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Involved in a motor vehicle crash? It is imperative that you know how to effectively navigate the claims process. Fault is a key issue in traffic collision cases in South Carolina. A vehicle’s black box data could play a big role in an investigation into how exactly an accident happened. Here, our Rock Hill car accident attorneys provide an overview of the key things to know about the role of black box data in motor vehicle crash claims.
What is a Black box in a Car?
Broadly defined, a black box in a car (an Event Data Recorder or EDR) is a device that records specific technical information about the vehicle’s operation. It captures key things like speed, brake usage, throttle position, and even seatbelt status in the moments before, during, and after a collision. It can be useful to help determine exactly how and why an accident happened.
An Overview of Black Box Data
An automobile’s black box can contain a wide range of different information. Some of the data that may be recovered during a post-crash analysis of a vehicle black box includes:
- Vehicle Speed: The EDR records the vehicle’s speed in the moments before a crash occurs. The data can help to determine whether speed was a contributing factor to the crash. Notably, speed is one of the leading reasons why accidents happen in South Carolina.
- Brake Application: Information about brake usage—such as when and how forcefully the brakes were applied—is captured by the black box. It helps assess whether the driver attempted to avoid the collision and how the vehicle’s braking system responded.
- Throttle Position: The position of the accelerator pedal is recorded to understand if the driver was accelerating or decelerating before the crash. It provides insight into the driver’s actions and potential reaction times leading up to the accident.
- Steering Angle: The EDR captures data on the steering wheel position leading up to the accident. Why does this matter? It can help to clarify whether the driver attempted any evasive maneuvers immediately before the crash happened.
- Roll Rate: The black box measures the vehicle’s roll rate and yaw rate. It is a type of technical data that can be used to assess rotational movements. These metrics help determine if the vehicle rolled over or skidded.
- Seatbelt Status: With most modern vehicles, the EDR also notes whether seatbelt(s) were engaged at the time of the collision for each occupied seat. It is information that can be relevant for evaluating occupant safety measures.
- Airbag Deployment Data: Black boxes record details about airbag deployment, including which airbags deployed and the timing of their activation. The data helps evaluate the performance of the vehicle’s safety systems and their effectiveness.
Most Modern Cars are Equipped With a Black Box
When you hear the term “black box” you may be associated with aircraft. Most people are familiar with the fact that a plane’s black box is reviewed after an aviation accident. What you may not know is that your car also (likely) has a “black box”. As noted in a report from National Public Radio (NPR), more than 90 percent of vehicles sold in the United States after 2013 are equipped with an event data recorder. Black box data can often be recovered from one or more vehicles after a traffic collision in South Carolina.
Why it Matters: Determining Fault for a Crash
South Carolina is a fault-based motor vehicle crash jurisdiction. The driver—or other party—who caused a crash through their negligence can be held liable for the resulting damages. Black box data plays a fundamental role in determining fault in car accidents by providing objective, timestamped information about the vehicle’s performance and the driver’s actions leading up to the collision.
The data is not necessarily conclusive by itself. However, it can be used with a wide range of other evidence—from photographs to witness statements—to help determine what happened. Black box data factors, including vehicle speed, brake application, and throttle position, can be used to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the crash with the highest degree of accuracy.
Be Proactive: Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Injury Claims in South Carolina
You have a limited amount of time to file a car accident injury lawsuit in South Carolina. Under S.C. Code § 15-3-530(5), these cases are subject to a three-year statute of limitations. If a claim is not filed within three years of the date of a crash, it could be dismissed outright by a court. Injured victims do not want to fall behind the insurance company after a serious crash. A prompt investigation is a must. Contact a South Carolina car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Car Accident Victims Can Rely On Schiller & Hamilton in Complex Cases
Car accident claims are complicated—particularly so when there is a dispute over how exactly the crash happened. The black box data on one or more vehicles can provide key evidence. At Schiller & Hamilton, we are prepared to help comprehensively investigate your crash—gathering all of the evidence that you need to prove fault, including a car’s black box data.
Our client testimonials and case results demonstrate what we can do for car accident victims in South Carolina. Along with other types of damages, our firm helps injured victims seek compensation for vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Initial consultations are free, fully confidential, and carry no obligations.
Contact Our Rock Hill Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review Today
At Schiller & Hamilton, our experienced lawyers are standing by, ready to help. Have questions about a car’s black box data after a collision? We can help. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars in financial compensation for car crash victims. Contact our Rock Hill car accident attorneys today for your free consultation.