Facts and data are invaluable in a truck accident claim. Key questions, such as the truck’s speed at the time of impact, braking patterns, and hours of service, can often be answered through data retrieved from the vehicle’s event data recorder (EDR), commonly referred to as a “black box.” While this data can provide compelling evidence, it is only one piece of a broader legal strategy in building a strong personal injury claim.
At D. Miller & Associates, PLLP, our attorneys work with experts to analyze black box data from truck accidents and use it to build a compelling, evidence-based case for our clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Texas, contact us today for a free consultation.
The Game-Changing Data in a Black Box
Modern event data recorders (EDRs) in commercial trucks gather and store key metrics such as:
- Vehicle speed, including sudden accelerations and decelerations
- Use of brakes, including hard/panic braking events
- Throttle position and engine RPMs
- Gear shifts and cruise-control status
- Hours-of-service logs and rest-break patterns
- Lane-departure, stability-control, and collision-avoidance activations
- Tire pressure alerts and other diagnostic warnings
Together, these data points provide an objective snapshot of the driver’s behavior in the moments leading up to the crash.
Making the Most of Black Box Data
In the hands of an experienced truck accident lawyer, information from a truck black box recorder can paint a detailed picture of an accident and the factors that lead to a serious injury or wrongful death.
In many cases, black box data can be used to refute arguments presented by insurance companies in an effort to shield their insured drivers or motor carriers from liability, such as claims that the truck was not speeding, that the driver had not violated the hours of service regulations, or that appropriate evasive action was taken.
These arguments often aim to shift blame onto the injured party or another driver. However, when confronted with objective, verifiable data, those defenses often fail.
Preserving Crucial Evidence
Because EDRs can overwrite data quickly, prompt legal action is critical. Our attorneys can immediately issue preservation demands, coordinate a proper download by qualified technicians, and take other steps to safeguard the integrity of the data.
Once this data is secured, we can compare it with driver logs, maintenance records, accident scene photos, and other evidence to expose violations and build a clear, fact-based narrative of what caused the collision.
Talk With a Houston Truck Attorney Who Knows How To Use Black Box Data
Black box data is only valuable if it’s secured and used effectively by a skilled personal injury attorney. At D. Miller & Associates, PLLP, we leverage our extensive resources and experience to handle complex truck accident claims. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.
