Is Apple Responsible for Death Caused by Driver Using FaceTime App?
Is Apple Responsible for Death Caused by Driver Using FaceTime App?

A Texas couple is suing Apple for the role its FaceTime app allegedly played in a fatal crash that took the life of their 5-year-old daughter. James and Bethany Modisette lost their daughter Moriah on Christmas Eve 2014 when the driver of a Toyota 4Runner rear-ended their stopped Toyota Camry at full highway speed. Moriah suffered critical injuries in the collision and was airlifted to a children’s hospital, where she later passed away.

The Toyota driver, Garrett Wilhelm, admitted to police that he was using the FaceTime app on his iPhone at the time of the crash. Police found the iPhone at the crash site with the app still active. Wilhelm’s case, in which he faces manslaughter charges, goes to trial February 27.

The Modisettes’ lawsuit says Apple shares responsibility in the crash because the company does not disable the FaceTime app when vehicles are traveling at highway speeds. Because iPhones can detect speed through built-in accelerometers, the family says they should automatically lock FaceTime when the iPhone is moving at highway speeds.

“This lawsuit brings up an important issue concerning today’s distracted drivers: should tech companies be responsible for ensuring drivers can’t access apps on the road? With the high rate of accidents attributed to distracted driving, locking these apps at highway speeds could save lives,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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