Google Faces Lawsuit for Fatal Bridge Incident Caused by Map Directions

The family of a man who died after driving off a collapsed bridge while following Google Maps directions is suing the tech giant for negligence. The lawsuit claims that Google had been informed of the bridge collapse but failed to update its navigation system. The man, Philip Paxson, drowned in September 2022 after his car plunged into Snow Creek in Hickory, North Carolina. State troopers found no barriers or warning signs along the washed-out roadway. Multiple people had notified Google Maps about the collapse prior to Paxson's death, but the company allegedly took no further action. Google stated that it is reviewing the lawsuit and expressed sympathy for the Paxson family.