Can Black Box Data Support My Car Accident Claim in New Jersey?

If your vehicle was manufactured after 2018, your vehicle is likely equipped with a black box. Car accident cases often come down to one person’s word against another’s. As such, black box data can provide critical information that helps establish fault. Please continue reading as we explore how black box data can be used as evidence to support your accident claim in New Jersey and how a determined Morris County Car Accident Attorney can help you fight for the justice you deserve. 

What is Black Box Data?

Black box data, also known as an event data recorder (EDR) is a small device that gathers information about a vehicle’s operation before, during, and after a collision. This information can be used to establish fault for a car accident. It’s important to note that most EDRs can only store a limited amount of data, typically only about 20 seconds before a crash. Crash data that can be collected by a vehicle’s EDR include:

• The speed of a vehicle
• The impact timing
• Airbag deployment
• Seatbelt usage
• Throttle position
• Use of turn signals
• Steering angles
• Braking and accelerating movements
• Whether headlights were on or off
• Other elements of the vehicle’s telematics and data

How Can Black Box Data Benefit My Car Accident Claim in New Jersey?

Before we delve into the benefits of black box data as in an accident claim, it’s crucial to understand that under New Jersey law, the information stored in a black box is considered the property of the vehicle’s owner. That said, in the event of a collision, the only way investigators can obtain this information is with your consent or a warrant.

When you are involved in a car accident, the data stored on your EDR can help investigators determine how the accident happened and who is liable. For example, if the other driver tries to blame you for the accident by claiming you were speeding, you can use your vehicle’s black box data to prove that you were not. This can help show that the other driver’s account of what happened is not credible and that you were not responsible for the collision.

Furthermore, black box data can be used to recreate the sequence of events leading up to the crash, which can be very helpful in disputed cases. The information recorded regarding the force of impact can be used to corroborate the severity of your damages. This data can ultimately provide an accurate representation of the accident.

As you can see, a black box can provide objective and impartial accounts of the event preceding a crash. It can help identify the liable party, reconstruct the accident, and ultimately determine the outcome of the case. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another party’s negligence, please don’t hesitate to contact an experienced attorney from Lutz Injury Law, who can advocate for your rights and fight for the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. Connect with our firm today to learn more.