When most people hear “black box,” they probably think about airplanes. These electronic devices record data that can be analyzed after an accident. Sometimes, if you have been in a truck crash, the other vehicle might have a similar device that has recorded data from the driver’s trip.
Does that mean that all commercial trucks have black boxes? If you’ve ever been involved in a trucking accident, here’s what you need to know about these important devices.
Will All Commercial Trucks Have Black Boxes?
Federal regulations require most commercial trucks traveling across state lines to use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track driver hours. So, long-haul trucks operated by major carriers almost always have some type of black box.
On the other hand, not every commercial truck comes equipped with one. Smaller trucks, local delivery vehicles, or older trucks, especially those manufactured before ELD mandates went into effect, may not have an advanced event data recorder (EDR).
Even if they do have a logging device, it might only track hours of service and not capture detailed driving data like speed or braking patterns.
If you’re dealing with a trucking accident, the type of truck involved can dramatically affect the type of data available. Knowing whether a black box is likely present is one of the first things a truck crash lawyer considers when evaluating a case.
What Data Will a Black Box Hold?
Modern commercial trucks, especially those made in the last 20 years, are often equipped with EDRs or ELDs. These devices can record things like:
- Speed and engine RPMs
- Brake usage and seatbelt engagement
- Steering inputs at key moments
- The GPS location and the advanced safety system activity
Think of it as a diary of the truck’s movements. However, not all trucks will have these devices.
Older trucks, or those exempt from specific federal regulations, might not include them.
Even when a truck has a black box, the data usually focuses on compliance, like tracking service hours to prevent driver fatigue. While they can be useful in crashes, they are not always the silver bullet people imagine.
Why Black Box Data Matters in a Crash
For truck crash lawyers, black box data can be a game-changer. These devices provide objective, time-stamped information about what the truck was doing right before a collision.
Unfortunately, in these situations, there is often conflicting testimony. One driver may say the other was speeding, while the other claims they braked in time. Black box data can cut through the confusion, showing exact speeds, braking patterns, and other key moments.
This type of evidence can:
- Prove or disprove negligence
- Help determine liability between drivers, trucking companies, or maintenance providers
- Strengthen settlement negotiations or trial arguments
Black box data gives lawyers and accident investigators something hard to argue with: the facts.
Getting Access to Black Box Data Isn’t Easy
Even when a truck has a black box, getting the data isn’t automatic. These devices often require special software and expertise to retrieve the information correctly. Plus, trucking companies may also be reluctant to hand it over to protect themselves or because they don’t know how to access it.
This is where a skilled truck crash lawyer becomes essential. Through subpoenas or discovery requests, attorneys can make sure this vital data becomes part of the case.
In some scenarios, disputes about the integrity or potential tampering of the black box can even become a legal issue on its own.
What If There’s No Black Box?
Not every truck will have a black box. That doesn’t mean a case is doomed. In these situations, your legal team will rely on other types of evidence, such as:
- Eyewitness accounts
- Dashcam footage
- Skid marks
- Vehicle inspections
- Expert accident reconstruction
While black box data is invaluable, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Whether you’re a driver, passenger, or family member affected by a trucking accident, black boxes can be a key part of your case.
These devices provide a level of transparency that can make a huge difference in legal outcomes.
Unfortunately, not all commercial trucks will carry them. Even without a black box, attorneys have tools to reconstruct accidents, but having one can make a big difference in the result. So, the next time you hear about a truck’s “black box,” remember it’s more than just a device. It could be the difference between winning and losing in a truck crash case.
If you or a loved one were injured, you would want to reach out to an experienced trucking accident lawyer. We are ready to take on your case at Barrera Law Group LLC.
Find out how we can assist, whether the truck that hit you had a black box or not.