How GPS Tracking Data Is Used in Commercial Vehicle Crashes
Being involved in a commercial vehicle crash is stressful. Beyond physical injuries and vehicle damage, these incidents often raise complex questions of responsibility and liability. When commercial trucks, delivery vans, or other work vehicles are involved, figuring out what happened in the crash can be difficult.
That’s where technology, like GPS tracking data, can provide valuable insight. GPS devices can record a vehicle’s speed, route, braking patterns, and stops—information that may help clarify events leading to a collision.
With offices in Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri, Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy has helped numerous clients interpret this information and assess its impact on claims related to commercial vehicle crashes. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, reach out to the firm to discuss your options.
How GPS Tracking Data Works in Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Modern commercial vehicles are often equipped with GPS devices, either through fleet management systems or telematics installed by the employer. These devices track the truck's movements and record detailed information about driving behavior.
In the aftermath of a crash, this data can help determine what occurred and who may be at fault. As a victim of a commercial vehicle accident, knowing how this data works can make a significant difference in your case. The types of GPS data commonly collected following an accident include:
Location history: GPS data that tracked where the vehicle traveled before and after the crash.
Speed data: Records of the vehicle’s speed at various points, which can help assess whether traffic laws were followed.
Braking and acceleration: Data that shows sudden stops or rapid starts that might indicate risky maneuvers.
Route deviations: Data that highlights whether the driver took unusual routes or detours that could have contributed to the crash.
GPS tracking doesn’t tell the whole story on its own, but when combined with crash reports and witness statements, it can serve as critical evidence.
Legal Considerations When Using GPS Data
GPS data is helpful, but using it in a legal claim involves careful attention to accuracy and privacy. Insurance companies and auto accident attorneys will often scrutinize the data, comparing it with other evidence to build a complete picture of the crash. Before using GPS data to support your claim, it’s important to consider the following:
Data accuracy: Not all GPS devices are perfectly precise. Slight discrepancies in location or speed can occur.
Ownership and access: The data may belong to the vehicle owner, employer, or fleet management company. Obtaining it may require permission or legal requests.
Privacy laws: Certain drivers and companies may have legal protections over the data. Your lawyer can guide you on how to obtain the data.
Data interpretation: Raw GPS logs aren’t self-explanatory. Understanding how to interpret timestamps, coordinates, and speed readings is essential for accurate analysis.
While there can be obstacles, GPS data is often a decisive factor in commercial vehicle crashes. An experienced trucking accident attorney can help you collect and interpret the information effectively.
How GPS Data Can Be Used in a Commercial Trucking Accident Case
When commercial vehicle crashes occur, your attorney will work to combine GPS data with other evidence, such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports. This helps clarify key questions, such as whether the driver was speeding, whether they braked too late, and whether they were on the correct route.
Your attorney will also handle interactions with insurance companies to make sure the GPS evidence is presented accurately and fairly. This reduces the risk of misinterpretation or disputes over the data. The benefits of using GPS data in your case typically include the following:
Reconstructing the crash: Combining GPS with other evidence provides a clear timeline and vehicle movement analysis.
Proving liability: GPS data can help demonstrate whether the commercial driver acted negligently or followed proper safety protocols.
Supporting damages claims: GPS data can help establish a connection between the driver’s actions and your resulting injuries or property damage.
Protecting your interests: Your attorney can make sure the data is interpreted fairly and used appropriately in negotiations or court.
GPS evidence can make the legal process more transparent, and working with an experienced commercial trucking accident attorney can help you focus on your recovery rather than trying to decipher technical logs on your own.
Potential Challenges With GPS Evidence
Despite its usefulness, GPS data isn’t foolproof. It can sometimes be incomplete, tampered with, or misinterpreted. Knowing potential pitfalls helps people be realistic and prepared when pursuing a claim. Some common challenges of using GPS evidence include:
Incomplete records: Some GPS devices may not record every second or location point.
Device malfunctions: GPS units can fail or provide inaccurate readings during certain conditions.
Employer disputes: Some companies may resist releasing their fleet data unless legally compelled.
Over-reliance: GPS data must be considered alongside other evidence to avoid misleading conclusions.
An attorney can help you manage these issues by validating the data, cross-checking with other evidence, and presenting it in a way that supports your claim. If you were involved in a commercial vehicle crash, knowledgeable legal support can be the difference between a weak case and a well-supported claim.
Seek Help from an Experienced Commercial Trucking Accident Attorney Today
Commercial vehicle crashes can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts. In these cases, GPS tracking data can provide clarity, but accurate interpretation is key. An experienced accident attorney can help you take advantage of this information and protect your rights.
With offices in Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri, Murphy, Kinney, & Sumy have helped many clients use GPS evidence to support fair outcomes in commercial vehicle accident claims. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, reach out to the firm to schedule a free consultation.
