What a Semi-Truck’s Black Box Reveals After a Crash

Semi-trucks are massive vehicles, and collisions often result in severe injuries and significant property damage. Gathering evidence is crucial to building a strong personal injury case in these situations. One of the most valuable pieces of evidence that can help is the truck’s black box, also known as an event data recorder (EDR). This device records critical data that can provide vital insights into how the accident occurred.

In this blog, we’ll explain what a black box is, the type of information it records, and why it’s essential for your personal injury claim.

Understanding the Black Box in Semi-Trucks

The black box in a semi-truck is similar to the event data recorders found in airplanes. These devices collect and store data from the truck during its operation. The information recorded is critical, especially when investigating a truck accident.

By analyzing the data, accident reconstruction experts and lawyers can piece together what happened in the moments leading up to the crash.

What Information Does a Black Box Record?

The black box records various types of information, including:

• Speed: How fast the truck was traveling before and during the accident.
• Braking activity: Whether and when the truck driver applied the brakes.
• Engine RPM: Data on engine performance, which can indicate if there were any mechanical issues.
• Steering patterns: Details on any sudden movements or swerves.
• Time driven: Information on how long the driver had been on the road, helping to identify potential violations of hours-of-service regulations.
• Seat belt usage: Whether the driver wore a seatbelt before the crash.
• Airbag deployment: If and when the truck’s airbags were activated.

Why Is the Black Box Important in a Truck Accident Case?

The black box plays a pivotal role in determining fault in a truck accident. Here’s how it can help your case:

Proving Negligence

The data from the black box can confirm if the truck driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or violating safety regulations. This can be crucial in proving that the driver or trucking company was at fault.

Reconstructing the Accident

Black box data is invaluable for accident reconstruction experts. It allows them to recreate the events leading up to the collision, providing a clear picture of how the crash occurred.

Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can be on the road without rest. Black box data can show if the driver exceeded these limits, which may contribute to fatigue and unsafe driving.

How Black Box Data Is Used in a Personal Injury Claim

When you’re injured in a semi-truck accident, black box data can be a crucial piece of evidence in your personal injury claim. This information can help demonstrate that the truck driver or trucking company was responsible for the accident, which is critical for securing compensation for your injuries.

Collecting and Preserving Black Box Data

It’s important to act quickly after a truck accident to ensure the black box data is preserved. Trucking companies are not required to keep the data forever, and some may attempt to erase it if they believe it could be used against them. A skilled personal injury attorney can file the necessary legal motions to prevent the destruction of this vital information.

How a Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help you secure and analyze the black box data if you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident. At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we understand the complexities of truck accident cases and know how to build a strong claim for maximum compensation. We will work to ensure that all the critical evidence, including the black box, is preserved and used to support your case. 

What to Do After a Truck Accident

After a semi-truck accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights.

Seek immediate medical attention

Your health should be your top priority, so get checked by a doctor even if you feel fine. Early medical treatment can prevent complications and provide critical documentation for your personal injury claim.

Contact a personal injury lawyer

After a truck accident, contacting a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible is essential. An experienced lawyer will guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and work to secure the compensation you deserve.

Gather evidence

Collect as much evidence as you can at the scene of the accident. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This documentation will be critical in proving fault and the extent of your damages in your personal injury case. 

Why Choose Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.?

Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. has extensive experience handling truck accident cases in Chicago. We understand how to leverage black box data to build a compelling case and help our clients secure the compensation they deserve. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Experience with truck accidents: We know the laws and regulations that apply to truck drivers and trucking companies.
• Proven track record: We’ve helped clients recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering after serious truck accidents.
• Free consultation: We offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and how we can help.

Call a Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. Contact Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today at (312) 236-2900 to schedule your free consultation and learn more about your legal options.