First of all car accidents happen all the time without impartial witnesses to recount the accident. But did you know car manufacturers have been installing event data recorders (EDR) since 2014? In fact, some car manufacturers were installing these before 2014. Considering, EDR’s are like a plane’s black box, it could help piece together how the crash happened.
What is An Event Data Recorder (EDR)?
Like, a flight-event recorder or “black box” records an event data recorder documents information about your car before a crash. But, it does not record video or audio. Instead, in the event of an accident, an EDR records electronic data about your driving. Admittedly, the event data recorder will permanently save the information if your airbag deploys. Otherwise, it overwrites the data after some time. Because of this, the information collected is time-sensitive.
What Information Does My Event Data Recorder Keep After An Accident?
Event data records have evolved over the years from only monitoring airbags. Actually, now these they collect 30 plus types of data from your car. Typically, saving a few seconds of information before and during the crash. Unless your airbag deploys then it will save around 20 seconds of data. Furthermore, here are some key data points it collects that can help shed light on the accident.
- Time and date of your accident
- Your speed at the time of the crash
- Depth of accelerator pedal
- Steering wheel direction
- Seat position
- Braking pattern
- Throttle position
- If certain warning lights were operating
- Who was wearing a seatbelt
- Airbag deployment status
- Force of impact
Florida EDR Laws
Finally, these data collection devices being in all new vehicles brought concerns about data privacy. So, in 2015 they passed the Driver Privacy Act. Namely, the act made the data collected the property of the vehicle owner or lessee. Since enacted 17 states have established statutes associated with event data recorders.
So, Florida does not have a specific statute around event data recorders. Still, Florida has a computer trespass statute. In fact, statute 815.06 states the following:
“Whoever willfully, knowingly, and without authorization accesses or causes to be accessed any computer, computer system, or computer network commits an offense against computer users and commits a felony of the third degree. – COMPUTER-RELATED CRIMES”
Thus, allowing the interpretation of EDR’s to fit within this general description.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
