By Blake Kurtzman | Associate   | Tacoma, Silverdale, and Vancouver offices 

And Joe Burdine  |  Staff Attorney  | Tacoma Office 

If you’ve been in a car crash, the most important evidence might not be in the police report or a witness statement—it could be stored inside your own vehicle.

Most modern cars are equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR), often referred to as the car’s “black box.” This device records critical data in the seconds before and after a collision, like speed, braking, steering input, and seatbelt usage. In cases where there’s a dispute about who was at fault, this information can be a game-changer.

What Does the Black Box Record?

While the specific details vary by manufacturer, most EDRs track:

  • Vehicle speed
  • Brake and accelerator usage
  • Steering angle
  • Airbag deployment
  • Seatbelt status
  • Force of impact

This snapshot of objective data can clarify what really happened during a crash, especially when the two drivers don’t agree.

Why It Matters in a Liability Dispute

Insurance companies and defense lawyers often dispute how fast someone was going, whether they hit the brakes, or who crossed the center line. In these cases, black box data can provide proof one way or the other.

For example:

  • A driver claims you rear-ended them while speeding, but the EDR shows you were traveling under the speed limit and braking.
  • An insurer downplays the seriousness of the crash, but the EDR shows a rapid deceleration consistent with high-force impact.

In short, EDR data can support your case—or sink it—depending on whether it’s preserved and interpreted correctly.

Don’t Wait—EDR Data Doesn’t Last Forever

If your vehicle is still in your possession—or in a tow yard—it may still contain this data. But time is not on your side:

  • EDR data can be lost if the vehicle is moved, repaired, or destroyed.
  • Some insurance companies quickly salvage vehicles, which may wipe the black box.
  • You typically need a court order or an expert to access and preserve this data properly.

If you're injured and there’s any question about how the crash happened, it’s crucial to act fast. Don’t wait until the evidence is gone. Before hiring an attorney, ask whether they’re experienced in preserving and using EDR data to support your claim. Not all firms are.

What to Ask Before Hiring an Attorney

Before you hire a lawyer, ask if they’re prepared to:

  • Send a preservation letter to prevent vehicle destruction
  • Coordinate with an accident reconstructionist
  • Retrieve and analyze EDR data
  • Use the findings strategically in settlement or trial

At GLP Attorneys, we routinely work with experts to protect and use black box data in car crash cases. We understand the legal and technical steps it takes to preserve this critical evidence and make sure it works in your favor.

Ready to Find Out What’s in the Box?

If you've been injured in a crash and there’s any question about how it happened, don’t wait for the evidence to disappear. Reach out to GLP Attorneys. We’ll help you take the right steps, starting with protecting what could be the most powerful evidence in your case.

If you have been injured in an accident, call 800-273-5005 or email our attorneys at to schedule a free lawyer consultation.