How Technology Has Changed Car Accident Cases
Technology’s role in our lives has grown over time. As a result, every new technological advance has a ripple effect on our lives—even car crashes and legal issues. In Southern California, an area that sees thousands of car crashes every month, technology has a major influence on how crashes are caused, investigated, and ultimately compensated. Working with the car accident lawyers at DeWitt Algorri & Algorri gives victims like you the upper hand when it’s time to prove liability and fight for compensation.
The use of technology has dramatically increased over the years, highlighting one way crashes have evolved. In 2012, just 1.5% of drivers used handheld electronic devices while driving. That number jumped 127% to 3.4% by 2021. It should be no surprise that distracted driving crashes have increased during this time.
Ready to start your car accident claim and find out if you are entitled to compensation? Choose the car accident attorneys at DeWitt Algorri & Algorri for the aggressive and effective representation you deserve. Call us at 855-WINNING (946-6464) to set up a consultation now.
Technology’s Role in Causing Collisions
In some ways, the accessibility of technology has been devastating for road safety. It plays a very substantial role in causing traffic accidents. Smartphones, tablets, and infotainment systems built into cars all make it easy for drivers to get distracted while driving. This is such a significant problem that many drivers can no longer drive without something keeping them engaged and entertained. As technology makes people more and more dependent on quick dopamine hits—such as those that come from short-form TikTok videos or social media updates—this problem will likely continue to grow.
Some developments meant to improve road safety can also contribute to collisions. Consider autonomous vehicles and advanced driver safety systems. Systems that brake when you are in imminent danger of hitting someone, alert you when you are drifting out of your lane, or steer for you can be excellent when they work as intended. When there’s a technological error or glitch, though, drivers may not be quick enough to jump back into driving without technological assistance.
Dashcams and Surveillance Cameras as Sources of Evidence
Technology has profoundly increased the amount of evidence available after accidents. A growing number of cars have dashcams, so even if an accident victim’s car doesn’t have one, there’s a good chance that a nearby driver will have useful footage for them. Similarly, surveillance cameras are on more and more homes and business areas every year. These cameras may catch fleeing drivers or record actual car accidents, providing useful evidence to the police and insurance companies.
It’s important to note that these cameras do not retain footage forever. If you are relying on dashcam or surveillance footage for your car accident case, make sure you get a copy of it as quickly as possible. Data may auto-erase within weeks or even days to make room for new footage.
Documentation of Evidence
Drivers have also been able to take accident documentation into their own hands thanks to technology. Smartphones, both a cause of accidents and something that makes them easier to navigate, make it easy to document crashes and get help. Experts used to recommend that drivers keep a disposable camera in their glovebox to take photos after a crash. Now that smartphones are commonplace, you can get more photos of higher quality, not to mention video footage of the crash scene. There are even apps that walk you through the documentation process so you don’t miss any important angles or shots. A growing number of insurance companies have accident reporting apps that cue you to take specific photos, enter police report numbers, and otherwise streamline the process of reporting the accident to the insurance company.
When it comes to preserving evidence and proving causation, technology plays a role there as well. Accident reconstruction specialists can create accurate and engaging videos of how an accident played out, giving legal professionals additional tools to prove their case to a jury. The calculations and analysis that go into accident reconstruction can be too challenging for the average person to understand—technology allows professionals to put that information into a compelling and easy-to-grasp video or slideshow.
Injured in a Collision? Choose DeWitt Algorri & Algorri
An accident can devastate you, harming your mental health, physical wellbeing, and finances. With an aggressive car accident attorney by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve. Set up a consultation now by calling us at 855-WINNING (946-6464) or reaching out online.
Mark Algorri has successfully represented individuals and their families in matters involving serious and catastrophic injuries, insurance claims denials, and wrongful deaths, achieving a success rate of 99 percent for our clients.
