Miami Accident Lawyer Blog
You may think of air travel when you hear about black boxes, but the truth is that these devices are in wide use in all types of passenger vehicles that were manufactured in recent years. The actual terminology used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is event data recorder (EDR), which is technology that captures information related to an event – typically a motor vehicle crash. While some drivers have privacy concerns, many other motorists have realized the benefits when filing an injury claim as the victim of a collision.
Though the information from an EDR can support your position, it is still essential to retain a Miami car accident lawyer to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. A synopsis of vehicle black boxes may help you understand how they fit in an effective legal strategy.
How Event Data Recorders Work
EDRs collect a wide range of data, from the speed of the vehicle to erratic steering wheel maneuvers to rate of acceleration. The black box does not archive this information forever; in the event of an impact, it will record and store around 10 seconds of driving-related events before the collision. The time, date, location, and other data are stored to an SD or other type of memory card.
When an EDR is already installed on your car by the manufacturer, you may not even be aware that it exists. If you do not have a black box, there are models available for purchase. An example is the “dash cam,” which captures the same data as an EDR – along with video footage.
Black Box Data and Your Car Accident Claim
An EDR may provide support in an auto crash claim where the information it captures reveals factors about who was at fault for the incident. When there are no witnesses, your own black box may show that you were:
- Obeying the speed limit;
- Properly using your turn signal on before attempting a maneuver;
- Wearing your seatbelt;
- Driving evenly, without erratic weaving in and out of traffic;
- Traveling at a consistent rate of speed; and,
- Otherwise not engaging in acts that may have contributed to the accident.
Likewise, the responsible driver’s EDR may be a source of information about his or her misconduct. Obviously, the data will work both ways in a car accident claim. If the information indicates that you were negligent in some way, Florida’s rule on comparative fault may apply. Your compensation will be reduced proportionately by the amount of blame attributable to your own conduct.
Discuss EDRs and Your Rights with a Miami Car Accidents Attorney
It is true that the privacy issues related to vehicle black boxes raises concerns, but they can go a long way in supporting an auto crash claim. You can trust our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA to make the best use of EDR data as we fight for your right to compensation. Please contact our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach today to speak with a lawyer and set up a no-cost consultation today.