[partyk1d24]

I was recently hit by another car and I think the data from my car could help my case. Based on previous experience I know the mechanic has a log of messages. Is there a way I can get access to this? Does it include steering wheel angle, speed, etc?

I am sure there is the answer and then the real answer. I am willing to hook something into the OBD2 port and try to manually but I was looking for an easier option.

 

[NY-Rob]

All modern cars have a "Back Box" with a snapshot of parameters at the time of impact.
I believe only the manufacturer can read it though... not something you can get through the OBDII port.

 

[quirkySquirt]

Can't help you now, but for the future a dash cam would've been helpful. If you really want to prove that you're a good driver, perhaps a dual dashcam setup that Uber or Lyft drivers use that views the cabin and out the front windshield.

 

[Hugh]

I was recently hit by another car and I think the data from my car could help my case. Based on previous experience I know the mechanic has a log of messages. Is there a way I can get access to this? Does it include steering wheel angle, speed, etc?

I am sure there is the answer and then the real answer. I am willing to hook something into the OBD2 port and try to manually but I was looking for an easier option.

I didn't find much. I did find a long 2014 Edmund's article https://www.edmunds.com/car-technology/car-black-box-recorders-capture-crash-data.html
According to the article, the equipment to read the black box runs from $2K to $10K and it requires special training to understand the data.


The result of all this appears to be that the black box information is only retrieved in the event of a fatality or a major lawsuit.