Call Today for a Free Consultation

How Can a Truck’s Black Box Help My Injury Case?

Feb 15, 2023 | Truck Accident

Share
truck's black box

The black box recorder installed on some semi-trucks may provide objective evidence of the other driver’s negligence. Moreover, the data contained in the black box are admissible in court. So, how can a truck’s black box help your injury case? The answer is: immensely. 

However, the benefit your injury case receives is dependent on three factors. The first factor is whether the truck involved in your accident had a black box installed and in proper operating order. Second is your ability to access the data. Third is the evidence the data provide from the black box.

If you were involved in a truck accident case, it behooves you to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney in Indiana. The information in the black box may be critical to your ability to recover damages, and an attorney can assist you in recovering the data. 

What Information Does a Black Box Record?

Three computerized data collection devices, or black box recorders, may operate on a semi-truck: electronic control modules (ECMs), electronic logging devices (ELDs), and event data recorders (EDRs). Each record contains slightly different information, which could benefit your injury case. 

An ECM is a diagnostic tool that records engine speed, battery information, and tire pressure, all of which could be helpful to your case. An ELD records data concerning engine function, vehicle movement, and distance traveled. ELDs can help determine whether the driver worked excessive hours in violation of regulations. Depending on the data, all of this evidence could support a finding of negligence. 

While all three devices may provide helpful information to your case, when most people refer to the black box, they are speaking primarily of an EDR, which records technical information about the operation of the vehicle. 

If the truck involved in your accident had an EDR installed, the black box recorder would have recorded the following information just before the accident: 

  • Length of time driving
  • Idle time
  • Acceleration
  • Speed
  • Braking

So, how can a truck’s black box help your injury case? All this data could prove beneficial. The data piece together the other driver’s actions during the accident. For example, if the data indicate the other driver was speeding at the time of the crash, that evidence will help establish negligence. 

Do I Need a Lawyer To Secure This Evidence?

The data contained in the black box recorder are objective. For this reason, the evidence obtained from a black box is powerful and difficult to refute, especially if the case goes before a jury in a court of law. 

The truck driver, trucking company, and insurance companies all understand the value of such data. Moreover, because these data are in their exclusive possession, they are unlikely to hand them over quickly when the data indicate their driver was at fault. In more nefarious cases, the custodians of the black box may tamper with it or destroy the evidence before you have the opportunity to review it. 

So, how can a truck’s black box help your injury case? The straightforward answer is that it can only help if you gain access to it. An experienced truck accident lawyer knows how to preserve this evidence and ensure you have an opportunity to review the data. 

Contact an experienced accident lawyer at Stewart & Stewart Attorneys if you are involved in a truck accident case. We handle similar cases throughout Indiana, and your initial consultation is free. There is no fee unless we win. Call us at (866) 925-2991.

Latest Resources

Trust the Experts

How Are Motorcycle Accident Cases Different From Car Accident Cases?

Thousands of motorcycle accidents occur every year in Indiana. Just like driving a car, riding a...

Qualities To Look for in an Indiana Personal Injury Attorney

Personal injuries are devastating and impact your life for weeks, months, or years. They can range...

Hiring an Indiana Car Accident Attorney — What You Should Know

Car accidents injure thousands of people across the country each year, including those who reside...

Free Initial Consultation

Get Stewart Today

If you have been involved in an Indiana personal injury accident, contact us at Stewart & Stewart Attorneys. Our Indiana personal injury lawyers represent victims throughout the state, including Carmel and Anderson. We have also successfully advocated for clients throughout the area, including Fort Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis, South Bend. Complete a free online consultation form or call us at (800) 33-33-LAW!

Stewart & Stewart Attorneys have the knowledge and experience to defend your rights in the following areas of Indiana injury law: auto accident, brain injury, drug injury, defective product, fire and burn injury, insurance dispute, medical malpractice, motorcycle accident, nursing home abuse, slip and fall,  truck accident, workers’ compensation and wrongful death.