How is liability handled in car accidents caused by GPS?

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How is liability handled in car accidents caused by GPS?

by Lytal, Reiter, Smith, lvey & Fronrath

Home » How is liability handled in car accidents caused by GPS?
accidents caused by gps

Most newer vehicles, including commercial trucks, have a satellite navigation system installed to aid their drivers in getting to their destinations quickly. These global positioning systems (GPS) help you avoid traffic jams and road construction detours, finding your way safely to nearly anywhere in the country. Yet, if you’re in a crash because someone else was so focused on their GPS while driving that they ran into you, who is to blame?

It’s natural to want to place fault on wrong GPS instructions, but how is liability handled in car accidents caused by GPS? Current court rulings have found that the final responsibility is squarely on the driver’s shoulders, but let’s examine this question with a West Palm Beach car accident lawyer from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath.

Your GPS navigation system can lead to distracted driving

Although a blessing to many motorists, GPS devices present several distractions, especially if someone is unfamiliar with the area or is a nervous driver. Whether in a dashboard screen or as an app on a cell phone, using these devices can increase the risk of three types of distracted driving:

  • Visual distractions: In many instances, drivers pay almost as much attention to the GPS screen as they do to the road, potentially causing them to miss traffic changes that could require a sudden stop.
  • Manual distractions: Even with hands-free devices, it’s common for a GPS user to need to change routes or touch the screen to get more detail, taking at least one hand off the steering wheel.
  • Mental distractions: Keeping eyes on the road and hands on the wheel isn’t all there is to driving. Those using GPS technology are mentally engaged with the directions, making sure they’re in the correct lane to make a turn or take a highway exit.

Although companies providing map and traffic information for GPS devices and apps work to keep their data as current as possible, it’s vital for drivers to look for road signs and other indications about traffic flow. Otherwise, they can cause serious car accidents, such as rear-ending you because they were concentrating so hard on their GPS instructions.

Google has been the target of lawsuits regarding its GPS directions

Although there have been several lawsuits against GPS manufacturers such as Garmin and information providers such as Google, none so far have had much success. Courts have ruled that drivers bear the ultimate responsibility for their driving behaviors and must make independent decisions while behind the wheel.

A recent case in Wake County, NC, alleges that users notified Google of a washed-out bridge, yet the company had not updated its information. Philip Paxson died in September 2022 when he followed Google directions over the washout and drowned. In 2010, Lauren Rosenberg sued Google when their walking directions led her to a highway with no sidewalks. She lost her case seeking damages after getting hit by a car.

So far, these and similar cases have not put any fault on information providers, citing First Amendment rights that allow them to publish the data without liability. However, when you are injured in a car accident, it’s wise to have experienced accident lawyers who will carefully review the law.

Establishing liability is the key to successful personal injury cases

One of the first things your car accident lawyer will do is discuss the evidence supporting your claim against the driver who hit you. Showing who is liable in a car accident allows you to proceed with your damage claim for medical bills, lost income, and property damage. You may have photos from the accident scene, and your lawyer can gather police reports, witness statements, expert testimony, and other documentation.

Suppose you were sideswiped by a truck driver following GPS instructions that didn’t indicate a lane shift due to road construction. While you’re unlikely to have success against the GPS maker, you can still file a claim against the truck driver, the trucking company, and potentially the road construction company if they failed to use adequate signage. The key is showing how another person’s negligence led to your accident, injuries, and damages.

Under Florida law for modified comparative negligence and modified by House Bill 837 in 2023, you can pursue compensation from all responsible parties, with fault assigned as a percentage. As long as you aren’t more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. A skilled attorney will work to reduce any fault assigned to you to maximize your compensation options.

Learn more about how liability works in car accidents

When you’ve been hurt in a car crash, you have many questions but little energy for confusing jargon and legal precedents. Instead, contact the West Palm Beach car accident attorneys at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath to discuss your case. We pride ourselves on educating our clients so they understand their options and how we will build their case. Regardless of who is at fault, we strive to establish negligence and hold wrongdoers accountable.

We offer free consultations to help you determine if you have a personal injury case. Use our online form or call (561) 655-1990 to meet with us today.

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