If the other driver’s vehicle has a black box, it could help you prove that he was negligent in causing your automobile accident. It could also help you if you were a passenger in a taxicab and the driver caused an accident. A black box, also known as an event data recorder (EDR) or an electronic control module (ECM), is a device installed in a motor vehicle that records technical vehicle and occupant information for a short period of time before, during, and after a vehicle wreck.
However not all vehicles have them yet. In 1994, manufacturers of Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, and Pontiac began installing black boxes in their vehicles to collect data on how their vehicles performed in crashes. Since then, many more manufacturers have begun installing them, with almost all the new vehicles sold in 2013 having one. As of September 1, 2014, every new vehicle sold must contain a black box.
How the Other Driver’s Black Box Could Help Prove His Negligence
While the black box only records data for seconds, this information could be critical in defeating the other driver’s claim that he was not at fault in causing the crash. A black box could record the following helpful information:
- The vehicle’s speed
- The depth of the accelerator pedal
- The force of the impact
- The steering angle
- Whether airbags were deployed
- Whether the brakes were applied
- Whether seat belts were used
The information from the black box requires a forensic download that follows manufacturer specifications to ensure no data is lost. A specialist would be needed to accurately interpret the information, but this could prove to be invaluable in showing that the other driver caused the collision.
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Car Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Texas car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.
