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At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our Whittier personal injury attorneys understand the evolving nature of vehicle technology and its impact on auto accident liability. Over the past two decades, the technological advancements in vehicles have become more accessible, revolutionizing how we understand and handle auto accidents.
Now, vehicle technology is not just a luxury, but a tool that empowers most drivers. People here and nationwide are taking full advantage of these amenities, making their commutes and long road trips not just easier to endure, but also giving them a sense of control—even in crowded California traffic patterns.
Vehicle technology, often overlooked by most drivers, holds a wealth of critical data that is instrumental and reliable in establishing facts and determining liability in auto accidents. These technologies, from event data recorders to advanced driver assistance systems, provide a comprehensive and trustworthy view of the circumstances leading to an accident. This information can be invaluable in legal proceedings, significantly improving the accuracy and trustworthiness of liability determinations.
By harnessing the power of vehicle technology, we can significantly enhance legal outcomes in California. This technology equips our legal professionals with the tools to effectively determine liability, leading to more accurate legal decisions. Here’s what drivers need to know about this game-changing development.
How Can Vehicle Technology Help Prove Liability After a California Car Accident with Injuries?
Like semi-trucks, most newer vehicles are equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR), often called the “black box.” This device is installed in cars and briefly records specific technical vehicle and occupant information before, during, and after a crash.
While the specifics can vary based on the vehicle model and manufacturer, typical data points include vehicle speed, seat belt usage, and other vital factors that can help establish the sequence of events leading up to a collision.
How Can a California Car Accident Attorney Retrieve Event Data Recorder Records?
Retrieving data from an EDR is not as simple as plugging a data device into the vehicle’s USB port.
Getting this pertinent information to use in a car accident claim may include:
- Obtaining authorization from the vehicle owner or through a legal order.
- Specific hardware and software may be needed, including proprietary data retrieval tools controlled by manufacturers.
- Gaining physical access to the EDR may require assistance from a licensed mechanic.
Not all vehicles are equipped with EDRs, and the data type and retrieval methods can vary among those that do. However, once connected, the retrieval tool can download the data, which can later be analyzed on a computer.
While raw EDR data is valuable, its real value comes from experts interpreting it. Accident reconstruction specialists can use this data to create a detailed picture of the crash, often using simulations or 3D models.
Our skilled auto accident attorneys can use this data as an unbiased record of the events leading up to the crash. By analyzing the data, it’s possible to determine whether a driver was speeding, applied the brakes in time, or had any mechanical failures—all of which can influence the determination of fault.
Like all evidence in legal cases, maintaining a transparent chain of custody for EDR data is paramount. This ensures the data’s credibility during negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or litigation proceedings.
If you have been injured in a California auto accident caused by another driver’s negligence, call (562) 698-6446 to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys in Whittier today to discuss the full scope of your financial recovery needs. We can help you understand your legal rights and options to pursue the liable party so you can focus on regaining control of your life while we handle the legal details.