Truck accidents can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. Due to their massive size and weight, semi-trucks can cause extensive damage in collisions with smaller vehicles. In the aftermath of a truck accident, victims may face unique challenges in pursuing compensation for their injuries, including complex regulations governing trucking companies, the potential involvement of multiple parties, and the need for strong evidence to establish liability.
At Setareh Law, defending victims of truck accidents is one of the areas of practice in which our lawyers specialize. Our team has extensive experience litigating and negotiating cases involving truck accidents, and we understand the complex issues involved. In this article, we will discuss how Event Data Recorders (EDRs) can be used to help build a strong case for our clients.
What Is an EDR?
An Event Data Recorder (EDR), commonly referred to as a “black box,” is an electronic device installed in vehicles, including semi-trucks, to collect and store data related to the vehicle’s operation. EDRs monitor various parameters, such as speed, braking, acceleration, steering, and airbag deployment. In the event of an accident, this data can be retrieved and analyzed to reconstruct the events leading up to and during the collision.
This technology is a crucial tool for victims seeking compensation following a truck accident. Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has not yet mandated EDRs for all commercial trucks, many large trucking companies have voluntarily adopted this technology due to its potential to improve safety and reduce liability.
How EDR Data Can Strengthen Your Truck Accident Claim
Establishing liability in a truck accident claim often requires proving that the truck driver or trucking company was negligent. EDR data can provide crucial evidence to support your claim, such as:
Speed
Speed is a major factor in any vehicle accident, and the data can be used to accurately determine the speed of the vehicle, which can help establish liability in an injury claim. Additionally, it can also help provide evidence to suggest that the accident was caused by the negligence of the other driver if they were traveling at an unsafe speed.
Braking
The data collected can also be used to examine the braking pattern of the vehicle. This can help to provide evidence that one of the drivers had sufficient time to avoid the collision, or at least to reduce the force of the impact.
Acceleration Rate
A higher than necessary acceleration rate may have caused the driver to lose control of their vehicle, resulting in an accident. For example, if the truck driver accelerated too quickly, it could have caused them to swerve into another vehicle and cause an accident.
Length of Time Driving
EDR boxes can also be used to determine how long a driver had been driving before the accident occurred. This can help to identify if the driver was fatigued due to a lack of rest, which may have contributed to the accident.
Steering
The data on steering inputs can help determine if the driver was making unsafe maneuvers or lost control of the truck. Additionally, it can show whether the driver took evasive action to avoid the crash. If the truck driver did not take evasive action, it can indicate that the accident was caused by their inattentiveness and negligence.
Demonstrating the Severity of the Accident
EDR data can also help reconstruct key elements of the accident to demonstrate its severity. For example, data on the force of impact and airbag deployment can provide objective evidence of the collision’s intensity, supporting your claim for damages related to injuries and property damage.
Contact Setareh Law For Help Today
The risk of losing invaluable EDR data is one of the many reasons why it is important to act quickly after a truck accident. The trucking company may be reluctant to provide access to this data, and you may need to take legal action to secure it. If that information is lost, you may be unable to establish liability and may be unable to receive the compensation you deserve.
At Setareh Law, we understand the complexities of truck accident claims and are committed to providing aggressive and effective representation for our clients. Our team of experienced attorneys has a thorough understanding of EDRs and the value of their data in injury claims. We will fight to obtain access to this data and leverage it to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us at (310) 659-1826 today to schedule a free consultation. Our team speaks both English and Spanish.