My neighbor across the street backed into me as we were both headed out. I had already backed out and believe I was in Drive upon impact, but he maintains we backed into each other. No witnesses, human or camera ( hightly motivated to get a dash cam now ).

While the damage is only ~$2K, (to my 4Runner only, not a mark on his Acura MDX bumper ) and hence insurance company won't look at it, I'm wondering if the "black box" would have recorded what gear D/R I was in and if my vehicle was moving at time of impact.

I'm not familiar with the technology, just that I believe such a thing exists and would be scanned in high value/fatality crashes.

Anyone know if a minor impact would be recorded and if an individual can have it scanned for a moderate price?

TIA

Toyota does have EDR technology (event data recorders) that record impacts. I am not positive if it's in a 2016 4runner. Call the dealer and ask'them or Toyota corporate.

Thanks, will check with Toyota.

As for dash cams, any recommendations would be appreciated.

I figured I would have also needed a rear facing camera which of course can't be mounted on the hatch glass. Insurance rep advised me that even only a front facing would help because it would show if my vehicle was moving at time of impact.

I don't have one but having one would be good. it's on my to do list.
Here are a couple of threads to get you started.

2020+ Dash Cams

4Runner Direct Plug Dash Cam?

Dealer referred me to Toyota Canada, Toyota Canada says they don't have access to such info. I clarified that I realize it's not an online OnStar type system at least in the 2016, asked if I would be able to get the dealer to scan the EDR at my cost, she again apologized that such info not available.

Was worth a try...

I think I read somewhere in the past that there was a big hubbub over Toyota collecting data without the vehicle owners consent and they down played it.

Rimkus on the move | Rimkus -This is who many Insurance Companies use when we need an EDR pulled.

I know plenty of cars had EDR’s in 2016, but the amount and types of data collected could vary. I know Subarus (which seem sort of comparable in a way) could tell throttle position, speed, gear selected, etc.

Sounds like the dealership and insurance weren’t helpful. Total shot in the dark, but if you have any friends that are police officers they could potentially have suggestions about how to access that data. I’m sure they use it when they can in traffic collision investigations.

Finally, I had a similar scenario in high school where there were one-way lanes with parking spots on each side. I was once backing out and got backed into, but I was already shifting into first and the damage to my truck made it really obvious that I was already in the lane. When talking to my insurance agent they said that even in such an obvious case, with no eyewitnesses or video it can be very difficult to assign blame. She told me that in a case where two people both have damage on the rear of the car they almost always have to handle it themselves. Luckily, we were able to settle it ourselves.

Good luck!