What is a Black Box (or EDR) and How Can It Help Me Win My Auto Injury Case?

What is this mysterious black box? It’s the secret weapon of auto injury law.  A black box, also known as an Event Data Recorder (EDR), is a device that records data about a vehicle’s operation, particularly in the event of a collision. It’s your most reliable witness you probably never knew accompanies you wherever you drive.

What kind of information does a black box (EDR) record?

Black boxes record data such as vehicle speed, brake usage, seat belt usage, steering angles and movement at the time of the crash. This data is great to have in personal injury cases. It provides an objective account of the collision. Experts analyze the recorded data to reconstruct the accident. This information can corroborate your claim and strengthen your injury case. When the truth is put in doubt, your black box has your back.

To be clear, each black box is different. The data recorded by each black box vary. To learn about your black box in particular, you can always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Does the black box (EDR) always record an accident?

No, the black box (EDR) does not always record an accident; usually, it depends on the force of the impact. These devices are designed to activate and record data when a certain threshold of force is met. Minor accidents or low-impact incidents may not generate enough force to trigger the EDR to activate. Therefore, while black boxes are valuable tools for analyzing serious crashes, they might not capture data for every type of accident.

Does black box data expire?

Black boxes vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model. Some black boxes have a minimum storage period of 30 days, while others can retain data for much longer. In some cases, data is overwritten with a subsequent impact. To learn about your black box in particular, you can always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual

How can you retrieve data from your black box (EDR)?

Contact us. We can arrange for an accident reconstructionist to download the data if the circumstances warrant it.

Have you been injured in an accident? Better Call Sahar 619-649-2440

How much does it cost to retrieve data from a black box?

Costs can range anywhere from $750 to a few thousand depending on your vehicle’s location. Contact us to get help finding an accident reconstructionist near you

Have you been injured in an auto accident?

Better Call Sahar 619-649-2440 for a no obligation consultation today! Or Contact Us here to set up an appointment.