You may have heard of the “black box” in the context of commercial airline crashes. Commercial trucks have a “black box” too, though, and the data contained within it can be the key to winning a verdict or settlement after a truck wreck. However, your attorney needs to move quickly to secure this important data and use it to bolster your case. Here’s what you need to know about the “black box” data.
What is the “black box?”
The black box is more properly known as an electronic logging device (ELD) or an event data recorder (EDR). The type of information documented by the device varies somewhat depending on the model, but in general, it may record:
- The truck’s speed.
- Use of cruise control.
- Brake application.
- Wheel turning.
- Clutch application.
- Location and direction of travel.
- Whether the truck is moving or idling.
- Whether the truck driver was wearing a seatbelt.
How the black box can affect a truck accident claim
The black box contains objective data that can be used to reconstruct what happened and why. This can be critical because witnesses may misremember or disagree on what they saw, and other evidence from the scene might be unclear or ambiguous. An experienced tractor-trailer accident attorney can use the black box data to explain why the truck wreck occurred. The black box data may also be used to inform further investigation into the wreck.
For example, if the truck driver claims to have hit the brakes, but the black box data doesn’t show that the brakes were actually applied, then that information casts doubt on the truck driver’s story. Depending on the circumstances, the black box data may shed light on the truck driver’s negligence, a mechanical issue with the truck, or some other cause of the wreck.
How an experienced truck accident attorney can help
One of the most important things a truck accident lawyer can do for you is to investigate the wreck and secure important evidence, such as the black box data. Remember, this data is the trucking company’s property, and it’s often lost or overwritten soon after the accident – sometimes within as little as three weeks or even less. The sooner you hire an attorney, the more effectively they can intervene to protect this data and help you build your case for the full compensation you need and deserve.
Furthermore, while the black box data can be an important part of your case, it’s just that: one part of a larger story. You need an experienced truck accident attorney on your side to use this information to your advantage, cross-referencing it with other information and weaving together a compelling narrative that explains what happened and why you deserve to be compensated.
At Dean Waite & Associates, LLC, we have the knowledge, experience, and resources to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve after an 18-wheeler accident. For instance, in one truck accident case involving a wrongful death, we obtained a $6.75 million settlement.
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Mobile or anywhere in Alabama, get an experienced lawyer who will move quickly to secure the evidence you need. Contact our Alabama law firm today for a free consultation. Don't hesitate...Call Dean Waite!
"Dean Waite & Associates provided exceptional assistance with my case following my accident. Their kindness and dedication was evident as they went above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome for my settlement." - Josh R., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐