Why “Black Box” Data is Critical to a Large Truck Accident Case

What is a “Black Box?”

Also known as an “event data recorder,” a black box is a device that is installed in trucks that record a driver’s actions while operating the vehicle. It can determine many different factors such as violation of hours-of-service rules and provide evidence in truck accident cases. Read on to learn more about recovering information from a “black box.”

What Type of Data Can Be Extracted from a Black Box?

After a truck accident, it’s critical to have as much information about how the accident happened when pursuing a personal injury claim. Here are some things that can be recovered from a black box that can be used as evidence:

• The speed at which the truck driver was going
• The braking habits of the truck driver (how long it took to brake before a crash)
• The acceleration rate
• How long the truck driver had been on the road
• How long the truck had been idle
• Fuel consumption rates
• If a seatbelt was engaged
• If the airbag had deployed

The above can point to many types of violations. For example, if the driver was speeding and didn’t apply the brakes in a reasonable amount of time, it could mean that they were driving while distracted. When it comes to a truck accident claim and supporting evidence, having a skilled personal injury lawyer on your side to examine the evidence can make all the difference in your case’s outcome.

How Common are Truck Crashes?

According to the latest data (2016/2017) reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), out of 37,133 fatal crashes, 4,889 of them involved at least one large truck or bus. Here are some other alarming statistics:

• 72% of people killed in large truck accidents were occupants in other vehicles.
• 30% of work zone fatal crashes involved at least one truck.
• 12% of work zone injury crashes involved at least one truck.
• Pennsylvania is one of the top 10 states for large truck and bus fatalities.

Involved in a Truck Accident? The Beasley Firm, LLC is Here For You.

Being involved in a trucking accident is a devastating event and when severe injuries happen, it can make it that much more scary and stressful. When truck drivers fail to heed mandated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards, we are here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable. You have the right to pursue compensation to help relieve the medical burdens and other expenses that come with severe injuries from a trucking accident.

Our team of attorneys has the experience and resources needed to take on the complex challenges of truck accident cases. With several record-breaking settlements and verdicts secured for our clients, we are ready to help you receive justice too.

Contact The Beasley Firm, LLC today for your free case consultation with our team.