Dashcam And Black Box Evidence In Florida Accident Claims
Dashcam footage and black box data can provide important information after a Florida car accident. These electronic records may help show how a crash occurred and identify details that are not available through witness statements or physical evidence alone.
At The Law Offices of John R. Mathias, P.A., our St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys help accident victims understand the evidence that may affect their claims. As a small law firm, we provide personal attention and take the time to understand each client’s circumstances.
What Evidence Does An Event Data Recorder (EDR) Or Dashcam Capture?
An Event Data Recorder (EDR), often called a black box, may record information from the moments before, during or after a crash. Depending on the vehicle, this data may include:
- Speed before the collision
- Braking and steering inputs
- Seat belt use
- Airbag deployment
- Other information about the vehicle’s movements
Dashcam footage may show traffic conditions, vehicle movements and events leading up to the collision. In a car accident claim involving black box data in St. Petersburg, the available information can depend on the vehicle and the type of recording system. An attorney can review the circumstances and determine whether EDR data may help explain what happened.
The Clock Is Ticking: How To Prevent Insurance Companies From Overwriting EDR Data
Electronic evidence may not remain available indefinitely. Some data can be overwritten or lost after a vehicle returns to use, receives repairs or records another event. Preserving accident scene evidence can be important in a Florida claim, particularly when electronic data may be overwritten or lost.
In some cases, an attorney may send a spoliation of evidence letter requesting that a vehicle owner, trucking company or other party preserve relevant electronic data. This can be an important step when evidence may otherwise be overwritten or lost. In a commercial truck accident, a St. Pete lawyer may examine black box data and other available electronic records as part of the investigation.
Is Dashcam Footage Admissible Evidence Under Florida Personal Injury Law?
Dashcam evidence can provide a useful record of an accident. However, its admissibility depends on the circumstances and applicable rules of evidence. The party offering the footage may need to establish what the recording shows and demonstrate that it is authentic.
As a result, proving liability with dashcam footage can involve more than simply having a video of the collision. The recording may become one piece of a larger body of evidence.
How Electronic Data Proves Fault Under Florida’s Modified Comparative Fault System
After a crash, the other driver or insurance company may dispute what happened or argue that you were partly at fault. Dashcam footage or EDR data may help clarify the facts by showing:
- Whether a driver braked or attempted to avoid the crash
- How fast a vehicle was traveling
- How the vehicles moved before impact
- Whether the evidence supports or contradicts a driver’s account of the crash
Under Florida’s modified comparative fault system, the percentage of fault assigned to you can affect the compensation you may recover. Evidence that helps establish what each driver did before the crash can then play an important role in your claim.
Get Personal Attention When You Need It Most
After an accident, you may have questions about what evidence exists and how it could affect your claim. At The Law Offices of John R. Mathias, P.A., we take the time to understand your situation and discuss the issues that matter to you. Call 727-821-1600 or send an online inquiry to schedule a free consultation with our St. Petersburg accident lawyer.