A North Carolina family is taking legal action against Google, filing a lawsuit alleging negligence after their loved one died while following directions given on Google Maps. The lawsuit claims that Google failed to update its navigation system, leading the man to drive off a collapsed bridge that had not been repaired for nine years. The tragic incident occurred on September 30, 2022, when Philip Paxson was driving home from his daughter's birthday party in Hickory. Unfamiliar with the area and driving on a dark and stormy night, Paxson followed the directions provided by Google Maps, which led him across the collapsed bridge. His car plunged into Snow Creek, causing him to drown.

Alicia Paxson, Philip's wife, expressed her grief and frustration, stating that their daughters are struggling to understand how and why their father died. She criticizes those responsible for the GPS directions and the bridge, claiming they showed little regard for human life. The roadway leading to the bridge had no barriers or warning signs despite being washed out and never repaired following a flood in 2013. The lawsuit alleges that multiple people had alerted Google Maps about the broken bridge in the years leading up to the incident, urging the company to update its route information, but no action was taken.

The lawsuit also includes email records from a Hickory resident who used Google Maps' "suggest and edit" feature in September 2020 to report the collapsed bridge. The resident received confirmation that the report was received and being reviewed, but Google did not take any further action. The bridge itself is not maintained by local or state officials, and the original developer has dissolved. The lawsuit names businessman James Tarlton and his companies as the owners of the bridge and surrounding land, accusing them of failing to repair the bridge and provide sufficient lighting to prevent accidents.

The lawsuit was filed in Wake County, North Carolina, due to Google's presence in the state. During a press conference, Alicia Paxson's attorney emphasized the need for accountability and stated that the tragedy still feels unreal to the grieving widow. An obituary for Philip Paxson highlights his love for motor vehicles and adventurous spirit. The family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and has requested a jury trial in the case.

Google has responded to the lawsuit, expressing condolences to the Paxson family and stating that they are reviewing the lawsuit. They maintain that their goal is to provide accurate routing information in Google Maps. The lawsuit highlights the potential dangers of relying solely on navigation systems and the need for companies like Google to promptly address reported issues to ensure public safety.