When you are involved in an accident due to the negligence of another party, proving liability can be incredibly difficult, as accidents are often “he said, she said” incidents. As such, you may be able to utilize your car’s black box data to help prove that you are the victim. If you’re unsure what a black box is or how these devices work, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores what you should know and the importance of working with Baltimore County car accident attorneys during these difficult circumstances.
What Is a Black Box?
A black box, formally known as an event data recorder (EDR), is a device used to collect information before, during, and after a crash. These devices are a requirement in all new vehicles, as per a 2014 regulation imposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
These devices can record the following information:
- The speed of the vehicle
- The force of the impact
- Steering wheel angle
- When the airbags were deployed
- Brake application
- If the automatic braking system was activated
- If the driver received any crash warnings
- Seatbelt usage
You should also note that some models come equipped with GPS and audio/video recording features. As such, the GPS can help determine exactly where your vehicle was traveling at the time of the collision, while auto and video recordings can provide insight into the moments leading up to the collision. However, most EDRs are only able to store short recordings, often up to twenty seconds.
Can Collected Data Be Used as Evidence in an Accident Investigation?
It’s important to understand that, under Maryland law, the information stored in a black box is the property of the vehicle’s owner. As such, if you are involved in an accident, the only way investigators can access this data is with your consent or with a warrant. Additionally, only certain individuals have the capability to access and interpret the data stored by these devices following a collision.
If you are involved in an accident, the data stored on your EDR can help investigators when determining how the accident happened and who is liable. For example, if the driver responsible for the accident tries to blame you by claiming you were speeding, you may be able to use your black box to refute their claims. This can help cast doubt on the other party’s credibility while working to show that you were not liable for the accident.
You should know that Maryland is a contributory negligence state, meaning if you contributed to the accident in any capacity, you will be barred from collecting compensation. As such, you should connect with an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options and whether or not providing your black box data is a good idea.
When you need help following an accident caused by the negligent actions of another person, connecting with the team at the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi is in your best interest. We understand how difficult and overwhelming a car accident can be, which is why we are committed to fighting for you. Contact us today to learn more.
