Given the widespread availability of GPS units, many drivers find themselves involved in crashes involving a GPS. This can be the result of a faulty GPS or can simply be the result of the driver being distracted by the GPS. Regardless of the cause, as the other party struck by the reckless driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Why GPS Units Can Cause Accidents
A GPS unit will usually provide a disclaimer that will state clearly that the information they provide is not perfect. Drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road. For example, if the GPS instructs the driver to make a U-turn and it is not possible to make one legally, the driver should find an alternative way to correct their route.
In some cases, a GPS unit will instruct a driver to drive on roads that don't exist, to drive on the wrong side of the road, or to drive through a restricted area or a construction zone. However, the driver is expected to show good judgment and ignore faulty instructions by the GPS.
Even when the GPS is not faulty, the driver may take their eyes off the road and plug information into the GPS to find a route. Taking one's eyes off the road for even a brief moment can lead to a car accident. After the accident, you will need to take legal action against the driver and not the manufacturer of the GPS. While regulations might be put in place in the future, drivers are usually held responsible today because they are expected to take reasonable action behind the wheel.
The Importance of Liability
To receive compensation for your injuries, you will need to prove that the other driver was responsible for your accident. Then, you will be able to take the next step, which can involve settling your case out of court or taking the other driver to trial.
However, it can sometimes be difficult to determine exactly what went wrong after the accident. Therefore, you may need to hire a car accident attorney who can thoroughly investigate the accident to find out what went wrong. For example, the attorney may be able to discover from the scene of the accident that the driver did not press down on their brakes. This is often a sign that the driver was distracted. Then you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries.
