When a commercial truck is involved in an accident, the aftermath is often devastating. Trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger vehicles, and the injuries caused by collisions are often severe. For victims seeking justice and compensation, gathering the right evidence is an important step in proving fault and holding the responsible parties accountable.
One powerful piece of that might be available in some truck accident claims: black box data.
Much like the black boxes found on airplanes, some commercial trucks are equipped with electronic onboard recorders (EOBRs) – commonly called black boxes – that capture valuable data. With this data in hand, a truck accident attorney can sometimes prepare a strong case for an injured client.
What Are Black Boxes in Commercial Trucks?
Black boxes or EOBRs are devices installed in some commercial trucks to monitor and log various aspects of the vehicle’s operation. While their primary purpose is often tied to regulatory compliance and vehicle diagnostics, some of these devices can become critical in the investigation of a truck accident. Think of them as the "silent witnesses" that record what was happening in the moments before, during, and after a collision.
It’s important to note that not all commercial trucks are equipped with black boxes—but many are. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has encouraged broader adoption of these devices, especially as they are increasingly used to ensure compliance with hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. However, the availability of black box data will vary depending on the truck’s age, make, and model, so if you were in a truck accident, your attorney will need to verify if a black box was used by the specific truck that hit you.
What Data Do Truck Black Boxes Record?
Truck black boxes can store a wealth of information that provides insight into how an accident happened.
The types of data that some black box devices capture include:
• Speed Data: The truck’s speed at the time of the accident and leading up to it can show whether the driver was speeding or driving too fast for road conditions.
• Brake Usage: Information about when and how the brakes were applied. Did the driver attempt to stop in time? Did the brakes fail?
• Engine Performance Metrics: RPMs, throttle position, and whether the cruise control was engaged can indicate if the truck driver was paying attention to the road before the collision.
• Driver Behavior: Hours-of-service data showing whether the driver exceeded federal driving limits, which can indicate fatigue or rule violations.
• GPS Location and Route History: Information about where the truck was and its exact route before the crash. Had the truck driver been recklessly driving on roads that don’t permit large commercial vehicles? It could show a history of unsafe driving.
• Impact and Crash Forces: In rare cases, a black box might record the severity of the crash based on G-forces experienced during the collision.
How Black Box Data Can Strengthen a Truck Accident Claim
Having access to black box data can be a game-changer in truck accident cases. This data can help establish liability and counter claims made by the trucking company or their insurer that the truck driver did nothing wrong to contribute to the crash.
Black box data from a truck’s EOBR can help in various ways, such as:
• Proving Speeding or Reckless Driving: If the black box shows the truck was speeding or driving erratically prior to the crash, it can suggest negligence on the part of the driver.
• Identifying Driver Fatigue or Violations: Hours-of-service logs can reveal whether the driver exceeded federal limits on driving hours. Fatigue-related accidents are a common issue in the trucking industry, and this data can be key in proving fault.
• Reconstructing the Accident: Data on speed, braking, and GPS coordinates can help reconstruct the moments leading up to the collision and pinpoint the cause.
• Challenging False Claims: Sometimes, trucking companies try to shift the blame onto the victim or claim that their driver was not at fault. Black box data can provide an unbiased, factual narrative to refute these defenses.
Challenges in Accessing Black Box Data
While black box data can offer invaluable insights, obtaining it is not always straightforward.The data is owned by the trucking company, not the driver or accident victims. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers may be reluctant to release this information, especially if it could implicate them in the crash.
Challenges that can come up when trying to access black box data include:
• Time Sensitivity: Many black boxes have limited storage capacity, which means older data can be overwritten after a certain period, so you will want to act quickly to preserve evidence.
• Resistance from Trucking Companies: Companies may refuse to release the data voluntarily, forcing victims to pursue court orders or other legal measures to obtain it.
• Complexity of Analysis: Interpreting black box data requires technical expertise. It often involves working with accident reconstruction experts or engineers to make sense of the raw data.
Due to the many challenges of getting and then using black box data from a commercial truck, it is always recommended that you work with a truck accident lawyer. Using their legal experience and resources, they can handle the entire process of obtaining this valuable data, such as subpoenaing it through the court.
Why Black Box Data Matters in Texas Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents in Texas can be particularly complex due to the sheer number of commercial trucks on the state’s highways. Between major trucking corridors like I-35, I-10, and I-45, Texas sees one of the highest rates of truck accidents in the country. Black box data can be instrumental in cutting through the complexity of these cases.
Additionally, Texas law includes unique regulations and limits on liability that sometimes benefit trucking company defendants, which means injured plaintiffs need every piece of evidence on their side. Trucking companies often have aggressive legal teams working to reduce their liability, so it’s important to have attorneys who are equally experienced and determined.
Contact Hilliard Law for Help After a Truck Accident
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Texas, don’t wait to act. Securing evidence like black box data can be time-sensitive and usually requires the resources of an experienced legal team. At Hilliard Law, we’ve helped countless Texans fight for justice and compensation after being harmed by negligent truck drivers and trucking companies.
We offer free consultations, where we’ll review your case and explain your options. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from investigating the accident to obtaining and analyzing critical evidence like black box data.
Call Hilliard Law at (866) 927-3420 today to get the help you need.