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Originally Posted On: https://georgiaautolaw.com/black-box-data-recorders-in-cars-everything-you-need-to-know/

Most people don’t know that almost every vehicle on the road contains a car black box. Similar to the ones you hear about when an airplane crashes, these black boxes for trucks and other automobiles contain information that can make or break a liability case.

If you or a loved one was recently hurt in an auto accident and there is a question of liability, you may want to reach out to an auto attorney to help you get this information from the black box. To learn more about what data is stored inside a black box and how it can help your case, continue reading below. We will cover all you need to know about these small but mighty data recorders and who you can contact for more information on how to get that information.

What Is a Car Black Box?

A black box is an event data recorder that gathers information about the vehicle before, during, and after an auto collision.

Information gathered by the black box:

• Acceleration
• Steering
• Speed
• Air-bag deployment
• Braking
• Vehicle roll angle
• Seat belt status of the front passenger and driver

Unless your vehicle is relatively old, most vehicles contain one of these black box devices. Black boxes come standard in vehicles manufactured by Toyota, Honda, Chrysler, Honda, GM, and Ford.

How Are Black Boxes Used in Auto Accidents?

As mentioned earlier, these black boxes can record information before, during, and after an auto accident. This type of vital information is key to identifying causes and contributing factors to the accident.

For example, suppose the other driver claims to their auto insurance company that they were driving the speed limit. In that case, the information from the black box can either confirm or deny that statement. This comes in handy, especially for severe accidents involving serious injuries.

Releasing Black Box Data

As mentioned above, the information retained from these recorders in cars is often used to assist lawyers with their cases. The black box data is typically assessed by an accident reconstruction expert, police officer, or crash investigator.

The black box data is used to conduct a collision damage analysis. This analysis gives investigators the information they need to either confirm or deny the driver’s statements provided at the scene of the accident or through their auto insurance carriers.

If the case goes to court, the court will issue a subpoena for the information recorded in the black box. Most courts treat this information as admissible evidence.

Is There a Federal Requirement for Passenger Vehicle Black Boxes?

There is no federal requirement requiring each vehicle to contain a black box. At one point, there was a push for every car to have a black box in it, but the bill did not pass. Although there is no requirement for the black box, most vehicle manufacturers voluntarily install these event data recorders in each model.

Can I Get the Information From the Other Driver’s Black Box?

In general, you may not be able to collect the information from the other driver’s black box on your own without their permission. In the event of an investigation where there is a question of liability, your attorney or your insurance company will be the ones who request that data from the black box. The main reason you won’t be able to obtain that data directly is due to the privacy of data laws and regulations set in place.

Do I Need an Auto Accident Lawyer?

If you or your loved ones find themselves in an auto accident involving injuries, it would be best to reach out to an attorney for assistance. Most attorneys offer clients a free, no-obligation case evaluation before they take you on as a client. This initial meeting allows you to get to know the attorney and gives them a chance to review your case and how to best approach the situation.

Having a reputable auto accident lawyer on your side improves your chances of winning your case. They will make sure they build the best defense for your case, and they will make sure to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Can I Just Make a Claim With the Auto Insurance Company?

Although you technically don’t need an attorney to file a claim with the other party’s auto insurance company, you may want to consider having one on your side. Insurance adjusters are trained to defend their insured and to save their employer’s money.

They use specific tactics to make you feel like you’re taking the best offer they can give—these adjusters prey on the fact that you are hurt and exhausted. Instead of letting the auto insurance company take advantage of you, contacting a reputable auto accident lawyer is best to take care of the claim on your behalf. This will allow you to focus on healing and getting back on your feet.

Auto Accident Lawyer Help With Black Boxes

Almost every vehicle on the road has a car black box that records pertinent data that can help determine liability in an auto accident. This device records information about speed, steering, braking, airbag deployment, and other information that can confirm or deny what the negligent party claims in the accident.

This information can come in handy if you were recently involved in an accident and the other driver is trying to blame you. If you or your loved one was recently involved in an accident and there is a question on liability, contact us now. Our team will gather all the evidence needed to help you get the compensation you deserve.