These days, almost every commercial semi-truck is equipped with a “black box” or event data recorder device, though they are not required by law. Much like the black box in an aircraft, the black box is there to record information about the truck’s status. Some models record continuously and may save data for days or more; others will only keep information for a few minutes before a crash event is detected.
The exact data captured can also depend on the type of device, as our South Carolina truck accident lawyer explains, but it is tied to the truck’s onboard engine computer system and may capture the truck’s speed, travel time, whether the brakes were used, whether the steering wheel has been turned, tire pressure, engine oil, and more. This makes the black box important in the event of a semi truck accident.
How the Black Box Helps You After a Wreck
When a commercial truck is involved in a traffic accident, the data that the black box provides can be key in determining what caused or contributed to the crash. However, getting ahold of the data can be difficult without legal help, because the trucking company itself possesses the data and is under no obligation to provide it to an accident victim. The trucking company may resist doing so without being legally compelled since it could help prove that the driver was responsible for the crash. For example, if the driver was speeding, lost control, or failed to brake at a stop, the chances are high that the black box captured this information.
With black box data, physical evidence, eyewitness testimony, and the other facts of the case, the black box data can show that the company is responsible for the accident. This could result in the company being held responsible for compensating the victims of the crash for their injuries, vehicle repair or replacement, and other expenses related to the accident.
A South Carolina Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, you need to reach out to a South Carolina truck accident lawyer. Contact the Law Office of Kenneth E. Berger today. Our experienced legal team understands the legal challenges of a serious commercial truck crash, and we will stand up for your right to fair compensation in a court of law. To find out how we can be of service to you and your family after an accident, call us today at 803-790-2800 (Columbia, SC) / 843-427-2800 (Myrtle Beach, SC), or start a live chat 24/7 with a real, live person to arrange a free and confidential consultation.
