Can You Use Black Box Data in a Car Crash Claim?
Black box data can be used in Kentucky car crash claims, and it can be critical for determining fault and securing compensation.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, contact Paducah car accident lawyers by calling (270) 908-0995 today.
What is Black Box Data?
Officially known as Event Data Recorders (EDRs), these devices are installed in most modern vehicles and can provide valuable information about a crash. A black box in a vehicle functions similarly to those used in airplanes, as they record various data points related to the vehicle’s performance and operation. While not every car has a black box, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has required most new vehicles to include EDRs since 2014. Black boxes typically record:
- Speed at the time of the crash
- Acceleration or deceleration rates
- Steering angle
- Throttle position
- Brake usage
- Airbag deployment
- Seatbelt usage
- Impact severity
This data is stored for a short duration, often only a few seconds before and after a crash. However, it can be crucial for reconstructing events leading up to an accident.
How Black Box Data Can Help in a Car Crash Claim
Black box data provides objective evidence that can clarify disputed aspects of a crash. Its uses in a car crash claim include:
Establishing Fault
The data can demonstrate whether a driver was speeding, braking, or steering improperly before the collision. This can help determine who was at fault.
Validating Testimonies
Witness accounts and driver statements are sometimes inconsistent or biased. Black box data serves as impartial evidence to support or refute these claims.
Reconstructing the Crash
Accident reconstruction experts can use black box data alongside other evidence, such as skid marks and vehicle damage, to create a detailed account of the crash.
Proving Negligence
If the data shows reckless behavior, such as excessive speeding or failure to brake, it can strengthen a negligence claim against the at-fault driver.
Steps to Access Black Box Data
If you want to use black box data in a car crash claim, follow these steps:
Consult Our Paducah Car Accident Attorneys
Car accident attorneys in Kentucky understand the legal requirements for accessing black box data and can guide you through the process.
Secure the Vehicle
Ensure the vehicle is preserved after the crash to prevent loss of data. This may involve notifying insurance companies or obtaining a court order to prevent tampering.
Obtain a Court Order (if necessary)
If the vehicle owner does not consent to releasing the data, your attorney can request a court order to retrieve it.
Hire an Expert
Retrieving and interpreting black box data requires technical expertise. Attorneys often work with specialists who can extract the data and provide detailed analysis.
How Our Paducah Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
An experienced Paducah car accident attorney plays a vital role in using black box data effectively. They can:
- Secure access to the data through legal channels
- Work with experts to interpret the data
- Present the evidence in a clear and compelling manner
- Counter-opposing arguments that challenge the data’s validity
Our car accident attorneys in Paducah ensure the data is used to its full potential, strengthening your claim and increasing the likelihood of fair compensation. Contact us today.