In the unfortunate event that you have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another party, establishing liability can be difficult. As such, it’s crucial to collect as much evidence as possible to prove you are the victim. In some cases, you may be able to utilize your vehicle’s black box data to secure your rightful compensation. Please continue reading as we explore how you can use black box data as evidence to support your claim and why connecting with a skilled Prince George’s County Auto Accident Lawyer is in your best interest.
What is Black Box Data?
A black box, also known as an event data reader (EDR) is a device that is used to collect information such as speed, throttle position, brake usage, seatbelt usage, airbag deployment, and other relevant data before, during, and after a collision. It’s important to understand that these devices are a requirement in all new vehicles, as per a 2014 regulation imposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The data recorded can be accessed by investigators, law enforcement, or insurance companies to gain insights into what led to a car accident.
Can I Use Black Box Data as Evidence in a Car Accident Claim?
Black box data can be very helpful after a crash because it gathers information that can be used to identify the causes and contributing factors for the accident. It can be used to prove that the at-fault driver was driving negligently at the time of the collision. This is particularly important if liability is disputed. Having evidence from the black box can help strengthen your position during settlement negotiations.
However, it’s important to note that under Maryland law, the data stored in a black box is the property of the vehicle owner. As such, if you are involved in a car accident, investigators can only access this information with your consent or with a warrant. In addition, only certain parties can access and interpret the data stored by these devices following a crash. Black box data is regularly recorded over. As such, you must act quickly to preserve this evidence. If the vehicle is owned by a company, such as a commercial trucking service, the data will be considered the company’s property. This means they might destroy the data unless they have been notified to preserve the data or you have a court order.
If you were injured in a car accident caused by another party’s negligence, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced attorney from Timian & Fawcett, LLC who can help you gather evidence to support your claim. Connect with our firm today to learn how we can help protect your rights and interests during this difficult time.
