Explaining The Role Of The “Black Box” In Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Tractor-trailer accidents are more likely to be serious than most other types of road crashes, primarily because of the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Accordingly, in one of these accident cases, the evidence of the vehicle’s electronic logging device (ELD, or “black box”) can play a significant role in determining just who should bear the lion’s share of liability. The ‘black box’ can yield information that otherwise might be inaccessible to investigators.

A Wealth Of Information

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires most large trucks to carry ELDs, most specifically those who are required to submit records of duty status (RODS, also referred to as ‘hours of service logs’). While many different companies make these devices, they are generally required to keep note of the same information for each vehicle, including:

• Seatbelt use;
• Hours driven;
• Speed at the time of a crash;
• Throttle position;
• Brake use (or lack thereof) and position.

These and other relevant factors can help to reconstruct an accident if no witnesses or survivors are available, and even if there are survivors, having this information close to hand can confirm or deny a person’s account. It can help to establish liability, or to verify that a person played no role in the tractor-trailer accident at hand.

Time Is Of The Essence

If you have been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, and you and your attorney believe that the ELD may be helpful in seeking damages, it is crucial that you act fast to preserve its data. The nature of ELDs means that data is only stored on its servers for a certain period of time; without a preservation letter (also called a spoliation letter), the device will eventually be wiped clean.

It is important to keep in mind that a trucking company is not permitted to delete the data after they have received a request to preserve it. If black box data is deleted, this does not establish negligence on the company’s part, but it can open them up to fines for deliberately destroying evidence. You have the right to seek damages for the harm you have suffered.

Contact A Tampa Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney

Injuries sustained in a tractor-trailer accident can be quite severe, and if they have been caused by the negligence of another person or entity, they should bear the weight of their liability. A Tampa truck accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group will ensure that you have the best chance possible to recover damages. Contact our office today at (813) 831-9999 to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/general-information-about-eld-rule