Convincing, comprehensive evidence is the foundation of any personal injury claim. If you are involved in a truck accident, the truck’s black box data may provide much of that crucial evidence. A Missouri truck accident lawyer from Langdon & Emison will work to secure black box data and other evidence in the fight to get you compensated for your accident-related losses.
The purpose of a truck’s “black box”
Many commercial trucks are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), less formally referred to as “black boxes.” Different types of EDRs have different capabilities, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA gives a general description of them as general devices “installed in a motor vehicle to record technical and occupant information for a brief period of time (seconds, not minutes) before, during, and after a crash.”
The information recorded can include:
- The truck’s speed
- Whether the truck was on cruise control
- Any mechanical malfunction
- Whether the operator applied the brakes
- Whether the operator applied the clutch
- If the operator turned the steering wheel
- At what angle a truck rolled over or jackknifed
- Whether airbags deployed
- The exact time and location of the accident
Electronic logging devices
Currently, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) does not require all commercial trucks to have EDRs, though many have them. The Administration does mandate another type of black box, called an electronic logging device (ELD), for most commercial drivers.
The FMCSA has strict regulations governing a commercial driver’s hours of service and mandatory rest. ELDs “track, monitor, and share data” for a truck’s operation and off-duty time.
How lawyers use black box data in truck accident cases
Black box data is a crucial piece of evidence in truck accident cases, helping to determine the cause of a crash and identify the at-fault party. To secure compensation, truck accident victims must prove that negligence led to the accident, their injuries, and the resulting damages.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and Event Data Recorders (EDRs) can provide key insights into driver behavior and vehicle performance. For example, ELD data can reveal if a driver exceeded legal hours-of-service limits, suggesting fatigue as a factor in the crash. EDR data can show if the truck was speeding or if no brakes were applied before impact—indicating possible distraction, recklessness, or even mechanical failure. By analyzing this data, attorneys can build a strong case to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.
Missouri and comparative fault
Missouri’s comparative fault statute allows injury victims to pursue compensation for their losses, but the amount of compensation can be reduced in proportion to the victim’s level of blame. A Missouri truck accident attorney will challenge unfair accusations of fault to keep the compensation amount intact. Black box data can be a useful weapon in that fight.
Call on us for help if you’ve been in a truck accident. We can help determine if you have a truck accident case, and if you do, will get to work accessing EDR and ELD information.
Accessing truck black box data
Usually, the truck company owns the black boxes in their vehicles, and these companies may not readily hand over EDR data, especially if that data helps you–the victim–and not them in your personal injury claim. A Missouri truck accident lawyer from Langdon & Emison can ask for the data, which adds more power to the request.
If the company refuses to release the black box, your attorney can request a court order demanding the company’s compliance. Your attorney may also be able to get black box information from the truck company’s insurance carrier.
Even if you could secure black box data on your own, it would be of little use. Black box information is only useful as evidence if it is properly extracted and interpreted. Our team has relationships with experts qualified to carry out these tasks.
Timing matters
Connect with our team as soon as possible after your accident. This way, we can immediately send an evidence “preservation letter” to the truck company so they will not erase, misplace, or otherwise destroy the black box data.
Basic information from a black box can take a few hours or days to obtain. Analyzing and interpreting the information can take much longer–even several months. By entering a swift partnership with us, you help move that timeline along.
We put our skills and experience to work for you
Langdon & Emison has the experience and resources needed to support your truck accident claim. Call (866) 931-2115 or contact us online to arrange your free consultation. We know how to get the black box data truck accident cases need and are ready to fight for maximum compensation and help you get the justice you deserve.
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