Car crashes often turn into “your word against mine” situations, and that can make fault disputes complicated. Insurance companies and courts rely on facts, not speculation. Two pieces of modern technology—Event Data Recorders (EDRs) and traffic cameras—can provide that clarity. If you’ve been involved in a wreck in Phoenix, knowing how these tools work could make all the difference in proving liability.
What Are EDRs?
An Event Data Recorder, often compared to a “black box,” is a device installed in most modern cars. It tracks data during and just before a collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 99% of cars sold in the U.S. today have an EDR system.
These devices capture critical details, including:
- Vehicle speed at the time of impact
- Brake usage and throttle position
- Seatbelt status of occupants
- Airbag deployment timing
- Steering input and sudden movements
This information is time-stamped, which means it’s very difficult to manipulate. In a dispute, your attorney can use EDR evidence to show what actually happened in those crucial seconds before the crash.
The Role of Traffic Cameras in Phoenix
Phoenix has an extensive network of traffic cameras positioned at intersections and along busy roads. While not every crash is caught on camera, when footage is available, it can be incredibly persuasive. Video evidence captures actions that EDRs can’t—like whether a driver ran a red light, ignored a stop sign, or was weaving through traffic.
Footage can also support eyewitness testimony and fill gaps left by incomplete reports. A car accident attorney in Phoenix may subpoena this footage before it’s erased, since many municipalities don’t keep recordings indefinitely. Acting quickly is essential to secure this kind of proof.
Combining EDR Data with Video Evidence
On their own, each type of evidence is strong. Together, they create a powerful narrative. Consider this:
- EDR data might show a car was speeding.
- Traffic camera footage could confirm the same vehicle failed to stop at a red light.
When both pieces align, they remove doubt about who caused the collision. This combination can cut through conflicting stories and give insurance adjusters or juries a clearer picture of events.
Why This Matters for Your Case
Fault disputes often delay compensation and complicate settlement talks. Reliable evidence reduces those disputes. Insurance companies may try to argue against your version of events, but hard data is much tougher to dismiss.
Working with a car accident lawyer in Phoenix means having someone who knows how to access, interpret, and present this evidence. Without proper legal steps, valuable information from EDRs or camera systems could be lost. Preserving it quickly is key.
Technology has changed how fault is determined in crashes. EDRs and traffic cameras give accident victims more than just their word to rely on—they provide measurable, visible proof. If you’ve been in a collision in Phoenix and fault is being disputed, don’t wait to secure the evidence that could make or break your case.For guidance tailored to your situation, speak with our car accident attorney in Phoenix, Geoff Trachtenberg today. The sooner you act, the better chance you have of protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation.