What can a semi truck’s black box tell you?

Because of their size and weight, semi-trucks are more likely to play a role in a deadly accident than other vehicles. In fact, in 2019, despite making up only 4% of registered vehicles on U.S. roadways, tractor-trailers were present in 10% of fatal crashes in the U.S.

While semi-truck accidents often result in fatalities, they also contribute to catastrophic injuries. If you have suffered a life-changing injury in a collision with a tractor-trailer, obtaining the truck’s black box should be a priority.

Gathering information about the truck and driver

The truck’s event data recorder, commonly known as a black box, records vital information about the truck at the time of the accident. If you can get your hands on the semi-truck’s black box, you may gain valuable insight into one or more of the following:

• The truck’s speed, acceleration, braking and turning
• The truck’s mechanical soundness
• The truck’s maintenance history
• The driver’s seat belt usage
• The driver’s communications with the trucking company

Assigning responsibility for the crash

Like other drivers on the road, truckers have a legal duty to drive responsibly. If the truck’s black box shows the driver was doing something wrong or dangerous, you may have a valid cause of action against the trucker or the trucking company. On the other hand, if you find evidence of mechanical failure, you may be able to file suit against a mechanic, parts supplier or even the truck’s manufacturer.

Many components go into building a successful personal injury case. Ultimately, though, by accessing the truck’s black box, you may increase your odds of receiving the financial compensation you need to recover completely from your accident-related injuries.