Many commercial vehicles operating in Texas contain a black box, or Event Data Recorder (EDR), or Electronic Control Module (ECM). These devices can be critical in proving what happened before an accident or what contributed to it. These boxes operate in the background, capturing critical data that could later be used to help substantiate claims against truck drivers or trucking companies. In a truck accident lawsuit in Texas, the black box can play a critical role in overcoming disputes of fault.
What the Black Box Does
The commercial truck black box captures and stores critical data about the vehicle’s operation. This includes information about the truck’s actions and condition right before, during, and after the accident. Black box data can vary based on the specific device and the age at which it was installed in the vehicle. Common black boxes will record data such as:
- How fast the truck was going
- If cruise control was active
- Engine RPMs at the time of the accident
- Whether the truck driver applied the brake
- Time and data of the event are recorded with precision
- Sudden stops or other forms of hard braking the truck engaged in
- Throttle position
- Airbag deployment
- Hours of service documentation and proof
The black box collects data that is not otherwise easily accessible. This information may help police and victims pursue a fair claim after being involved in an accident with a truck. This device can provide very detailed information that may not be refuted.
How Black Box Data Determines Fault in a Truck Accident
Truck black box data can be used to determine who is at fault in a truck accident. It can provide very clear, timestamped information about what the driver was doing before the accident. This helps in numerous potential ways:
- Was the driver speeding? If the black box data shows the driver is speeding, that means the driver was acting in a reckless manner
- Did the truck driver stop hard and fast? This may include the driver being distracted or their brakes not working as expected due to manufacturing defects.
- Did the truck driver work too many hours? Hours-of-service violations can be tracked using black box data, ensuring the data is always highly accurate.
- Was there a mechanical failure at the time of the accident? This may be evidence in situations where the driver could not control the brakes or the engine for even a short amount of time.
- What was the throttle position? This can indicate whether the driver was speeding into the turn or driving in an otherwise aggressive manner. This may, for example, demonstrate whether the trucker was brake-checking others.
In these cases, victims must still prove that there is a direct link between the exposure and their injuries. Other data and evidence may still be critically important in these cases. However, commercial black-box data can resolve many questions about what happened and who is to blame.
Seeking Black Box Data
It can be complex to obtain commercial truck black box data. Because it can mean so much in your accident case, working with our Galveston-based truck accident lawyer may be the best bet to protect your right to fair compensation. Seek out a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer before you settle your claim.