When semi-trucks are involved in an accident with a car, the size discrepancy often results in severe injuries. Fortunately, our Dallas truck accident lawyers at Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP know that one tool they have at their disposal is a Black Box– otherwise known as an Event Data Recorder (EDR). An EDR is an electronic device that is installed in many commercial trucks.
The EDR can withstand violent impacts, fires, submersion, and explosion. Moreover, it monitors the vehicle’s maintenance and the driver’s actions leading up to– and during– the crash. If your Dallas personal injury lawyer is able to collect the EDR, preserve it, and have it analyzed correctly, this may help provide substantial proof of the defendant’s liability for the accident.
What Information is Contained in a Black Box/EDR?
There are key pieces of information that a Black Box captures that can help your attorney build your truck accident case, including the following:
- How fast the truck was traveling both before and during the truck accident in Dallas
- The direction the truck was headed
- Any sudden changes in the truck’s speed
- If or when the truck’s brakes were applied
- If or when the gas pedal was pressed or released
- Movement of the steering wheel
- Whether or not the truck driver was wearing a seat belt
- How closely the truck was following the vehicle in front of it
- Whether or not the truck driver had exceeded the federally regulated hours behind the wheel
- Any deployment of the front airbags
- Any stops the truck made prior to the crash
- Whether any evidence of lack of control of the truck was present, such as over-steering or jackknifing
- Any defects in the truck
- Maintenance issues with the truck
- Email exchanges between the truck driver and trucking company, which may allude to issues such as driver fatigue, or mechanical problems
Delays Can Cost You
If you have been injured in a truck accident, time is of the essence when it comes to hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer to represent you. Insurance companies do everything possible to minimize your financial recovery. In addition, they know that once the truck is driven again after the crash, the Black Box data from your accident may be erased.
Even if the accident report filed by the police cites the truck driver as being responsible, these reports are not binding. If the EDR contains evidence that could help you prove that the truck driver was liable, then the insurance company can drastically weaken your case by getting the truck back on the road again. However, an experienced attorney will send a spoliation letter to the trucking company notifying it that the EDR data is required for litigation– so the truck must not be moved or repaired until that data has been obtained.
An Important Decision
Truck accident claims can be complex. Especially in cases where the victim was seriously injured, trucking companies know that they may be on the hook for millions of dollars. Their insurance company has every incentive to do whatever it can to minimize that liability. By attempting to go it alone or delaying the hiring of a qualified attorney, you are at a disadvantage. On the other hand, hiring the right attorney can help you maximize your financial recovery.
At Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP, we have over 65 combined years of experience representing injured Texans, and we know exactly how to preserve an EDR and take the fight to the insurance company.
Contact our team of Dallas truck accident lawyers
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident and have questions about how a Black Box can help your claim, call Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP today to book your zero-cost case review. Nothing comes out of our clients’ pockets unless they prevail.
