Why the Truck’s Black Box is Critical Evidence After a Crash
Following a crash, you may find yourself in utter disbelief at what just happened. Given how fast a crash can occur, you may fail to remember details that can make or break your case. While car accident victims may be out of luck if no eyewitness testimony or video footage exists, being involved in a truck accident is a different story. That’s because commercial trucks have a computer system that records vital information about a truck, helping you to gather the information you need to determine what occurred before a crash.
The sheer size of a semi-truck can cause catastrophic injuries to anyone who is struck in its path. Knowing what evidence to gather and how to obtain it is key to a successful settlement or verdict. At Oxner & Stacy Law Firm, LLC, our Georgetown truck accident attorneys have helped truck crash victims secure the financial resources they desperately need to care for their present and future needs.
What is a Commercial Truck’s “Black Box”?
A semi-truck’s “black box” describes the vehicle’s computerized system. The information stored in a “black box” can be crucial to determining a driver’s actions at the time of a crash or other pieces of information about the truck. The term could refer to a few different types of systems, which can be summarized as follows:
Electronic Logging Devices
An electronic logging device, or ELD, is hooked up to a commercial truck’s engine. An ELD is designed to continuously record data, helping a truck driver track their hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. Enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the HOS regulations stipulate how many hours a commercial driver can travel and the number and length of rest periods in a given day. An ELD can tell you how long a truck has been running, how many miles a driver has traveled, and when the truck is in motion during a certain time period. This data is transferred to safety officials who determine if a commercial driver has committed any HOS violations.
Event Data Recorders
An event data recorder, or EDR, typically only begins recording in the moments prior to a crash. An EDR is what most people are referencing when they mention a truck’s “black box.” According to the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR § 563.7), an EDR is required to begin recording if the computer senses any “before” events leading up to a crash. These signs may include sudden braking or deceleration, if a front air bag deploys, and if the seat belt pretensioner is activated, to name a few. Additionally, an EDR will record whether the driver applied the brakes, the driver’s speed, if stability control was on, and if the driver was using cruise control at the time of the accident.
Electronic Control Modules
An electronic control module, or ECM, is integral to a commercial vehicle’s operation. An ECM controls a truck’s traction, fuel injection timings, and transmission function based on sensory input. Furthermore, an ECM will record key aspects regarding a truck’s performance, including speed, engine and battery temperature, tire pressure, and battery life, to name a few. Although an ECM is the master mind running a vehicle, it generally provides minimal information in a truck accident case.
Using “Black Box” Data in Establishing Fault
As previously discussed, “black box” data can show the driver’s handling actions prior to a crash. Once you have accessed the “black box” data, you can typically discern how a truck driver’s actions contributed to the crash. This data would typically be requested during the pre-trial phase, known as discovery. However, trucking companies do not want you to know about this data and will employ questionable methods to hide it during discovery.
At Oxner & Stacy Law Firm, LLC, we are not afraid to take the necessary measures to retrieve this information, including having the data subpoenaed. After evaluating your accident case, our legal team will determine what information we need and devise a plan to collect it through the most efficient means. We do not pretend to be experts in analyzing collisions, which is why we work with seasoned accident reconstructionists to evaluate key aspects before, during, and after your accident. In establishing vehicle speed, the angle of impact, the truck’s driver actions, and other key elements, we gather a much clearer picture of the circumstances behind your crash.
Contact a Georgetown Truck Accident Attorney Today
A collision with a commercial truck can destroy the life you worked so hard for. In a split moment, you may find yourself exchanging your hopes and dreams for an emergency surgery and months of physical therapy. If you have recently been involved in a truck collision, the dedicated Georgetown truck accident lawyers at Oxner & Stacy Law Firm, LLC, are here to assist you. With over 30 years of trial experience, our personal injury attorneys are prepared to pursue every avenue to fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more or to schedule your free consultation, our office can be reached online or by calling (843) 983-2352.