A “black box” is also called an engine control module or electronic data recorder. It’s a computer measuring certain key events that can be useful in proving a tractor-trailer caused a crash and assessing whether the trucker drove recklessly, giving you the right to punitive damages.
Shockingly, federal safety regulations do not require them. But most tractor-trailers built in the last few years should have them anyway.
If you're concerned about a black box's impact on your South Carolina semi-truck accident settlement, you've got to move fast. This evidence has a tendency to disappear unless a legal request is made to preserve it. We'll tell you how in a free, no pressure strategy session with a Spartanburg, SC tractor trailer accident attorney. Call toll free at 888-230-1841 or fill out a Get Help Now form.
What the Black Box Measures
Black box data depends on the year, make, and model of the engine…and sometimes owner-selected features. In a trucking accident case, the black box can show:
- The speed at impact.
- Hard braking—or the lack of it.
- The last stop when the engine got turned off. This might be used to check the honesty of the trucker’s logs that show he was taking the rest breaks required to prevent fatigued driving.
How the Black Box Is Used
The insurance company won’t just give you the black box. And you need to get it fast. You’ll need a skilled tractor-trailer wreck attorney to find the right expert with trucking industry or accident reconstruction experience to download the data and then interpret it.
DON’T DELAY. This data can expire or, even worse, vanish seemingly without an explanation. Preserve your rights to this data by getting the right lawyer who knows how to do everything possible to prevent this vital evidence from evaporating.
If you’ve been involved in a crash where you’re concerned about black box evidence helping you, act fast and call us now at 888-230-1841 to discuss how we can take steps to keep your rights from disappearing.
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