How Truck Accident Claims have Changed with Recording Devices
Since the 1980’s many trucks have included “black boxes.” These recording devices (called Electronic Logging Devices or Electronic Control Modules) were originally designed to help the truck manufacturer deny warranty claims. If they could verify that the truck’s owner failed to maintain the vehicle, then they wouldn’t have to replace parts under warranty.
Over the years, as technology got better, devices were installed in more and more trucks. Sometimes for those warranty reasons, sometimes so owners could keep an “eye” on their drivers, and lately because it’s required.
It wasn’t until 2015 that the FMCSA implemented a black box mandate, but even still there are a number of exceptions where owners and operators can “get around” installing one. Let’s take a look as the Car Crash Captain explains the benefit of the black box in a truck accident claim.
How the Black Box Helps with a Truck Accident Claim
Whenever you’re in a wreck, there are a lot of variables involved. Even if you have great video evidence there are things that can’t be easily identified visually.
Using the data that the black box records, accompanied by any video evidence that might be produced, the truck accident can be reconstructed much more accurately.
When the scene has been reconstructed, your truck accident attorney will know how fast the driver was going, whether they braked or not, if they were speeding up or slowing down, if they signaled, and a whole lot more. The bottom line is that if you were hurt, or a loved one was killed, due to the trucker’s negligence, your case is strengthened.
What the Black Box Records
What records will the black box give us?
Just about anything that can be recorded, will be recorded. If you drive a modern vehicle, think of all the warnings, alerts, and data you get right through the dashboard. That’s all recorded by the black box. Data that includes:
- Time since last stop
- GPS location
- Speed
- Braking (and braking intensity)
- Tire pressure
- Swerving
- Maintenance issues
- Cruise control use
All of this data can be used to create a very clear picture of what happened leading up to the moment of impact, and immediately following it.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer
But don’t expect to walk into a trucking company and have them turn over their data willingly. Even if they weren’t at fault, they’re going to guard that information closely.
That’s why you need a truck accident lawyer. Knowing the laws, which ones to cite, and how to properly obtain the data can mean the difference between losing your case, and receiving the compensation that you need in order to heal completely.
Visit with Herbert Law Group
Herbert Law Group knows how to handle these types of cases.
We can help you recover what you need, and not the small settlement the insurance company will likely throw out there in hopes that you don’t pursue justice.
Tapping into the black box in a truck accident claim, we can make a strong argument on your behalf.
Let’s chat about what happened. Let’s get to know each other to see if we’re a good fit. Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll reach out to you.