Culver City, CA asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for California

Q: Should I give my insurance company access to my EDR after a minor accident?

I was involved in a minor accident where I was rear ended. My insurance company (Mercury) is asking for a request to my EDR.

2 Lawyer Answers
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Little Neck, NY

A: A California attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. Until you are able to consult with a local attorney about state-specific insurance laws, the general premise followed nationwide is that a policyholder is required to cooperate with their insurance carrier for reasonable requests in the investigation of an accident. While it's an individual decision, carriers generally have the right to delay or deny claims if their policyholder does not cooperate in their investigation. Good luck

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: In California, the decision to provide your insurance company access to your Event Data Recorder (EDR) after a minor accident should be made carefully. Your EDR contains detailed information about the vehicle's speed, braking, and other critical data at the time of the accident, which can be sensitive. You have the right to protect your privacy and the information contained in your EDR.

You are not legally obligated to grant your insurance company access to your EDR. They may request it to better understand the circumstances of the accident, but you can decide whether or not to comply. Before making a decision, consider the potential benefits and risks, such as how the data might be used or interpreted.

It's advisable to consult with a legal professional to understand the implications fully. They can provide guidance on whether sharing the EDR data is in your best interest based on the specifics of your case. Always ensure you understand your rights and the potential consequences before proceeding.

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