The term “black box” refers to the event data recorder (EDR), a device installed in many 18-wheelers, semis, and other commercial trucks to record information about the vehicle’s operation and the driver’s actions before, during, and after a Colorado truck accident. It is part of the engine’s electronic control module (ECM) on most commercial vehicles. The information that can be gathered is crucial in determining the cause of a Colorado truck accident. In this article, the Colorado truck accident lawyers at Bowman Law shed some light on black boxes.
The ECM controls and monitors engine functions, such as fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions. When engine functions fail, the ECM stores error codes that help mechanics diagnose and fix problems. The EDR component of the ECM monitors and records data about multiple functions. For example, if a reduction in wheel speed is sensed, the EDR can record almost two minutes of data about vehicle speed, brake application, clutch application, and cruise control status.
Most but not all commercial trucks have EDRs. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which regulates the trucking industry, does not require EDRs on commercial trucks.
The FMCSA does require commercial trucks to install electronic logging devices (ELDs), which some people lump into what they consider a black box in commercial trucks. The ELD tracks drivers’ hours of service (HOS) behind the wheel and other information, such as:
Most late-model passenger vehicles have EDRs, which also can be accessed for their data after a crash. Data recorded by a black box EDR or ELD can be downloaded later by linking the EDR or ELD with appropriate software. Accessing EDR and ELD data from a commercial truck can be crucial when investigating the cause of a truck accident and performing a comprehensive accident reconstruction.
The EDR records vital information about the vehicle that can be accessed by investigators after an accident. Every vehicle manufacturer creates its own set of parameters regarding what information is recorded by the EDR. Some of the data that may be recorded includes:
The systems are designed to record and store data for a set number of seconds prior to a collision. The data recording is generally controlled by the Airbag Control Module (ACM). The ACM uses sensors that instruct the EDR to store data after a collision that was severe enough or nearly severe enough to deploy the airbag.
Data gathered from a truck’s black box is generally considered admissible evidence in court proceedings in truck accident claims. It may also be used outside of court in settlement negotiations with defendants’ insurance companies.
In a truck accident claim, our Colorado truck accident lawyers will work to demonstrate the accident was caused by negligence on the part of the truck driver and/or another party responsible for the driver (i.e., their employer) or the truck’s operations. By far, most commercial truck accidents are caused by driver error.
Data from a black box in semi-trucks amounts to incontrovertible information. For example, black box data would clearly show excessive vehicle and engine speed followed by hard braking and swerving, all typical in a crash caused by speeding. If data showed no braking, no swerving, no let-up on the throttle, and no downshifting just before a crash, we would argue that the truck driver was likely drowsy, fatigued, or asleep when the accident occurred. Records of the driver’s hours on the road would also contribute to the theory that fatigue contributed to the accident.
Black box data might indicate one or more mechanical malfunctions, such as brake failure, which may have caused or contributed to the accident. This might give us reason to pursue a third-party claim against a service vendor responsible for maintaining the truck.
Data from a truck’s EDR and ELD provides an accurate and fairly measured assessment of the events leading up to the crash under scrutiny. These devices are more precise, detailed, and dependable than anything a witness to the crash can provide. In a courtroom, this data can challenge or support either side’s version of events.
Truck accidents are often complicated, with multiple parties potentially liable for losses suffered by the injured. If a truck’s black box data is intact after an accident, its contents can be crucial for understanding how the accident occurred. After a truck accident, the value of acting quickly to obtain black box data cannot be overstated.
EDR data can be an extremely useful tool for investigators and reconstructions, but it does have its limitations. Some of the instances in which EDR data may not be reliable include:
Multiple impact collisions can produce flawed EDR data since the timing of the impacts can cause the data to be overwritten or recorded out of sequence. Collisions that alter wheel speed, including spins and rollovers, can also impact the reliability of the recorded data.
At Bowman Law, our Colorado truck accident lawyers specialize in advocating for individuals who have been significantly impacted by truck accident cases in Colorado. We recognize the physical, emotional, psychological, and financial challenges victims face in the aftermath of such collisions. Our legal team is skilled in navigating the complexities of the truck accident investigation process and holding negligent truck drivers and companies accountable to get justice for our clients.
Our Colorado truck accident lawyers will walk you through your options, help you understand your case, and obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other losses. Contact us at 720-863-6904 for a free case evaluation and let us assist you. We will guide you throughout the process, fight for your legal rights, and work tirelessly to pursue the maximum settlement you need to recover and move forward.
Our office is located in Denver. We serve the Front Range, including Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, Westminster, Lakewood, and Aurora.
Owner and Managing Attorney
Jerry Bowman, J.D., M.A., Owner and managing attorney of Bowman Law LLC, takes his responsibility to the legal profession seriously and dedicates his time and effort to providing quality and competent legal representation to clients in Denver and throughout all of Colorado. He holds an MA in Political Science from Wayne State University and earned his law degree in two and a half years from Michigan State University College of Law.
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