Importance of Black Box in a Truck Accident
In reference to an airplane, most people know what a black box is, and how it records information in audio form. But, the black box is not limited to aircrafts. Trucks are also now being equipped with black boxes. The black box is installed in commercial trucks for added safety and for keeping record in the case of an accident. While the black box is not yet required by law, it is more and more commonly being considered essential.
There are different types of black boxes available. Some black boxes will record complete status and information, while others offer storage for a few minutes once the crash happens or gets detected.
The data and information captured by a black box depend primarily on the device. However, they all usually keep track of information related to travel time, speed, steering wheel turning, brakes utilization, engine oil, and tire pressure.
The information available on the black box can help detect the apparent cause of the crash. This information can be invaluable when dealing with insurance companies after an accident.
Does Black Box Really Help?
If there is a truck crash case, the black box information and data can help determine the cause of the crash. To gain control of the black box data, you will need to have legal representation and issuances from the withholding agencies. This is because the information is the property of the truck company, and they are not necessarily required to provide it.
In fact, there is a high chance that truck companies will resist providing the information because, in most cases, drivers and, ultimately, the truck company itself, are found responsible.
In addition to black box data, the witness information and physical witness is highly likely to blame the truck company for the crash. In this scenario, the truck company will be asked to compensate the crash victims.
What Does Black Box Help With?
Aspects where the black box can be helpful:
- The law enforcement agencies or lawyers can access the stored data on the black box to help find the cause of the crash
- The insurance companies can use the stored and preserved information on the black box for processing the insurance claims
- The data can be downloaded from the black box as well to share the audio for evidence purposes
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a truck, contact our experienced and trusted truck accident attorneys now. All our Truck Accident cases are handled on a contingency basis. That means that you only pay when we win your case.
Contact us for a free consultation or call Hilton & Somer, LLC at 703-560-0700.
References for “Importance of Black Box in a Truck Accident”:
https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks
