Fitbits and your car's on-board computer are being used in court to prove if you are lying.

May 12, 2016, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

We love our technology, but we need to be aware that it can be used as evidence for or against us in case of accident claims, court cases, or criminal proceedings.

A recent case in the US highlighted a Pennsylvania woman’s lies in a rape case. She had made an accusation of rape but when officers at the scene noted a Fitbit on the floor they dug deeper. The woman provided her user name and password and the police downloaded the data from her device. When the evidence was examined it became clear that no rape had occurred. It was this evidence that turned her case against her.

We have also had data from wearables in Canada used to prove activity levels before and after serious car accidents to support claims of disability. Car computer information is regularly used by police and insurance companies when investigating car accidents to determine the truth of the situation, and to determine where blame lies. When we combine this information with the increased coverage of CCTV, and the increased use of social media posts as evidence it becomes painfully clear that telling the police, your insurance company and your lawyer the truth is paramount.

If you don’t remember something say so, but never make up or fabricate information. You will be caught, you may face criminal charges and your insurance claims may well be completely denied on the basis of your unreliable or false testimony.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

The opinions expressed here, while intended to provide useful information, should not be interpreted as legal recommendations or advice.