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For decades, we’ve heard about the “black box” in airplanes that record flight data. This information is extremely important when investigators are trying to figure out how an aviation accident occurred. These days, many commercial vehicles have a similar device, known as an Event Data Recorder (EDR). If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, your legal claim could hinge on the accessible EDR information.

Event data recorders collect information regarding vehicle performance and driver behavior before, during and after an accident, including the following: 

• Vehicle speed

• Whether the brakes were applied and how forcefully

• Whether the accelerator was engaged

• If and when airbags were deployed

• Engine revolutions per minute

By analyzing this information, attorneys can determine whether the truck driver was adhering to traffic laws and operating the vehicle safely. For example, a reading that indicates the truck was speeding, or that the brakes weren’t applied before the collision, can help prove negligence on the part of the driver. In some cases, accident reconstruction specialists use what is collected from the EDR to piece together the events leading up to the crash. 

When a question exists regarding a possible mechanical failure in a commercial vehicle, EDR data can also be helpful. There could be a potential product liability claim if the truck driver applied the brakes, but the rig did not stop. This type of problem might also be attributable to a lack of proper maintenance. 

While EDR data is a powerful tool, it is not without challenges. Accessing and interpreting this data requires technical expertise, and it must be retrieved promptly to ensure its integrity. Additionally, attorneys must work to ensure that the data is admissible in court, adhering to legal standards and procedures. Photographs of the scene, witness testimony and physical evidence such as skid marks can also provide vital support for a truck accident injury claim. 

Patrick C. Smith, Attorney at Law is a strong advocate for Kansas and Missouri residents who have been hurt in collisions involving commercial vehicles. I use EDR information as well as other forms of relevant evidence to help victims obtain substantial compensation in settlements and at trial. If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident, please call 620-308-6692 or contact me online to schedule a free initial consultation. My office is in Pittsburg.