North Carolina Woman Sues Alphabet Over Google Maps Directions in Fatal Bridge Collapse
A North Carolina woman has filed a negligence lawsuit against Google’s parent company, Alphabet, holding them responsible for her husband’s tragic death last year. The incident occurred when Philip Paxson’s vehicle drove off a collapsed bridge in Hickory, North Carolina, following directions provided by Google Maps. The grieving widow, Alicia Paxson, alleges that her husband’s untimely demise could have been prevented if Google Maps had not directed him to cross the Snow Creek Bridge, which had already collapsed in 2013.
Philip Paxson, a devoted father of two and a medical device salesman, drowned in September 2022 after his vehicle plunged into Snow Creek. Alicia Paxson expressed her anguish, stating, Our girls ask how and why their daddy died, and I’m at a loss for words they can understand because, as an adult, I still can’t comprehend how those responsible for the GPS directions and the bridge could have shown so little regard for human life.
Investigations revealed that the Snow Creek Bridge was not maintained by local or state officials, and the developer’s company had dissolved, leaving the responsibility for the bridge and its adjoining land unclear. The lawsuit lists several private property management companies as defendants, alleging that they are accountable for the collapsed bridge.
Furthermore, the lawsuit claims that multiple users had informed Google about the outdated route information that directed drivers over the collapsed bridge in the years leading up to the incident. This assertion raises concerns over Google’s response to user feedback and its role in ensuring accurate routing information.
In response to the lawsuit, Google expressed sympathy for the Paxson family and underscored its commitment to providing accurate routing information. The technology giant stated that they are reviewing the lawsuit and emphasized their goal of continually improving their mapping services.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Paxson family, said Google spokesperson José Castañeda. We are dedicated to offering accurate routing information in Google Maps, and we are currently reviewing this lawsuit.
While litigation continues, this case highlights the critical role of navigation apps in ensuring user safety. It also raises questions about the responsibility of tech companies in updating and verifying the accuracy of their mapping services. As the reliance on digital navigation increases, it becomes imperative for companies like Google to prioritize user feedback and diligently address concerns regarding outdated information that could potentially lead to tragic accidents.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on the original news report. The lawsuit allegations are still under investigation, and all parties involved are innocent until proven guilty.
