How Important is Black Box Data After a Truck Accident?

Black box data after a truck accident is important because it is one of the best ways to prove what caused the crash. Our Raleigh truck accident lawyer can use this data to hold the trucking company and driver accountable.

The black box’s recorded data can help show how fast the truck was going, whether the driver used the brakes, and if they were speeding or on the road for too long. Without this information, it can be much harder to prove what really happened.

What is a Truck’s Black Box?

Most commercial trucks have a device called an electronic control module (ECM) or event data recorder (EDR). These are often referred to as the truck’s black box, such as the ones found in airplanes.

This device tracks and stores helpful data, including:

• Speed at the time of the crash
• Brake use
• GPS location
• Time driven before the accident
• Engine faults or malfunctions
• Airbag deployment
• Sudden changes in speed

This information helps re-create the crash and can show whether the truck driver or company was careless or broke the law.

Why Black Box Data is so Important After a Truck Crash

Truck crashes are not like regular car accidents. Trucks are heavier, more dangerous, and usually tied to big companies. After a crash, the trucking company and its insurance provider may try to hide or twist facts to protect themselves. That’s where black box data becomes critical.

Here’s why it matters:

Uncovers the Truth

Black box data shows exactly what was happening with the truck before, during, and after the accident. It can reveal important details, including whether the driver was following safety rules.

Without it, it’s much harder to know what really happened.

Proves Fault

The information from the black box can help prove who caused the accident. For example, if the driver was speeding, didn’t hit the brakes in time, or drove too many hours without a break, the black box will capture that. This can be critical for showing that the trucking company or driver was responsible.

Supports Your Claim

Insurance companies often try to downplay how bad the accident was or blame the victim. Black box data provides hard proof that backs up your story. It can help us fight for fair damages by showing the crash wasn’t your fault and how serious it really was.

Protects Your Rights

Trucking companies don’t have to keep black box data forever. In fact, the data can be deleted or recorded over within days or weeks after the accident. Acting quickly with our attorney’s help ensures we can help save the evidence and use it to protect your case.

Who Controls the Black Box Data?

The black box belongs to the trucking company, which means it can try to hide or erase the data if action isn’t taken quickly. We can send a spoliation letter, a legal notice telling the company to preserve the data. If you wait too long, this evidence could be lost forever.

 Our Raleigh personal injury lawyer can step in early to secure the data and protect your rights.

How Our Lawyer Can Use Black Box Data in a Truck Crash Case

When we handle your case, we can use the black box’s data to:

• Compare driver logs with the actual time on the road.
• Match speeding or braking patterns with witness reports.
• Prove the driver ignored rest rules or safety laws.
• Challenge the trucking company’s version of what happened.

This data can support your case in court or help during settlement talks. It strengthens your case and removes guesswork.

We Will Handle Your Case While You Recover from Your Injuries

After a serious truck crash, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You shouldn’t have to worry about chasing down evidence or dealing with pushy insurance companies. That’s our job. 

From day one, we take over the hard parts of the legal process so you can focus on healing. Here’s what our experienced legal team will do for you:

• Send legal letters to protect the black box information: We act fast to stop the trucking company from deleting or losing key black box data.
• Investigate the crash: Our team gathers physical evidence, photos, reports, and digital data to build a strong case.
• Work with accident reconstruction professionals: These professionals can help us re-create the crash and explain exactly how and why it happened.
• Talk to witnesses and collect surveillance footage: We find people who saw the crash and track down video footage before it disappears.
• Handle all talks with the trucking company’s insurer: You won’t have to deal with their calls or pressure tactics. We’ll speak for you and protect your interests.
• Make sure your case is filed before the deadline: We stay on top of the legal deadlines so your case is never at risk of being thrown out.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?

If you were hurt in a truck accident, you may be able to recover damages for what you’ve lost. These damages are meant to help make up for the harm caused by someone else’s carelessness. In non-fatal cases, that usually means money for things like:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring or disfigurement

Every case is different, and the damages you can recover depend on your injuries and how the accident changed your life. We will review your truck injury case and guard against settling for less than you deserve.

Can Black Box Data Help in a Wrongful Death Case?

Yes. If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, black box data could show the crash was preventable. This is key in wrongful death lawsuits, which allow family members to seek damages after a fatal crash.

In North Carolina, these cases can help cover:

• Medical bills before death
• Funeral and burial/cremation costs
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages or benefits the person would have earned
• Loss of companionship or support

The person who files the lawsuit must be the personal representative of the estate. This person is usually named in a will or appointed by the court. Our compassionate wrongful death lawyers in Raleigh care about you and your family and will take action to help you recover damages.

What’s the Deadline to File a Lawsuit for Truck Crash Damages?

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations sets strict deadlines for people who want to recover damages through legal action. Generally, the following apply:

• Personal injury cases: You have three years from the accident date to file. (G.S. § 1-52)
• Wrongful death cases: You have two years from the date of death. (G.S. § 1-53)

If you miss these deadlines, you lose your right to seek damages—no matter how strong your case is. That’s why speaking with a lawyer is critical as soon as possible.

Don’t Lose Important Black Box Data After a Truck Crash—Call Us Today

At Whitley Law Firm, we’ve been helping seriously injured people in North Carolina for over 50 years. With more than 120 years of combined legal experience, our team knows how to uncover and protect important evidence, especially black box data that could prove what caused your crash.

If you suffered injuries in a truck accident, this data may be the key to holding the trucking company accountable and getting the damages you deserve. But it won’t be available forever. We act fast to preserve black box information and start building your case immediately.

We return all phone calls within 24 hours and treat every client with the care and respect they deserve. Call us today for a free consultation. There’s no cost to talk to us, and you won’t pay anything unless we win.