"Black Box" in Car Reveals Speed at Time of Crash

November 21, 2012 (Press-News.org) In September, a Las Vegas man allegedly made a reckless decision to drink and drive and crashed into a crowded bus stop killing four people and injuring eight others. The driver is facing trial for the deaths of the four innocent victims and one of the key pieces of evidence against him is his car.

The driver's 2001 Monte Carlo, like all cars manufactured by General Motors since 1999, contained a computer chip known as an Event Data Recorder, or EDR. The EDR is similar to the "black box" in an airplane and records information on what a car is doing when it is involved in a crash severe enough to activate the air bags. The information recorded from an EDR includes:
- How fast the car was travelling at the time of the crash
- Whether the driver or passenger in the car were wearing their seatbelts
- Whether the driver applied his or her brakes

The EDR information for the driver's Monte Carlo was downloaded for the fatal bus stop crash. The EDR data has not officially been released but sources say that the Monte Carlo was traveling well above the 45 mile per hour speed limit. In fact, sources opine that the car was travelling somewhere between 70 and 90 miles per hour. This is powerful evidence of reckless driving.

EDR data helpful to prove liability in Las Vegas car accidents

The information contained in the EDR can provide valuable evidence on liability in Nevada motor vehicle accident cases. If the driver denies speeding or driving recklessly, the EDR can prove him or her wrong.

Unfortunately, the EDR data is not readily available to everyone. In Nevada, EDR information is protected by statute and is not accessible unless you have the consent of the car's registered owner, or an order from the court.

Working with a personal injury attorney

Have you been injured or lost a loved one because of someone else's negligent, reckless or drunk driving? If so, you have a right to obtain compensation for your injuries.

The negligent party's insurance provider will likely try to limit, delay and deny the compensation to which you are entitled. This is why it is imperative to have an experienced car accident lawyer at your side who will know how to gather all the evidence, including EDR data if available, to protect you and your future.

Article provided by Christiansen Law Offices
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