Commercial vehicles are involved in many accidents yearly, often with serious repercussions. Trucks can weigh up to 40 tons, and vehicles this size can cause significant damage to much smaller passenger vehicles. Investigating the nature of these crashes is challenging. However, it is often possible to get answers from the truck’s black box data. Black boxes, also known as event data recorders, record important information.
If this has happened to you, a truck accident lawyer from the Patterson Law Group could use this data to help prove fault in your personal injury case. Our goal is to provide access to justice to those who have been hurt due to the negligence of another party. Our team is ready to fight for your right to fair and reasonable compensation to cover your losses. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What does a black box do?
During an accident, large commercial vehicles may cross several lanes of traffic and hit multiple cars. Due to this, it is difficult to ascertain how the accident happened and who is liable. Black boxes, also known as event data recorders (EDRs) or electronic logging devices (ELDs), record data about the truck’s operations.
The black boxes installed in commercial trucks are constantly collecting data. They monitor the vehicle’s performance and crucial aspects of driver behavior. This includes speed, acceleration, engine performance, and even GPS location. Together, these data points can paint a picture of how a truck accident happened.
For example, a black box can detect and record a sudden decrease in speed that comes with a collision. Other data, like engine performance and changes in direction, could provide insight into why a truck crash happened.
Using black box data in an injury case
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “Motor carriers and drivers must choose only ELDs that are self-certified and registered on FMCSA’s website.” It helps create a safer work environment for truck drivers, making tracking, managing, and sharing data more manageable. In addition, law enforcement can review a driver’s hours of service by viewing the ELD’s display screen or from a printout.
The data collected by these devices is crucial in personal injury cases. Often, it offers your attorney a clear picture of liability. For example, black box data could show whether or not a truck driver was operating at unsafe speeds at the time of the crash.
It also aids in accident reconstruction. An expert can review data regarding acceleration, steering, and GPS location and is often precise enough to conclusively show that the truck driver was at fault.
Our Texas Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help
The truck accident is just the beginning. You’re then left to deal with a large insurance company and their team of attorneys (i.e., the classic David and Goliath scenario). That’s why getting medical treatment and contacting an experienced, trustworthy truck accident law firm is crucial.
At the Patterson Law Group, we are ready to fight to maximize your recovery, including building a solid case by analyzing black box data. Since we work on a contingency basis, there are no upfront fees. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation so we can answer your questions and assess your case. We look forward to hearing from you.
