GPS devices are becoming more and more common, and you will find them in a large percentage of the vehicles on the road. While GPS devices are a great way to avoid getting lost in an unfamiliar city, not to mention a great alternative to trying to read a bulky map with letters so tiny only your fifth grader has eyes good enough to see it. GPS receivers have more recently begun to be used in providing essential data during an accident reconstruction.
If a GPS is being used at the time of an accident, then analysts can quickly find out the vehicle’s speed and position before, during and even after the crash. Such technology is possible because of the two dozen fully networked satellites which orbit the earth 12,000 miles up—thanks to the United States Department of Defense. In addition to a GPS receiver, many newer vehicles also have an event data recorder which will provide specific data from its rollover sensors and airbags.
How is This Information Useful?
It may seem that the information which could be extracted from your GPS following a crash would be meaningless, but, in fact, the opposite is true. Suppose you are driving along safely at the posted speed, when from out of nowhere a car slams into you because of a distracted or negligent driver. You think the resulting insurance claim will be a piece of cake—after all, you did nothing wrong. Next thing you know you are shocked to hear that the other driver is claiming you were the one at fault. Assuming there were no eyewitnesses, how will you prove that you were not the negligent party? This is where your GPS could turn out to be invaluable in proving your speed at the time of the crash, the exact time the accident happened, and your exact location and direction you were traveling when the accident occurred. The other driver may be claiming you were exceeding the speed limit, or turned unexpectedly, leaving it up to your GPS to prove otherwise and back up your statements.
Keeping a Log of Events
Even if you have a GPS of your own, don’t assume that will exonerate you from claims of negligence. Just as in any accident, you should definitely call the police so you will have a written police report of the events, tend to your injuries or those of your passengers and call your insurance company as soon as possible. After taking care of those crucial tasks, if you are able, take photos with your cell phone or a camera of the scene of the accident, the damage to your car, and the damage to the other car. Make sure to include landmarks around the accident scene for reference points. If there were witnesses to the accident, take the time to get their names, addresses and phone numbers. Once witnesses have left the scene without you recording their information, it is unlikely you will ever be able to find them should you need their statement later on. If you were injured in the accident, make sure you document every single medical issue you’ve had as a result of the accident, even if it is only a headache from a bump on the head. You never know what will turn out to be critical evidence in a claim, so assume it is all critical.
Getting Legal Help
If you’ve been involved in an accident with injuries or significant damages, it can be extremely important that you get an experienced attorney on board as soon as possible. You are entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, time away from work and pain and suffering, and your GPS may be the one piece of evidence which ensures you get that compensation. Let your attorney know that your GPS was operating at the time of the accident, then let him take care of your case while you take care of yourself and your future.
Call and speak with an experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyer from Barrett Law, PLLC. Be sure to visit our web blog for more helpful information about your case or call us for a free consultation to answer your important questions.
The attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC serve people throughout Mississippi including: North Mississippi, Jackson, Hattiesburg, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.