The Role of Black Box Data in Car Accident Claims

When you think of a black box, you probably picture airplanes. But did you know that most modern vehicles have their own version? These black boxes, or event data recorders (EDRs), quietly collect important data about what happens during a crash. That data can make all the difference in proving fault and getting the compensation you deserve for car accident claims.

What’s in your car’s black box?

The idea that your car’s computer records and stores data can be a little unnerving, but don’t worry. Your car’s black box isn’t recording your conversations or tracking your every move. What it is doing is gathering valuable information about the way your vehicle operates.

That information can be important to automakers if there’s a mechanical or electrical problem, and sometimes it’s shared with third parties (equipment designers and manufacturers, for instance). However, that data varies greatly. Depending on the make and model, an EDR might record:

• Your speed before the crash
• Whether or not you hit the brakes
• The angle of your steering wheel
• Airbag deployment timing
• Whether you and your passengers were wearing seatbelts
• The tilt of the vehicle
• GPS location
• Throttle position
• Impact force
• Steering wheel position

All of this information creates a detailed picture of what was happening in the seconds before, during, and after an accident. With it, it’s possible to reconstruct what happened versus what those involved in a crash remember (or are willing to tell).

How black box data can prove fault

In a car accident claim, everyone wants answers. What happened? Who’s responsible? Were there mitigating circumstances? These speak to things like who was at fault, whose insurance will pay, how much, and whether negligence might have played a role.

Whether we’re talking about a fender-bender, a more serious accident, or a multi-vehicle accident, black box data can give clarity when witness statements and physical evidence just aren’t enough. Here’s a look at three ways that information might be put to use:

• Reconstructing the crash: Investigators can use black box data to piece together how fast vehicles were going when the driver applied the brakes and the direction of impact. This can help establish a clear picture of the accident.
• Debunking faulty claims: If the at-fault driver claims they were driving under the speed limit or didn’t have time to stop, black box data can confirm or contradict their story.
• Supporting your case: As the victim, having black box data that lines up with your version of events can help you negotiate with insurance companies or present your case in court. It shows that your retelling is accurate, that you weren’t at fault in the accident, and that the other driver was.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways that information can be used, but first, attorneys, police investigators, and insurance company representatives need to get to it. That process is not always straightforward.

How to access black box data

Accessing black box data isn’t as simple as plugging in a USB and downloading the files. There are quite a few hurdles that need to be jumped. Here’s what you need to know:

• Legal access: In most cases, you’ll need the owner’s consent or a court order to access the data. This can make the situation difficult if you’re the victim in the accident and the other driver doesn’t want to give permission. If the other driver refuses, your attorney can help.
• Professional expertise: Retrieving and interpreting black box data isn’t something that just anyone can do. It requires specialized equipment and training that you won’t find at your local mechanic shop. Accident reconstruction experts or forensic specialists are usually brought in to handle this step.
• Timely action: Black boxes have limited storage capacity, and newer data can overwrite older information. Most recorders store data for around 30 days, but some keep it for longer periods. That means getting access to information related to the accident is time-sensitive. It’s important that you act quickly after an accident to prevent related information from being overwritten with new data.

Now that you understand more about the types of information that a vehicle’s black box can store and the unique challenges with accessing it, here’s why this data matters.

Why black box data matters for victims

When you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance headaches, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s particularly true when so much is outside your control. However, black box data can change the situation. It provides objective evidence that can back up your claim and counter any attempts to shift the blame onto you. It’s about setting the record straight and ensuring that the other driver is held accountable for their actions and decisions.

Without this data, you might need to rely solely on eyewitness testimony or physical evidence, which can be unavailable, incomplete, or disputed. Black box data is what it is. There’s no arguing that the computer didn’t record what it recorded. It tells you specifically what happened and when.

Protecting your rights after a crash

If you’ve been in an accident, you have the right to pursue all available evidence to support your claim, including black box data. But navigating the legal and technical hurdles isn’t something you should do alone.

At Gainsberg Law, we’re here to help. Our experienced team knows how to access and interpret black box data, and we can use it to build the strongest possible case for you. Don’t let the insurance companies intimidate you or downplay your claim. We’re committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s get started on your case.