The family of North Carolina resident Philip Paxson, who tragically lost his life in a fatal car accident, has initiated a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the tech giant's outdated Maps caused the devastating incident.
In the legal battle, the Paxson family of North Carolina is taking Google to court, holding the technology giant responsible for the untimely death of their beloved family member, Philip Paxson.
The lawsuit asserts that Google's negligence in failing to update its Maps application, which erroneously led Paxson onto a collapsed bridge, is at the core of this tragic incident.
The incident unfolded in September 2022, when Philip Paxson, on his way back from his daughter's ninth birthday celebration, found himself navigating through unfamiliar territory, relying solely on Google Maps for guidance.
Unfamiliar with the area, he trusted Google Maps to lead him safely back to his wife and daughters. However, as he cautiously drove through darkness and rain, he unwittingly followed outdated directions from the app, which led him to a bridge ominously known as the 'Bridge to Nowhere.'
Tragically, he crashed through the bridge's remains and met his untimely demise in the cold waters of Snow Creek.
In response to the allegations, Google has acknowledged the lawsuit and stated that they are reviewing the case, which has been filed in civil court in Wake County.
The family's lawyers, in their official statement, emphasized Philip Paxson's reliance on Google Maps, believing it would guide him safely. The lawsuit further reveals that local residents had repeatedly alerted Google to update its maps after the bridge's collapse in 2013.
Additionally, it alleges that the entrance barriers to the bridge were missing due to vandalism, as reported by the Charlotte Observer. In addition to suing Google, the lawsuit targets three local companies, alleging their responsibility for maintaining the bridge.
