Truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. When a collision involves a commercial truck, the sheer size and weight of these vehicles often result in significant damage. As a victim, proving liability and recovering full compensation for your losses depends on the ability to establish how the crash happened. This is where black box data can make all the difference in an Ohio truck accident case.
What Is a Black Box?
Many commercial trucks are equipped with an event data recorder, commonly called a “black box.” This device continuously records data related to vehicle speed, brake application, acceleration, seatbelt use, and other factors. The information is stored by the device for a certain window of time.
After a truck collision, the black box data provides an objective, factual account of what occurred in the moments leading up to impact. For accident victims, accessing this critical data is key to reconstructing the crash and showing exactly what happened.
Why Black Box Data Is Important
Truck drivers and their employers do not always provide completely accurate accounts of how a crash took place. The trucking company may deny driver negligence or fault. Without evidence to contradict their version of events, victims can end up with poor compensation or no compensation at all.
A black box transcript, however, tells the truth. The data it provides can prove vital details like:
- Excessive speed of the truck driver
- Harsh braking or swerving before impact
- Lack of braking by the truck driver
- Distracted driving due to cell phone use
- Hours of service violations
The black box data acts as impartial evidence. It can validate victim and eyewitness accounts of how the collision occurred. The information also prevents trucking companies from evading accountability.
Obtaining the Black Box Data
After a truck accident, prompt action is needed to request and retrieve the truck’s black box information. A police crash report may note the existence of an event data recorder. But the report usually does not include the actual data download.
An Ohio truck accident attorney can send a spoliation letter to the trucking company. This letter requests they preserve the black box data. A lawsuit can also be filed immediately. Through legal discovery, a court order can then compel the defendant truck driver or trucking company to share a complete copy of the black box transcript.
Expert witness analysis is also needed. A specialist in black box data can validate the authenticity of the device readout. The expert can also interpret the transcript, creating charts, animations, or other demonstratives. Their testimony explains the significance of the black box findings in the case.
Maximize Your Claim with Help from Our Truck Accident Attorneys
The skilled truck accident attorneys at Monge & Associates fight to get our clients the maximum compensation they deserve. We have a proven track record of success handling these complex cases. Our team is ready to secure vital evidence like black box data to prove liability after a truck collision in Ohio.
With 32 offices in 19 different states, including Ohio, Washington, and Florida, Monge & Associates provides national representation for truck accident injury victims. Contact us for a free consultation on your case at (888) 477-0597. Our dedicated attorneys are here to help you through this challenging time and recover full financial damages.