Vehicle event data recorders are mostly found in cars, trucks, motorcycles, and buses. As its name suggests, these devices record data during an accident to help determine what happened. This information will be used as evidence during a trial or to prevent future incidents.
Black boxes are a car’s event data recorders (EDR). They monitor and record the car’s speed, braking, seatbelt use, and any erratic driving or other problems signaled by the crash sensors, along with other relevant parameters like time of day.
These can help determine the cause of accidents, especially those caused by driver error. It is also important to note that black boxes are not intended to be used in place of crash test data and should not be treated as such.
Black boxes are designed to withstand a crash up to 30 feet to help determine if the vehicle was going within the speed limit or over it, braking (or lack thereof), whether or not seatbelts were buckled, and much more information. Because the information is recorded, black boxes may help fix a vehicle that has been in a crash.
The information is contained within an encrypted log file, which cannot be accessed unless the car’s computer (DTC) software can be reprogrammed. Black boxes can be overwritten if they are not stored correctly or if the vehicle’s computer fails.
Many people who have been hurt in car accidents think that black boxes are nothing more than electronic conveniences and useful as an extra piece of insurance.
However, they can be vital in helping investigators determine responsibility for car accidents and will help establish that driver error was the cause of a crash. They can also be used to prove that a crash was not due to driver error even if the driver is at fault, which can lower the cost of an insurance claim.
Black boxes can also help when trying to determine who to assign fault in a car accident. For example, if a vehicle considered by the EDR to have been going fast were rear-ended by a vehicle that the EDR considers to have been going at a reasonable speed, then it would be fairly clear which driver was at fault.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident or if you suspect that another driver is responsible for the accident, speak with an injury lawyer about your case. Not only could it help you determine the liability of any other parties involved, but it could help if someone else tries to claim against your insurance or if you are in an accident again.
For insurance companies, black boxes can help make lawsuits more difficult. In addition to helping show that a crash was not caused by driver error, they can also help prove that a driver change (for example, a new hire) was responsible for a crash before their presence on the road. This might save insurers from paying out large compensation awards or even lawsuits if it was discovered that an employee had caused a crash several years prior.
People who have obtained car accident lawyer services can help you to make the claim process more accessible. If you are unsure what to do, consider getting legal help from Lalande car accident lawyers. A qualified lawyer can help you understand what is happening, protect your rights and ensure that all of your interests are considered.