Technology has seeped into every facet of our daily lives. From smart devices to apps to software, the paradigm shift has introduced new ways of doing things, increasing our reliance on swift innovations.
So, what role does technology play in personal injury law? According to The National, it can greatly impact the results of personal injury lawsuits. In this article, we will highlight the role technology can play in this context.
Case Studies
Let’s take General Motors’ Cruise recall as an example. In August this year, Reuters reported that GM had recalled nearly 1,200 robotaxis following hard-braking issues. The autonomous vehicles were responsible for injuries in three crashes.
The US SAFE TECH Act is another instance worth noting. It addresses digital product liability. It’s not only physical or emotional injuries that require a personal injury attorney. Data breaches and privacy violations could also constitute personal injury claims.
Understanding product liability in the digital age is essential for tech companies, legal professionals, and consumers. We will now explain how legal tech is emerging as a game-changer.
Law Firms Turning to Generative AI
Piecing together a case is incredibly labor-intensive. To streamline the process, legal firms are turning to AI. Citing a study from the American Bar Association, TechCrunch says that 35% of law firms use AI tools in their practices.
Supio is an AI platform for personal injury law. Founded by Jerry Zhou and Kyle Lam, the Seattle startup raised $25 million to help lawyers cut down on repetitive tasks and organize case-related data.
The company is one of the legal tech startups that has had a successful run thus far. Supio focuses on personal injury cases and mass tort plaintiff law.
Regulating Social Media
A bill introduced by Colorado will soon limit the use of social media platforms among teens.
If successful, it will require platforms like TikTok and Snapchat to show in-app warnings on social media harm. This will occur if a teen is online for longer than an hour or after 10 pm. The warning repeats itself after 30 minutes and then more frequently.
Lawmakers hope it will spur social media companies into implementing more mindful approaches to how social media affects mental health and well-being among younger generations.
Companies that don’t abide by the legal requirements could be arguing against various civil lawsuits. This could result in a Colorado Springs personal injury attorney having to take up the legal fight for concerned parents and caregivers.
Wearable Technology
Wearable tech tracks everything, from our heart rate to the steps taken. They provide valuable data to improve our health and remedy bad habits.
Fitbits and smart helmets could provide vital evidence in personal injury claims.
According to Health Tech Zone, these nifty activity trackers are pivotal in documenting personal injury cases. The publication says advanced sensor technology of wearable devices is reliable in gathering evidence.
They track data like movement patterns, speed, and sleep quality. Smart helmets have sensors that detect impacts and monitor head movements. This information can help personal injury attorneys recreate events leading up to an incident.
Higher Settlements
Another legal tech startup EvenUp, led by Ray Mieszaniec, is betting on personal injury lawyers to embrace AI.
The platform uses generative AI to draft demand letters and legal documents for requesting compensation from insurance companies. Attorneys upload their client’s medical files onto EvenUp’s system.
Here’s where the magic happens. Leveraging over 250,000 verdicts and settlements, the system generates a demand package with a suitable settlement offer.
Forbes says EvenUp claims to save up to 15 hours per case. Plaintiffs also negotiated settlements 30% higher than what they might otherwise get.
EvenUp CEO Rami Karabibar tells Forbes there are about 20 million personal injury claims each year. Their company aims to ensure all claims receive the justice they deserve.
Harvard Law School Professor David Wilkins is just as excited about the role AI is playing in the legal field. He sees promise in the technology’s ability to make legal processes more efficient.
Closing Argument
There’s no denying that the personal injury law sector is undergoing a technology revolution. It’s up to law firms if they want to embrace it or not. Soon, it will shift the goalposts for lawyers and their clients.
Tech Times says gone are the days of phone tags and waiting for case updates. Legal software allows for secure communication and real-time tracking of cases. This transparency will foster trust between personal injury attorneys and their clients.