Personal Injury Law Blog

Accidents involving semi-trucks and other large commercial trucks can cause serious, life-altering injuries. Bringing an Illinois personal injury claim allows truck accident victims to recover damages for medical expenses, property damage, and other collision-related costs.

In the aftermath of a serious truck accident, the quest for answers and accountability often begins with examining crucial data stored within the vehicle’s black box. Black box data has become a cornerstone in Illinois accident investigations, offering invaluable insights into the sequence of events leading to the collision.

Along with aiding in accident reconstruction, the technology can help determine liability in personal injury claims and expedite the insurance claims process. Below, we examine how the data stored in a black box can support your claim for compensation after an Illinois truck accident.

Accident Reconstruction

Black boxes, formally known as event data recorders, serve as silent witnesses to the moments preceding, during, and following an accident. The device is typically found in a truck’s cab or engine compartment. Because black boxes are built to withstand high temperatures and the impact of a crash, they can remain intact even when a truck accident results in fire or extensive damage.

Equipped with sensors, black boxes meticulously capture digital data such as vehicle speed, brake usage, and engine RPM. In the hands of accident investigators, this trove of information becomes instrumental in determining what happened on the road. Black box data can be used alongside evidence like truck maintenance records and logbooks to help reconstruct the circumstances of the accident.

In the context of Illinois truck accidents, a black box can record and store wide-ranging information, including whether the truck driver accelerated or decelerated before a collision, the truck’s GPS location, distance traveled when the brakes were used, details about the vehicle’s tire pressure and more. Engine-related data may indicate whether the truck had any transmission or performance issues. Records on a truck’s braking activity can help investigators identify a lack of proper maintenance by the trucking company. Black boxes can also shed light on a driver’s actions, such as whether they were wearing a seatbelt when the truck accident occurred or had a history of poor driving behavior.

Liability Determination

Determining liability is paramount for Illinois truck accident victims seeking justice and compensation. Black box data can help uncover what caused the truck accident. Crucially, it can provide evidence to establish fault. Black box data is admissible in Illinois courts.

Many Illinois truck accidents occur due to driver negligence. Black box data can reveal whether a truck driver committed any traffic violations or neglected safety regulations. 

Consider a scenario where a truck driver denies running a red light, leading to a collision with another vehicle. Analysis of the black box data may show that the truck disregarded the traffic signal. This revelation can help hold the negligent party accountable and prevent disputes regarding fault.

Some black boxes may even record communications that can identify other liable parties. For example, the black box may reveal that the trucking company was pressuring the truck driver to make extra deliveries in violation of their hours-of-service limits. Driver fatigue behind the wheel is among the leading causes of Illinois truck accidents. If the crash occurred due to drowsy driving, the trucking company may be partially responsible for the victim’s damages.

Insurance Claims Processing

Insurance companies facilitate the compensation process for victims in the aftermath of truck accidents. With access to objective data from black boxes, insurers can expedite claims processing by gaining insights into the circumstances surrounding the incident. This transparency minimizes delays, reduces disputes, and ensures that victims receive the compensation they deserve promptly.

However, navigating insurance claims can be complex, especially in cases involving serious injuries or fatalities. This is where the guidance of a skilled truck accident attorney becomes indispensable. A legal professional well-versed in Illinois trucking laws and regulations can advocate on behalf of victims, leveraging black box data to strengthen their case and maximize compensation. 

Like in other personal injury cases, acting fast is crucial when handling truck accident claims. Black box data may only be available to download for a limited time before it is automatically wiped or destroyed. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, trucking companies must keep black box data for at least six months.

The information stored in a black box is typically considered the property of the vehicle owner. Trucking companies may be reluctant to voluntarily hand over black box data that may show them or their driver to be at fault for a crash. To avoid responsibility for a truck accident, they may try to erase black box data or withhold it from you.

Hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer ensures vital evidence will be preserved in your truck accident case. If necessary, the attorney can take legal action to gain access to the black box data. Your lawyer will conduct a full investigation to determine the cause of the truck accident and who was at fault. Establishing these key aspects of your crash can help you recover maximum compensation in your case.

Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg

If you were injured in an Illinois truck accident involving a semi-truck or other commercial truck, contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. Our experienced Illinois truck accident lawyers are ready to provide you with quality and compassionate legal representation. We will help you gather black box data and other crucial evidence to support your truck accident claim.

There is no fee unless we are successful in getting you compensation. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.