Event Data Recorder Service
Event Data Recorder (EDR) What it is and how it can benefit Law Firms,, insurance Companies, Accident Reconstruction, and the average Joe.
What is an EDR? lt is an Event Data Recorder, that some people would refer to as the “Black Box” of automobiles. Just like that of an airplane, most vehicles on the road, have this same technology stored within the vehicles we drive today. One of the standard safety features is referred to as an ACM. That stands for Airbag Control Module.
This is where crash data is stored when an event, like a crash, happens. We have the ability to retrieve this critical data using the EDR and processing a very accurate report to be used by Law Firms, insurance Companies, Accident Reconstructionist, and as the title states, the average Joe.
How does the EDR work? With the use of a standard laptop, the EDR tool, and a vehicle involved in an accident, the certified technician can access one of several computer modules within the vehicle, mainly the Airbag Control Module, and pull the crash data for analysis.
The data includes, but is not limited to, the Delta-V data, Vehicle Speed, Brake Status, Throttle Position, Steering input, Seatbelt Status, Occupant Detection, Gear Selection, Anti-Lock Brake Status, and Tire Pressure Monitor Status.
As Technology is ever advancing, EDR’s are adding to their list of monitored sensors on a regular basis. Critical information starts recording an average of 5 seconds before impact, during the crash sequence, and after until the vehicle comes to its final rest.
The 5 seconds prior is the key to accident investigations as the data shows what the driver was doing before the crash, how fast he or she was going, and if they had time to apply the brakes, and many other factors that played a role in the crash.
How can EDR data reports benefit Law Firms? Unfortunately, after an accident occurs, that’s when the “Blame Game” begins. One driver says the other driver is at fault and vice versa.
One of the many benefits that come with an EDR report is that the data is NOT editable. Once the report is generated by the software from the vehicle, there is no changing that information.
Because of this fact, these reports are rarely challenged, and if they are, our Technicians are very willing and able to explain the automotive principles behind the reports.
When it comes to Personal injury, Vehicular Homicide, Criminal or Civil cases of all kinds, having an EDR report will most definitely benefit your clients as well as your firms.
How can EDR data reports benefit insurances Companies? One of the most prevalent problems when it comes to insurance Claims is Fraud. Claimants often know there are no eye witnesses to some traffic accidents, and also know that in some instances it comes down to their word versus the other party.
As mentioned prior, EDR data includes Brake Status, Seatbelt Status, Occupant Detection, and Tire Pressure Monitor Status among many others. When it comes to claims of failing brakes, the data will show if and when the brakes were applied.
When they claim they were wearing their seatbelt while driving, the Seatbelt Status report will either confirm or negate that claim. lf a driver claims they were a passenger and not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the crash, the Occupant Detection will show the presence and weight of the occupant.
I would be difficult to argue if you’re a 250 pound person and your passenger was proven to weigh 100 pounds based on the EDR report. ln some instances, drivers claim that the accident was a result of a blown out tire, arguing no fault of their own.
This claim will be brought to light as the Tire Pressure Monitor will show if any of the tires were underinflated, overinflated, or at the proper pressure according to the specification decal.
These are just a few examples of how an EDR report can be an unvaluable asset to an insurance Adjuster.
How can EDR data reports benefit in Accident Reconstruction? This is specific to those that specialize in this field. Along with detailed photos and videos of accident scenes, an EDR report can help tie all of the investigative findings together by providing another means of evidence.
Once again, it is worth mentioning, EDR data report are not editable once information is pulled from the accident vehicles. This makes it hard for someone to make false claims during interviews from Law Enforcement or other agencies.
How can EDR data report benefit the Average Joe? One example has to do with parents wanting to know more concerning an accident their child happened to be involved in.
How fast was my kid going? Was the accident actually my kid’s fault? Did my child fall asleep on their way home? These are just a few of many questions that could be answered by providing the loving parent’s with a detailed EDR report.
Please call Naiar investigations if you or your Firm could benefit from o Detailed EDR Report. l-866-286-5378