigate and analyze the accident. They can use information regarding vehicle speed and GPS positioning to help recreate the accident. This can be beneficial in determining fault.
Accessing this data is incredibly difficult, and relies on special technology. Additionally, only certain individuals can understand and interpret data once it’s taken from the recording device. It’s also important to understand that the owner is legally the only person who can access this data unless consent is provided or the police obtain a warrant. You should also note that your insurance policy may include stipulations allowing the company to access this data in the event of a collision.
If you are involved in an accident due to the negligent actions of another driver, one of the most important things you can do is connect with an experienced attorney. They can not only help you access and preserve the data obtained by the black box in relation to the accident, but they can also use the information recorded to help prove that you are not liable for the collision.
As you can see, being involved in a car accident can be incredibly overwhelming due to the factors that can influence the outcome of your claim. That is why the dedicated team at Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson, LLC is ready to fight for you. We understand the devastation an accident can cause, which is why we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
