Trucking accidents are far more complex than typical car crashes. When a collision involves a semi-truck or 18-wheeler, uncovering the truth often requires digging deeper than witness statements or police reports. One of the most powerful tools in these cases is something you can’t see from the outside: the truck’s black box. This onboard device records critical data that could make or break your case—everything from how fast the truck was going to whether the brakes were applied in time. But accessing and interpreting this information isn’t easy. Without swift legal action and a skilled trucking accident attorney, this crucial evidence could be lost, deleted, or buried by the trucking company.
In the high-stakes world of commercial trucking litigation, the black box may be the key to proving fault, holding the right party accountable, and securing the compensation you deserve.
What is a Truck Black Box?
A truck black box, also known as an Event Data Recorder (EDR) or Electronic Control Module (ECM), is a computerized system installed in most commercial trucks. Much like the black boxes used in airplanes, these devices are designed to record and store key operational data leading up to and during a crash.
The black box collects information such as:
- Whether the truck’s brakes were applied up to five seconds prior to crash;
- The speed of the truck at the time of the collision;
- Whether the truck’s airbags deployed;
- The average speed of the truck over an extended period of time;
- Gear and clutch selection made by the truck driver;
- Whether the truck’s cruise control was engaged at the time of the crash;
- Whether there were any malfunctions of the engine prior to the crash;
- Whether the driver was wearing a safety belt;
- Whether there was any loss of oil pressure or coolant prior to the accident and,
- The total number of crash events.
The purpose of the black box is twofold:
- Safety monitoring – Trucking companies use EDRs to monitor driver behavior, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain proper vehicle operation.
- Accident investigation – After a crash, this data becomes vital forensic evidence. It can clarify what happened in the seconds before the collision and either corroborate or contradict the statements made by the driver, witnesses, or opposing counsel.
Because of the immense legal and financial consequences in trucking accidents, this tiny device can have a massive impact. But the clock starts ticking the moment a crash occurs—data can be overwritten or erased, which is why securing and preserving the black box and its contents quickly is essential.
Information Which Can Be Critical to the Success of Your Truck Accident Claim
Black box information is generally admissible in court, although there have been challenges to the use of this information. Because evidence can be lost or destroyed within a short time of your accident, it is crucial your attorney is on the case almost immediately following the accident. The black box information should be subpoenaed quickly, since trucking companies are legally allowed to destroy black box data as well as receipts, pre-trip inspection reports and driver log book information, sometimes within two months.
Safety inspection records can also be disposed of within a relatively short amount of time. In some cases, even when log books are gathered as evidence, the driver may have been keeping two sets of log books; one to show to DOT officials in the case of a stop, the second set with actual hours behind the wheel. Some of the newer trucks actually record all driving times, however even companies who implement this technology will not want your attorney to gain access to these records.
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Contact Colorado Springs Trucking Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. However, certain restrictions and time limitations may apply in certain situations. If you have been injured in a trucking accident in Colorado Springs, contact the experienced attorneys at Schofield & Green Law Firm today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and discuss your case. Call us today at 1-719-694-8515.
