Did you know that there are almost 168,000 truck accidents every year? In such cases, the victim has the right to file a claim against the guilty party for compensation. All you’ll have to do is provide evidence to confirm their fault. One important piece of evidence for your case is the truck’s black box data. This data can be the key to getting the compensation and justice you deserve.
In this article, we’ll explain what a black box is and how its data can help you win a case.
What is a Black Box?
A black box or event data recorder (EDR) is a computer chip usually fitted inside large vehicles. These chips are designed to record how a vehicle is being operated. That’s why the data is only recorded when the vehicle is moving. Depending on the model of the installed black box, it may record the following specifics of a vehicle:
- Steering movement
- Gear operation
- Seatbelt status
- Rake operation
- GPS location
- Speed history, etc.
Why are Trucks Fitted With a Black Box?
Trucks are usually fitted with a black box by the company that owns them.
This is done to make sure that the truck drivers are operating the vehicle responsibly and correctly. If a crash happens, they can simply use the black box data to know whose fault the accident was.
However, make sure to get your hands on the data as soon as possible. This is because different black-box chips have different data retention settings depending on their storage space. Once the storage is full, the data starts being overwritten.
Why You Should Request Black Box Data After Truck Accident
For example, if the accident took place in Joliet, IL, you’ll need to hire a Joliet truck accident attorney. This data will help them strengthen your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.
The following are reasons why you should request black box data after a truck accident:
Injury Compensation
Truck accidents can be catastrophic, especially when the accident was not your fault. They can cause great damage to your vehicle and result in injury or even death. That’s why getting compensation for the incurred damages is your right. The compensation will not reverse the suffering but can help you get your life back to normalcy.
However, for that, you’ll need to prove that the accident was the other party’s fault. This can be done using the black box data. The data will indicate any negligence or wrongdoing committed by the truck driver that caused the accident. Once proven, you’ll be liable for monetary compensation to fix your car, pay your medical bills, make up for your distress, etc.
Insurance Claim
After being in a truck accident, the process of claiming insurance can be tiresome. That’s because the insurance company will analyze the accident in-depth to ensure you aren’t at fault. Only then will they compensate you with an amount that they deem fit.
Black box data can streamline this whole process. Since the irrefutable data will prove the truck driver’s fault, the insurance company will make a quicker, informed decision. In addition, the data will allow the company to calculate fair and accurate compensation to ease your suffering.
Can the Trucking Company Delete the Black Box Data?
Trucking companies are well aware of what black box data can do to prove them guilty in case of an accident. Legally, they cannot delete the data from the black box. However, that may not be enough to stop them from purposefully resetting the data and calling it an accident.
Luckily, most black boxes in trucks are insured. This means the insurance company will download the box’s data soon after an accident. So, even if the company does try to delete the black box record, the insurance company may have a copy.
Why You’ll Need to Hire a Truck Accident Attorney?
If you want to obtain a truck’s black box data, you’ll most likely have to hire a truck accident attorney. Make sure the attorney is from the state where the accident occurred, as they will be well-versed in its law.
They will help you obtain a court order to get the data from the trucking company. Once that’s done, the attorney will represent your case to prove your right to compensation. The case may go to court or be resolved through an out-of-court settlement. The attorney will also help you with any insurance claims you might have.
Conclusion
Truck accidents can be devastating, leaving you to deal with a stressful aftermath. However, during this period, it’s important to protect your rights and file a claim for compensation. The most crucial evidence that can help you win your case is the truck’s black box data.
So, hire a truck accident attorney to help you legally obtain that data from the trucking company. They’ll help you navigate through all the legal procedures until you are fairly compensated for all your suffering.
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