Man dies due to Google Maps' direction

Fatal Incident on a Dark Night

On September 30, 2022, Philip Paxson, a medical device salesman and US Navy veteran, lost his life in a terrible accident. He was driving through an unfamiliar area in North Carolina, relying on Google Maps for directions. Sadly, he drove off a broken bridge, resulting in a 20-foot fall, and did not survive. It was a dark and rainy evening, and the bridge had no warning signs or barriers.

Lawsuit Alleging Negligence

Paxson's family has filed a lawsuit against Google, claiming negligence. They argue that Google Maps should have known about the broken bridge and guided drivers away from it. The lawsuit also names other parties related to the bridge.

Unmaintained Bridge and Dissolved Developer

Local and state officials did not maintain the bridge, and the original developer's company no longer existed. Google expressed condolences to the family and is reviewing the lawsuit. The company emphasized the importance of safety and accurate routing information.

Questioning Google Maps Accuracy

This tragic incident raises questions about the accuracy of Google Maps and the practice of blindly following its directions. It serves as a reminder to stay cautious and use common sense when navigating unfamiliar areas, especially in adverse weather conditions.