Motorcycle accidents are often chaotic, fast, and hard to reconstruct. If you’ve been in an accident in New York and were injured, proving what really happened is key to winning your case. That’s where black box technology can make all the difference.
If you’re working with a motorcycle accident lawyer, having access to your bike’s electronic data can greatly strengthen your personal injury claim. Here’s how it works.
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What Is a Motorcycle Black Box?
A “black box,” also known as an event data recorder (EDR), is a device installed on many modern motorcycles. It collects important accident-related data such as:
- Speed and acceleration
- Braking
- Lean angles
- Throttle and traction control
- GPS location
- Time of impact
This type of motorcycle accident evidence can be crucial in establishing liability and defending your rights.
Why Is Black Box Data So Important?
When you’re involved in a motorcycle crash, the accounts of those involved often don’t match. The other driver might claim you were speeding, while you insist they were negligent. If there are no witnesses or videos, it all comes down to your word against theirs.
That’s where black box motorcycle evidence comes in: it provides objective, precise data that supports your version of events.
For example:
- If the other driver claims you were speeding but the EDR shows you were within the limit, it boosts your credibility.
- If you were braking to avoid the collision, the record proves it.
With 30 years of experience winning top settlements, we know how to deal with insurance companies and the legal system. You’re in the best hands with us.
Do All Motorcycles Have a Black Box?
Not all, but many modern motorcycles from brands like Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Honda already include a crash data recorder. If your bike doesn’t have one from the factory, there are external GPS devices that record similar data and can provide useful evidence for an injury claim
Can This Evidence Be Used in Court?
Yes. Courts in New York and across the U.S. legally accept EDR motorcycle accident data as valid evidence, as long as it’s obtained properly.
A lawyer must:
- Ensure your motorcycle is preserved
- Extract the data with specialized tools
- Maintain proper chain of custody
- Present the data with expert testimony if necessary
How Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Use This Evidence?
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will:
- Determine whether your motorcycle has a black box or EDR
- Coordinate the extraction of the data
- Compare the data to police reports and other evidence
- Integrate the information into a clear, convincing timeline
At Proner & Proner, we work with technical experts who help us extract and present this evidence effectively.
What If the Other Driver Was at Fault?
New York is a no-fault state, but motorcycles are not covered under this law. This means that if you are injured in an accident, you must file a motorcycle accident claim directly against the negligent party to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Crash data recorder evidence can help you prove the other driver’s fault, even if they deny responsibility.
Don’t Let Bias Hurt Your Case
Many insurance companies assume motorcyclists are reckless. This can lead to unfair settlement offers or claim denials.
But with solid technical evidence, proper analysis, and the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can challenge these biases and demand fair compensation.
Technology is changing the way motorcycle accident claims are handled. Black box information can be the key to winning your personal injury case.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash in New York, don’t rely on assumptions. Contact us at Proner & Proner. We’ll review every detail of your case, including the digital evidence.
FAQ
Yes, although it may affect the compensation amount. Speak with a lawyer to evaluate your specific case.
New York follows a “comparative negligence” rule, meaning you can still receive compensation even if you were partly responsible.
In New York, you generally have up to 3 years to file a personal injury claim. The sooner you act, the better your chances of success.
