The Role of Black Box Data in Texas Truck Accident Lawsuits

Large commercial trucks are essential to the Texas economy, as they bring in and take out goods daily. However, as necessary as they are, their size makes them a significant threat on the road, especially if there is an accident. Truck collisions often lead to extensive property damage, severe or catastrophic injuries, and sometimes death.

If you sustain injuries in a truck accident or lose a loved one, you can file a lawsuit to recover financial compensation. Winning your lawsuit depends on the strength of your evidence, one of which is the truck’s black box data. The black box captures information before, during, and after the collision, making it vital proof of how the accident happened and the truck driver’s actions.

This blog will examine the role of black box data in Texas truck accident lawsuits. If you need more information on how truck accident litigation works, our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law can attend to you and answer all your questions. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential consultation.

Why Choose Our Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law Team?

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we know the damage truck accidents can cause, so we do all we can to help victims get fair monetary compensation. We have done this since 1985 and have recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts. We also have 98% positive online reviews, a testament to the hard work we put into every case.

Our truck accident lawyers know what is needed to prove liability in truck accident claims and will gather all relevant evidence, from black box data to maintenance records. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about paying us upfront. Call us to learn how we can serve you and get started on your claim.

We will consider your case’s unique facts when creating a legal strategy for the lawsuit and gather relevant evidence, including expert witnesses. 

What Is a Truck’s Black Box?

A truck’s black box or Event Data Recorder (EDR) is a device installed in commercial trucks to record specific vehicle data and events. As mentioned, the black box captures information before, during, and after a truck accident or other event. The black box data helps to determine what caused the accident and establish liability, making it crucial evidence in truck accident lawsuits.

The following are some of the critical functions and data recorded by a truck’s black box:

Speed

The black box records the truck’s speed at the time of the crash and provides data on speed fluctuations in the moments leading up to the accident. This helps determine whether the truck driver was speeding or if they were engaged in evasive maneuvers.

Brake Usage

The black box tracks when and how the brakes were applied, whether the driver used force to avoid a collision or there was a delay in braking. This shows whether the driver was fatigued or distracted when driving.

Engine RPM and Throttle Position

These details show whether the truck driver was accelerating, decelerating, or maintaining a steady speed. The throttle position also reveals whether the driver tried accelerating out of a situation or was driving aggressively before the accident.

Steering Patterns

Some black boxes record steering angles, which reveal whether the driver encountered a hazard and tried steering away from it. The black box will also show whether the driver took any last-minute action. On the other hand, no steering data shows the driver was inattentive, so they could not avoid a hazard.

Hours of Operation

Black boxes can store data on driving time, stops, and breaks. This data helps show whether the truck driver complied with the hours of service (HOS) regulations stipulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA).

In addition to the above, the black box shows seatbelt usage, airbag deployment, and sudden deceleration or impact g-forces.

What Is the Role of Black Box Data in Texas Truck Accident Lawsuits?

Again, the black box data is crucial evidence in Texas truck accidents as it helps prove liability and support your claim. Below are the different ways black box data contribute to truck accident litigation:

Establishing the Cause of the Accident

The black box data reveals different information about the truck driver’s activities before and during the accident. It shows speed, brake patterns, and acceleration. It also indicates whether the driver took any evasive action, which can be used to determine whether factors like driver errors, mechanical failure, or environmental conditions contributed to the accident.

Proving Driver Negligence or Error

The black box data will reveal whether the driver violated traffic laws and safety regulations. This is essential as you must prove the driver’s negligence for a successful lawsuit. Information like speeding and erratic steering patterns indicate reckless driving or poor decision-making.

We will use the black box data to determine whether the driver was negligent and whether other actions could have contributed to the accident. 

Supporting Hours of Service (HOS) Violation Claims

Truck drivers in Texas and other U.S. states are bound to follow the federal hours of service regulations. The black box data will show whether the driver was on the road longer than the hours permitted. If they were, it would support any assertion that fatigue contributed to or led to the collision.

Proving Liability of the Trucking Company

Trucking companies can share liability in truck accident lawsuits if they fail to monitor or enforce safe driving practices for their drivers. You can prove the trucking company’s liability with black box data like history of aggressive driving, inadequate rest, or lack of maintenance. The black box data can also show if the company pressured drivers to violate the HOS to complete routes faster, which led to risky behavior.

Corroborating Witness and Victim Statements

Eyewitnesses and victims give subjective statements about how the accident happened. Black box data corroborates these statements and adds credibility to the victim and witness statements by providing an objective timeline of the events leading to the accident.

Establishing the Severity and Impact of the Crash

Black box data, especially information on the truck’s speed, braking force, and g-forces during the impact, provides insight into the severity of the truck accident. The information supports claims for damages, as the more severe the collision, the more severe the injuries.

Challenges to Accessing Black Box Data in Texas

Although black box data is vital to truck accidents, it can be challenging to obtain them. The following are a few difficulties to keep in mind:

• Data Preservation: After a truck accident, you must do all you can to preserve the black box data. You must keep the trucking company and its insurer from tampering with the data, and we can help with this by issuing a spoliation letter.
• Data interpretation: Accident reconstruction experts or engineers are needed to accurately interpret the black box data for a judge or jury, and they might be expensive to hire.
• Privacy Concerns: The truck company may refuse access to the black box data, alleging it infringes on their privacy rights. We can help secure the data and ensure it is used appropriately.
• Technical Issues: Black boxes with technical malfunctions sometimes fail to record data accurately. If the black box is unreliable, you must verify the data and consider other evidence.

Get Help From Our Experienced Legal Team

Data from the truck’s black box can make a difference in your case, but truck companies may be reluctant to release the data without legal compulsion. Therefore, you need legal assistance to secure the data, and our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is here for you. We will uncover the truth, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free, confidential and no-obligation case evaluation.