In today's digital world, data is more than just numbers on a spreadsheet—it is a powerful resource that can be used to improve safety, reduce risk, and prevent harm. Whether referring to transportation systems, workplace protocols, or personal injury law, data analytics helps identify patterns, predict hazards, and take proactive steps to protect people before tragedy strikes. At McCraw Law Group, we understand that our role extends beyond advocating for injury victims in the courtroom. It also includes promoting the kind of systemic change that keeps families, communities, and workers safe. Data analytics is becoming one of the most important tools in that mission.
Data analytics is the process of examining large datasets to uncover trends, patterns, and insights. In the context of public and personal safety, these insights can identify common causes of injuries, flag high-risk behaviors, and guide proactive strategies to prevent future harm. For example, transportation agencies use crash data to redesign dangerous intersections or adjust speed limits, while employers use workplace injury reports to improve safety procedures and training programs¹.
Predictive analytics takes this a step further. Rather than simply reacting to past incidents, predictive models analyze historical data to anticipate risks. This means forecasting which equipment is most likely to fail in workplaces and scheduling maintenance before accidents occur. In transportation, it can mean identifying drivers who pose a higher risk based on telematics data, including hard braking or frequent speeding².
In personal injury law, attorneys can use predictive analytics to assess the likelihood of certain case outcomes, estimate claim values, and better allocate legal resources. These tools enhance legal strategy and the ability to advocate for systemic improvements in public safety.
The tragic story of 19-year-old Iliana Velez illustrates the real-world consequences of failing to act on data. In 2022, Velez was killed when a truck veered into her lane and caused her vehicle to roll. The driver, who was under contract with an Amazon subcontractor, had a suspended license, a history of serious driving infractions, and outstanding felony warrants. Even more alarming, Amazon had previously rejected his application after a failed background check—but he was still permitted to drive for one of their middle-mile contractors³.
According to a CBS News investigation, Amazon's contracted carriers had a rate of unsafe driving violations nearly twice that of non-Amazon carriers over a six-year period. These violations included speeding and using handheld devices while driving. Despite having access to these analytics via inspection reports and tracking software, the company did not act in time to prevent the crash that killed Velez⁴.
The lawsuit filed by her family alleges that Amazon had access to real-time data tracking the driver's speeding violations—seventy instances in total. Ignoring this information was not just a procedural failure but a systemic breakdown in using data to protect human lives.
Data can serve as a powerful tool for uncovering liability in negligence cases. When a company repeatedly fails to act on known risks, behavior patterns become critical evidence. This is especially important in personal injury cases, where the burden of proof often falls on the victim to demonstrate negligence.
Data can show whether a company knew—or should have known—about dangerous behavior. When analytics reveal that a business's safety violations far exceed industry norms, it creates a compelling case for gross negligence or even punitive damages⁵. Moreover, analytics help attorneys quantify damages by comparing similar cases and identifying appropriate settlement ranges.
Beyond individual lawsuits, the broader impact of data in litigation is its ability to drive public accountability. By exposing dangerous practices, personal injury cases help shape policy changes and create pressure for safer systems.
The benefits of data analytics go far beyond litigation. Data has become essential to keeping workers and the public safe in industries like transportation, construction, and manufacturing. From wearable safety tech that monitors heart rates and fatigue to AI-driven software that scans vehicles for defects, analytics are being embedded into day-to-day operations to reduce risk⁶.
Organizations like the U.S. Department of Transportation rely heavily on data-driven tools to identify high-crash locations and allocate funding for safety improvements. Workplace safety professionals use incident data and real-time tracking to address hazards before they lead to injuries⁷. Law firms can and should also use data to contribute to this ecosystem of prevention by identifying patterns in injury cases and advocating for regulatory or industry changes.
Ultimately, the promise of data analytics lies not just in collecting information but in acting on it. Businesses and organizations that ignore what the data clearly shows are not just making poor decisions—they are risking lives. The case of Iliana Velez demonstrates that accountability is essential when companies fail to respond to red flags that could have prevented tragedy.
At McCraw Law Group, personal injury law should serve both as a means of justice for individuals and a mechanism for change. By leveraging data, we build stronger cases, expose systemic failures, and push for higher industry safety standards.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligence, know that you do not have to face it alone. Our attorneys are committed to using every available resource—including data-driven insights—to fight for your rights and protect others from preventable harm. Give us a call today for a free consultation to assess your situation.
If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.
Get a Free Virtual Consultation
If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.