Google Maps Error: North Carolina Family to Sue Tech Giant

By Iyojo Ameh

A North Carolina family is pursuing legal action against tech giant Google, alleging negligence on the part of Google Maps, which they claim resulted in a fatal accident that claimed the life of Philip Paxson.

Philip Paxson, a 47-year-old resident of Hickory, North Carolina, met a tragic end when his overturned pickup truck was discovered beneath a bridge that had collapsed nearly a decade ago.

The accident occurred as Paxson was returning home after celebrating his daughter’s ninth birthday, relying on Google Maps for guidance through challenging weather conditions.

Adding to the tragedy is the revelation that the bridge and the road leading to it lacked any barriers or warning signs, leaving drivers entirely unaware of the impending danger.

According to the family, Google Maps directed Philip Paxson down a concrete road that abruptly ended at the collapsed bridge, leading to his vehicle plunging into a river. The family has voiced their deep grief and frustration on social media, emphasizing that this accident could have been averted.

In addition to their lawsuit against Google, the Paxson family has included several private property management companies responsible for the land surrounding the crash site in their legal action. This move underscores their unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and holding accountable those they believe share responsibility for the tragedy.

A spokesperson from Google responded to the lawsuit, extending condolences for the Paxson family’s loss and reiterating the company’s dedication to providing accurate routing information through Google Maps. The spokesperson confirmed that the case is presently under review.

The case of Philip Paxson is not an isolated incident of GPS navigation mishaps leading to fatalities. In 2020, an 18-year-old Russian motorist lost his life due to exposure after following a Google Maps route through the perilous “road of bones.”

Similarly, in 2019, a truck driver in Jakarta, Indonesia, drove off a cliff after mistakenly following a Google Maps route intended solely for motorcycles. And in 2015, Zohra Hussain died in a fiery car accident in Indiana when her husband, relying on the car’s built-in GPS, drove off an unmarked toll road that led to a collapsed bridge. Her husband, Iftikhar Hussain, subsequently sued the state of Indiana for failing to provide proper warnings.