Google Maps Crash Reporting – Should You Use It?
There’s been a lot of focus lately on how personal technology can be used to track people. Sometimes it’s helpful, other times enabling it on your personal device can be a bad idea. Recently Google Maps added the capability for users to report on their phone if they have a car accident.
But if you do get in a wreck, should you use it? Will it make it easier to prove your personal injury case or support your claim to compensation for vehicle damage? Let’s look at what this technology is capable of and weigh the pros and cons of using it.
What is Google Maps Accident Reporting?
Not everyone knows this feature exists. If you have an Android device, you might use Google Maps for navigation. If you’re in route to a destination and you’re involved in an accident, Google Maps now has a feature that allows you to report it. When you do, Google alerts other drivers there’s a wreck ahead so they can decide whether or not to choose an alternate route.
The crash report feature isn’t visible until you start navigation to your destination. However, you don’t have to be the person involved in a car wreck to report it, it’s possible to add accidents you drive by along the way.
The feature also allows you to report speed traps, slowdowns and road construction. Its purpose is to improve traffic flow and is similar to what you might have noted using the traffic app Waze.
How Traffic Reporting Helps
Nobody likes to waste time sitting in traffic. Car accidents in congested areas like Longview, Shreveport, Tyler and Dallas can have vehicles idling for long periods of time. Traffic reporting helps drivers know there might be a slowdown ahead so they can select an alternate route. Sometimes Google will even note there’s a problem and suggest a way around for you. That’s helpful.
Traffic reporting also gives you a heads up when you might not otherwise have time to stop for road obstructions or stopped vehicles. When other drivers warn you about speed traps, you’re extra vigilant about your speed and avoid a ticket.
How Attorneys Use Google Street View
If you become injured in a car wreck, it’s smart to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. When you do, that attorney will visit with you about what happened and offer advice on the next steps. One thing our attorneys might do during that meeting is use Google Street View to take a look at the place your accident occurred and get a visual of the surrounding area.
It helps our attorneys and clients walk through what happened step by step. Sometimes just seeing the area again helps clients remember contributing factors they forgot in the rush to the hospital and the intense emotional aftermath.
However, photos and maps quickly become outdated. They’re a useful tool, but only if what they show is an accurate representation of what you encountered the day of the accident.
What Data Can Insurance Companies Get from Google?
Google limits the data it makes publicly available. Currently, if you report a car crash through the Google Maps app, no one can see identifying information. They won’t know what kind of car you drive, your license plate number, what happened during the accident or who received a ticket.
Insurance companies can view any photos submitted of that location. They can see the time and date the crash was reported, but not who reported it or when the accident actually occurred. There’s also data on whether there were previous crashes at that location.
Google Maps Crash Reporting and Personal Injury
So should you use Google Maps crash reporting if you get in a car accident? While doing so probably won’t have any impact on your personal injury case, it’s probably safer to avoid doing so. This technology is still new, and it’s unknown how it will evolve. If insurance companies can use it to obtain data to use against you, they will.
It’s better to immediately call 9-1-1 and give the police factual information on what happened, then seek medical assistance as soon as you are able. Let witnesses update Google if they’d like while you focus on doing what’s best for your health.
When Using Google Maps Can Hurt You
Some of us are a little too plugged in to our personal technology. If you use Google Maps or anything else on your cell phone while you’re driving down the road, you’re more likely to have an accident. If you cause a car crash because you’re distracted, the wreck will be your fault, and you could have to pay for someone else’s vehicle damage and personal injury.
If you see a crash and you’re driving, don’t reach for your cell to report it. Leave that to your passenger or don’t report it at all. Google will work go on without you, but your loved ones might not.
Longview and Shreveport Car Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been in a wreck, we’re here to help. Schedule your free consultation online today.
