Driving Apps and North Carolina Car Accident Claims

One of the so-called “perks” that the majority of insurance companies are offering customers in order to reduce their premiums is apps that monitor their driving habits. Just like the black boxes that are in planes, these apps track everything the driver does while they are behind the wheel. By consistently following the rules of the road, a driver can reap the rewards of significant savings in the amount they pay each year for auto insurance. However, these apps do raise questions over potential ramifications in the event the driver is involved in a car accident, particularly when it comes to determining fault for the crash. It is important to be aware of all potential factors – both positive and negative – associated with using these apps that drivers should consider.

What Info Are You Giving the Insurance Company By Using Its App?

When a driver installs the insurance company’s app on their smartphone and turns it on, they are enabling the company to track every move they make while their vehicle is running – literally. Some of these activities include:

  • Accelerating and speed
  • Braking
  • Lane alerts and other vehicle warnings
  • Phone usage
  • Taking turns

The purpose of this data collection is to provide incentives for the driver to operate their vehicle safely. As long as the driver stays off their phone, adheres to speed limits, doesn’t tailgate, etc., their premiums will not increase. If a driver engages in aggressive driving behaviors, speeds, or uses their phone while driving, the insurance company will increase the premiums.

This also means that if the driver is in an accident, the insurance company will know exactly what the driver was doing immediately leading up to and when the crash occurred.

Pros and Cons of Collected Data in a Car Accident Claim

If you are a victim of an accident, the data collected in an insurance company claim may be helpful. If the other driver has the app on their phone, the data could show that they were negligent and that is what caused the accident. Your car accident attorney can subpoena those records in order to help prove your case.

If you have a tracking app, your data could be used to show that you were operating safely at the time of the crash.

On the other hand, if you were engaged in something at the time of the accident which could be used against you to show some or all liability on your part, the other driver’s insurance company could try to use that data against you. This is something your car accident attorney would need to address in building your case.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are in business to make a profit and will do all they can to pay the least amount possible – if at all – to an injured victim who has a legitimate case. There are well-known tactics that they will use in order to achieve that goal.

They will do all they can to delay processing the claim and bring it to a fair and just resolution for the victim, as well as even try to deny the claim completely. An injured victim should not have to deal with these added pressures, but instead, they should be able to focus on their recovery. A skilled car accident attorney knows exactly how to deal with these underhanded tactics and will fight to get their injured client the financial justice they deserve.

Contact Our Office Today

If you have been injured in an accident caused by another party, contact a North Carolina personal injury attorney to find out what legal options you may have. The legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has almost 40 years of experience advocating for injured victims and their families and will help you get the financial compensation you deserve. Each attorney at our firm is a skilled negotiator, but each one also has extensive experience in litigation should the insurance company fail to negotiate in good faith. Call our office today for a free and confidential case evaluation.

 

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