Truck accidents can result in fatal or life-altering injuries. If you are injured or lose a loved one in a truck accident caused by someone else, you may be entitled to recover significant compensation for your damages.
However, proving fault in a truck accident case can often be challenging. You need proof of fault to succeed in your claim. One source of evidence that can help is black box data.
At Rosen Injury Law, our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers know how to secure the evidence needed to build your strongest case and help you recover maximum compensation for your damages. Call (954) 787-1500 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation.
What is a Black Box?
The formal name for a black box is Event Data Recorder (EDR). It is an electronic device located in most vehicles that stores information about the operation of the vehicle. It can provide substantial evidence of what happened prior to and after a crash.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all commercial trucks to have an Electronic Logging Device installed (ELD). The ELD helps ensure compliance with federal regulations designed to prevent driver fatigue and help make our roads safer.
How Can Black Box Data Be Used to Prove Your Claim?
Black box data that can be used in Florida truck accident cases include:
- The location of the crash site and the truck’s travel history.
- The speed of the truck at the time of the accident.
- The hours of operation and whether the driver violated any federal driving limits.
- The acceleration and braking patterns of the truck.
- Evidence of lane departures.
- How the truck was being steered at the time of the crash.
Proving liability in a truck accident depends on determining the cause of the accident. Black box data can provide solid evidence of causation and liability.
Black box data is generally admissible as evidence in a Fort Lauderdale accident case if the data has been properly collected and maintained. An experienced Florida truck accident lawyer can help ensure the proper chain of custody to ensure admissibility of the black box data.
How Do You Obtain Black Box Data?
Black box data belongs to the trucking company or the owner of the truck. Some trucking companies may overwrite or erase the data on black boxes within days if action is not taken to preserve this evidence.
Your experienced Florida truck accident lawyer can send a legal notice, known as a preservation letter, to prevent the loss or destruction of the black box data. They can then file a court order seeking the production of that data from the trucking company or truck owner.
Do I Need to Hire a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer?
Proving fault in a truck accident case can be a challenging task. There are often multiple parties, attorneys, and insurance companies all trying to shift blame to someone else. You need an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.
Your chances of a successful outcome are much higher if an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer represents you.
Contact an Experienced Florida Truck Accident Lawyer Today
The Fort Lauderdale injury lawyers at Rosen Injury Law possess the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to preserve and collect crucial evidence, including black box data. We know how to build your strongest claim and help you recover maximum compensation.
Call (954) 787-1500 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your Florida truck accident case.