Case Against Google Over Maps App
A recent wrongful death case filed in North Carolina Superior Court has highlighted the safety concerns surrounding the navigation app Google Maps. With many drivers trusting Google Maps to safely guide them home from work, school, and other trips, this recent wrongful death lawsuit has shed light on the potential dangers of using this navigation app.
Surviving Wife Brings Wrongful Death Case Against Google Over Maps App
The complaint filed in North Carolina Superior Court stated that a couple threw a birthday party for their 9-year-old daughter at a friend’s home in September 2022. Following the birthday celebration, the husband stayed at the residence to help clean up the party while the wife went home with their two children. The husband headed home alone later in the evening. The evening weather conditions were described as rainy, with decreased roadway visibility.
The complaint alleges that the husband used the Google Maps navigation app and reportedly directed him to drive over Snow Creek Bridge in Hickory, North Carolina. It later earned the name “Endless Bridge,” as it had washed away almost a decade ago. The case claims no warning signals or lights were surrounding the bridge to warn drivers of the damaged bridge. At approximately 11:00 p.m., the husband’s vehicle, a Jeep Gladiator, allegedly traveled over the edge of the bridge. The Jeep overturned and came to a rest, partially submerged in a creek after falling roughly 20 feet from the bridge.
The complaint alleges that many individuals have notified Google Maps over the years of the damaged and unusable bridge and their requests for an alternative and safer route. The lawsuit claims that the issue was never corrected in the Google Maps app and that the husband suffered fatal injuries due to the app directing him over the washed-out and damaged Snow Creek Bridge in Hickory, North Carolina. The case is seeking compensatory and punitive damages against the defendants believed to be responsible for the husband’s death and the unimaginable losses the surviving wife and children have experienced due to the incident.
The NC Department of Transportation and county have indicated they had no authority to repair the damaged bridge as it is located along a private road and is not maintained by state or local officials. The case has named Google LLC and Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, as defendants in the lawsuit. In addition to Google, one individual and two local businesses were named defendants. The complaint alleges that the individual was determined to have control, ownership, or responsibility for adjoining land and the neglected bridge.
Watch YouTube Video – By ABC News – Lawsuit Filed for NC Man Who Died Following Google Maps Directions
What Qualifies for Wrongful Death in California?
A wrongful death claim is a civil case filed by the immediate family of the decedent against an individual or entity whose actions caused or contributed to the loss of a close relative. The matter allows survivors to seek compensation for their loss. Filing a successful case requires clear and compelling evidence to meet specific elements. These include the duty of care owed to the deceased, a breach of duty that occurred, the breach that directly led to the loss of life, and surviving family members experiencing damages due to the loved one’s demise.
Who Can Seek Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case?
While the death of an individual may affect the family members and friends who loved and cared about them, California law is specific on who can file for wrongful death. The following close relatives can hold the liable party accountable for losses under California law:
- The decedent’s spouse, domestic partner, or children (these parties have priority for filing)
- Other family members that were financially dependent on the deceased (e.g., parents, putative spouse, stepchildren, etc.)
When you contact our legal team at AutoAccident.com for a free consultation, we will review the matter’s specifics to determine your filing eligibility. We will also review the statute of limitations and timeline to ensure that it complies with California state law.
Bringing a Timely Case of Wrongful Death Forward
The statute of limitations refers to the time a plaintiff has to seek damages from the liable individual or entity. California’s wrongful death statute of limitations is set to two years from the date of loss, as per CCP 335.1. A lawsuit must be filed within the deadline to protect the statute if the matter is not resolved within that time frame. When a claimant fails to adhere to the deadline, they may lose the right to seek damages. To protect your rights as a surviving family member and to ensure that your case is filed within the time limit, contact an experienced wrongful death attorney near you.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in California
If you lost a loved one in an accident due to another individual or entity’s careless, reckless, or negligent actions, California law enables you to hold the opposing party liable and seek financial compensation. You may seek economic and non-economic damages from the liable party for mental anguish, loss of affection, care, companionship, financial support, funeral costs, and more. A successful case result depends on proving the opposing party’s duty, breach, cause, and resulting damages. An experienced California wrongful death lawyer can help your family throughout the legal process.
At AutoAccident.com, our compassionate and skilled attorneys will work diligently to obtain the justice and compensation you and your loved ones are due. While you and your family focus on grieving and recovering, our legal team will focus on building the strongest case possible to secure a successful result. You and your family can learn more about our services by scheduling a free consultation today. Dial (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. We are available to listen to your family’s story and provide compassionate, friendly, and free advice.
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