The “smart” features of cars have come a long way in the past decade fundamentally changing the way we drive. But all new technology comes with new risks, and these features could be sabotaging your safety—and your chances at compensation in the event of a crash.

Infotainment systems, now standard in most vehicles, control everything from GPS and music to calls and text messages, all in one dashboard. Designed to make driving more convenient, these touchscreens, voice commands, and built-in apps often require more attention than you realize.

The results can be devastating when your focus shifts away from the road, even for a few seconds. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, interacting with digital dashboards can distract drivers for up to 40 seconds, long enough to travel half a mile at 50 mph. That’s enough space and time to completely lose focus of what’s in front of you, with potentially devastating results.

How Infotainment Systems Contribute to Distracted Driving

The CDC breaks down driver distractions into three types: looking away from the road, taking your hands off the steering wheel, and letting your thoughts drift from the task of driving.

Even simple tasks, like adjusting a playlist or entering a GPS destination, can distract you from the road long enough to cause a crash.

Taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

While modern vehicles are packed with advanced safety features, from automatic emergency braking to lane departure warnings, they’re not foolproof. Some safety features require drivers to interact with touchscreen menus, which can ironically introduce new distractions.

Balancing convenience with safety is crucial if you’re shopping for a new car. Our guide to vehicle safety features explains what to look for. Prioritizing systems that support hands-free operation and minimize on-screen interaction can reduce the risk of a collision while driving.

Legal Liability: Who’s Responsible When Tech Contributes to a Crash?

Determining liability can become more complicated when an accident involves a driver using their car’s in-dash tech. There are a few possibilities:

• The driver: Most often, the driver will be held responsible if they were distracted by the vehicle interface and caused the crash.
• The manufacturer: In rare cases, the car or dashboard system manufacturer could be liable, especially if the system was designed to encourage distraction or malfunctioned at a critical moment unreasonably. For example, a touchscreen that freezes or reboots while in use could present a serious safety issue.
• Software developers or third-party app providers: If a third-party app integrated into the system causes a crash, such as a buggy GPS program giving dangerous directions, liability may extend to the software developers.
• Insurance companies: Insurers may also evaluate how the distraction contributed to the accident and use data from the vehicle to challenge or deny a claim.

Each of these scenarios requires a detailed investigation, and that’s where experienced legal help is crucial.

The Role of Technology in Personal Injury Claims

When tech distractions are involved, proving fault and securing compensation often depends on gathering the right evidence. This might include:

• Vehicle data logs
• Cell phone and infotainment system usage records
• Eyewitness statements
• Surveillance and dashcam footage
• Accident reconstruction reports

An experienced attorney can help uncover whether the in-car system use contributed to your crash. This is especially important in Alabama, a contributory negligence state. If a driver is found even 1% at fault, they may be barred from recovering compensation, making a strong legal strategy essential.

Why Legal Representation Matters in Tech-Related Accidents

At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our team understands the evolving nature of vehicle technology and how it impacts car accident claims. We know what to look for when tech may have played a role and how to hold the right parties accountable.

If you were injured in an accident where another driver was distracted by their infotainment system, or if your system malfunctioned, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Distracted driving tech often creates gray areas that insurers exploit.

That’s why contacting our Alabama car accident attorneys as soon as possible is critical. We’ll evaluate your case, investigate all contributing factors, and negotiate for the full compensation you deserve.

Call Now for a Free Consultation

Don’t let a tech-related crash leave you without answers or compensation. Contact our law firm for a free case review and let us help you hold the right parties accountable.

We’ll help you eliminate the confusion and pursue the compensation you’re owed.