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When people think of black boxes, they typically think of those found on airplanes or on large trucks. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 90 percent of all new vehicles sold in the country are outfitted with black box technology. This may be helpful for some individuals after they are hurt in a crash and are trying to obtain compensation for their pain and suffering, medical bills, lost income, and more. If you have been injured in a collision, it is important to know how black box technology will affect your case.
What is Black Box Technology?
A black box, also known as an Event Data Recorder (EDR) is a device that records certain information related to automobiles. The data collected by an EDR can include the deployment of airbags, the speed of the vehicle, when the brakes were applied, and even the use of seat belts. Auto manufacturers have installed the EDR onto many makes of vehicles and more are doing so today. The data collected from an EDR can then be used to help a person’s injury case after a car accident.
How Black Boxes Can Prove Fault After an Accident
When a person is seriously injured after a car accident, they can file a claim against the negligent party to recover compensation for their losses. Black boxes provide unbiased and objective information that is particularly useful when used in personal injury cases. Some of the information a black box can provide includes:
- Changes in a vehicle’s speed
- The use of seat belts at the time of a crash
- The functionality of the airbag system
- How long it took the airbag to deploy
- The number of accidents that took place within a certain amount of time
- The time between important aspects of an accident, such as the amount of time between a skid and a crash
Many states impose privacy laws on the information obtained from an EDR, but Pennsylvania has no such restrictions. Federal law also does not place any restrictions on using the data obtained from an EDR.
It is always important to speak to a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer after any crash. A lawyer will know how to obtain the information contained within an EDR. Also, a lawyer can advise on whether EDR data is helpful to a case. While in many cases it is, there are times when it may actually hurt a car accident case. For example, if EDR data shows that someone was more than 50 percent at fault for a crash, they cannot file a claim to recover damages.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Pennsylvania Can Obtain the Data You Need
EDR data is often very helpful in a car accident case, but it is not always easy to obtain. At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers know how to obtain the black box data and any other evidence that is useful in your car accident claim so you recover the full amount of compensation you deserve. Call us today at (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
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