Why acting fast to preserve truck data can make all the difference
After a serious truck accident, evidence can make or break your case. One of the most important, and often overlooked, sources of evidence is the truck’s "black box," also known as an event data recorder (EDR) or electronic logging device (ELD). These devices can provide information about what happened before, during, and after a crash.
These key details help support the true events of the accident, especially when the trucking company tries to shift the blame or downplay their driver’s role in the crash. That’s why understanding how black box data works, and how it can be used to support your case, is so important when building a strong legal claim.
What is black box data?
Most commercial trucks are equipped with an event data recorder (EDR), commonly referred to as a “black box.” Like the devices used in airplanes, a truck’s black box records important data about how the vehicle was operating before and during a crash.
This data can include:
- The truck’s speed
- Whether the brakes were applied
- Sudden acceleration or deceleration
- Engine performance
- Steering angles
- Seatbelt usage
- GPS location
In some cases, it can also record how long the driver had been on the road, helping to show if they violated federal hours-of-service (HOS) rules meant to prevent fatigue and drowsy driving.
Black box data can provide an unbiased view of what happened, making it valuable in determining fault after a truck accident.
Why black box data matters after a truck accident
Trucking companies and their insurers often work quickly after a crash to minimize liability. If you were hit by a commercial truck, recovering black box data could reveal if:
- The truck driver was speeding or failed to brake in time
- The driver violated federal hours-of-service rules
- The truck had a mechanical issue that should’ve been addressed
- The driver made sudden or reckless maneuvers
Black box data are the facts of a truck accident and can strengthen your case for full compensation.
How is black box data preserved and obtained?
Black box data can be crucial to your truck accident claim, but only if it’s preserved in time. Unfortunately, this data isn’t stored forever, and it can be lost or overwritten by driving or repairs. It is essential to move quickly to secure this evidence and to let the trucking company know the data must be preserved.
To secure this evidence, your attorney can take immediate legal action, such as:
- Sending a spoliation letter: This is a formal request that tells the trucking company to preserve the black box data and not delete or tamper with it.
- Filing a court order: If the trucking company doesn’t cooperate, your lawyer can request a court order to access and download the black box data.
- Working with experts: In many cases, your attorney will partner with accident reconstruction specialists or forensic experts who can retrieve, analyze, and explain the data in support of your case.
Acting quickly is key. The sooner you contact a truck accident lawyer, the better the chance of preserving the black box evidence before it's gone.
Contact an Arkansas truck accident lawyer today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Arkansas, you need a legal team that knows how to uncover the truth and fight for what’s right.
At McDaniel Law Firm, P.C., our attorneys don’t let trucking companies push our clients around. We dig deep, gather the facts, and build aggressive, results-driven cases. From preserving black box data to holding negligent parties accountable, we work hard to protect the rights of those injured in Arkansas.
Injured in a wreck with a commercial truck? Contact us online today for a free consultation or call us at our Jonesboro office to learn how we can help you move forward.
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