Event data recorder

How Does a Black box Work?

Event data recorders are electronic systems integrated into vehicles to monitor and record important data. The primary function of an EDR is to gather and store information related to vehicle crashes. It records data in a continuous loop, capturing crucial details leading up to, during, and after an accident. This recorded data can provide critical insights into the circumstances surrounding a crash and help reconstruct the events. This can be very beneficial in helping law enforcement, insurance companies, and attorneys identify which party was negligent.

The information an EDR captures include:

• Vehicle parameters
• Steering input
• Airbag deployment
• Seatbelt usage
• Engine RPM
• Braking
• Acceleration
• Vehicle speed

How Can an EDR Be Used as Evidence in a Claim?

When it comes to a truck accident claim, an EDR can be used as a valuable piece of evidence to prove negligence. By analyzing the data recorded a truck accident lawyer can gather evidence to support their case.

They can determine the speed at which the truck was traveling, whether the driver applied the brakes, or if they violated hours of service regulations.
This device can also determine what the trucker was doing right before the collision occurred, identifying whether the trucker was distracted, engaged in reckless behavior, or violated traffic regulations.

By analyzing the data, a truck accident attorney can build a strong case that demonstrates the truck driver's negligence.

Is EDR Data Admissible in Court?

Yes. The information provided by an event data recorder is considered objective and reliable since it is collected automatically and without the driver's influence. This makes it a valuable tool for accident reconstructionists and attorneys who can use the data to recreate the sequence of events leading to the crash. The information can also be compared with other evidence, such as physical damage to the vehicles and witness testimonies, to further strengthen a lawyer's argument.

How Does an Attorney Obtain Evidence After a Car crash?

When a truck accident occurs and a lawyer is representing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, obtaining the event data recorder as evidence can be crucial for strengthening the case.

A lawyer will first determine if the truck involved in the accident is equipped with an EDR.

Once the presence of an EDR is confirmed, a lawyer will send a spoliation letter to the trucking company or the truck's owner/operator. A spoliation letter is a legal notice to preserve and protect all evidence related to the accident, emphasizing the importance of not tampering with or deleting any information from the EDR.

If the truck company fails to provide the EDR voluntarily or claims it no longer exists, an attorney can file a discovery request, asking for the production of specific documents and evidence relevant to the case, including the EDR data.

During this time, a lawyer may collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to interpret and analyze the data captured by the EDR. This information, along with other evidence can allow a truck accident lawyer to build the strongest case possible to give their client's case the best chance of success.

Contact Us Today!

If you were injured in an accident with a big rig, contact a truck accident lawyer at MVP Accident Attorneys, a Sachs Law Company, as soon as possible. We offer free consultations where you can meet with an experienced member of our legal team to discuss your case, have all of your questions answered and learn how we can help you recover the fair settlement you deserve.

Contact us today to learn more.

Author

Brett Sachs

Founder

Brett S. Sachs graduated from Michigan State University College of Law with Cum Laude Honors. While attending Michigan State, Brett was awarded for his service in the Michigan State University College of Law Civil Rights Clinic, where he represented prisoners of the Michigan Department of Corrections from injustices brought upon them. Learn more.