Most insurance companies offer some form of safe driver program, where drivers are able to obtain a discount on their premium in exchange for exhibiting good driving habits and allowing the insurer to monitor them.
The data obtained from these monitoring devices can be extremely valuable in car accident cases in terms of determining how the collision occurred and who’s at fault. Here’s how you can use this data to your advantage in the event you’re involved in a crash.
What Data Do Car Insurance Companies Collect From Drivers?
If a driver has opted into a safe driver discount program, a tracking device will be installed in their vehicle that allows the insurance companies to monitor their driving behavior and if they follow all applicable traffic laws. Data collected includes things like location, time, speed, braking, turns, and even cell phone usage.
In the event of a motor vehicle accident, the tracking device can provide information about:
- When and where the accident occurred exactly
- How fast a vehicle was moving when it collided with another object
- When the brakes were applied and how hard they were pressed
- Whether traffic congestion existed at certain points leading up to the crash
- How much force was involved in a collision
- If a driver failed to yield or made an improper turn
- If a driver was on their cell phone at the time of the collision
If you suspect the other driver in your accident may be subscribed to a safe driving discount program, it’s important to get help from a qualified personal injury attorney who can work to obtain this data to strengthen your case.
Your Data May Also Be Used
Remember that if your insurer is monitoring your driving habits under a safe driver program, the other driver will likely also be trying to get information about your driving history and the accident from your insurance companies.
For example, a history of excessive speeding or hard braking might indicate that you were likely not driving safely at the time of the incident, which could potentially reduce your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Or, the data collected can be compared to driver and witness statements about what happened to identify discrepancies between the stories told.
Call A Qualified Chico Car Accident Attorney Today
Data collected by insurance companies for things like safe driver programs can be an invaluable tool for accident victims. It’s crucial that you work with an experienced attorney to build a strong case against the other driver and to protect yourself from having your own data manipulated to make you look like the at-fault party. Contact Zink & Lenzi Injury Lawyers today for a free initial consultation by dialing 530-895-1234.