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September 7, 2022 by Greg Baumgartner
Newer cars and commercial vehicles in the U.S. are equipped with Event Data Recorders (EDRs), also known as the vehicle’s “black box.” What is a Black Box, and how can it impact my accident case?
A Black box is a computer module installed by the vehicle manufacturer. The device records and stores data that is important in determining how a crash happened. Insurance companies and plaintiff lawyers use the data extensively in some lawsuits.
Black box information can aid serious injury car and commercial vehicle accident investigations. Accident reconstruction experts use this data to help prove your case.
This computer data can cut off some defense claims and defenses, making it easier to prove your Houston car accident case.
The term black box refers to an onboard computer, also known as an “event data recorder. This device records data during crashes in cars, big rigs, and aircraft. Truck accident investigations typically involve obtaining the computer file from the semi-truck. Investigators then examine the data from the onboard computer.
Over the last thirty years, the most significant change in car accident lawsuits has been the widespread use of onboard computers in many cars. Car accident attorneys use the evidence to win cases.
Before “black boxes” or computers were installed in many popular passenger car models, the speed and braking of the vehicles were determined by accident reconstruction experts who gathered facts related to the accident to form an opinion about the vehicles’ speed.
Reconstruction experts typically examine skid marks, the composition of the roadway, and crush measurements to determine a statistically accurate range of vehicle speeds. While the accident reconstruction experts’ opinions often varied regarding speed, that is not the case due to event data recorders.
The best personal injury lawyers always seek to obtain crash data after a severe injury or fatal crash. Such data can be hard to refute in a wrongful death case.
Onboard computers have changed the game. The speed at which passenger cars equipped with data recorders were traveling is no longer disputed. The computer data of many manufacturers is downloadable from the wrecked vehicle; others are more difficult to obtain.
We hope that the Department of Transportation will work with manufacturers to provide onboard computer data to everyone. Usually, an accident reconstruction expert downloads the computer data for interpretation. Truck accident investigations typically include data from the vehicle’s black box.
If available, the onboard computer can show the speed right before an accident. It can also show braking activity. It can even tell if the driver had their seatbelt on and other important information. Onboard computers have been very helpful in commercial vehicle accident cases for a long time. Now, this same information is available for car-to-car accidents.
The event recorders were initially developed to investigate aircraft accidents and later adapted to monitor automobile airbags.
Today, however, event data recorders capture a wealth of information on newer model cars, including braking, seatbelt use, speed, and other details just before impact. Semi truck accident attorneys find computer data helpful in proving speed and evasive maneuvers after a wreck. This data is especially helpful with truck accident cases and also useful with passenger car crashes.
Evidence from a download of an EVD can expedite settlements by circumventing defenses.
The NSTSA developed a rule requiring that specific information be collected if an event data recorder is part of a car or pickup truck. However, older cars, trucks, and 18-wheelers may not have event data capability, but newer models do.
In auto accidents and truck wrecks, event data provides beneficial information when it is accessible to authorities or accident lawyers on the plaintiff’s side or the defense.
Many accident reenactment experts can download event data on most cars and trucks. And the information captured just before impact is tough to dispute credibly.
Some of the vital information on the computer stored data captured after an accident includes:
Reconstruction experts may still be needed to explain the black box data and connect the dots between the two vehicles for a jury. However, the variables of speed and other data measured have been changed with the computer data that is commonly available today.
If you have been hurt in an accident with a big truck, you may wonder, “Do I need an 18-wheeler accident attorney? Yes, if your injuries were significant!
A car accident can happen very quickly, making it hard for the injured person to remember what occurred if they survive.
Often, the police crash report does not benefit from the event data recorder. Or the crash is fatal, and the driver is not around to tell his story. Best of all, the data captured by the black box is hard to dispute.
Often, after an accident, the onboard computer data must be preserved. Retaining an experienced truck accident attorney after an 18-wheeler accident is advisable to be done promptly. All modern vehicles now have Event Data Recorders. Getting a car accident lawyer as soon as possible is recommended, especially if you have suffered a severe injury.
Contact the personal injury lawyers in Houston, TX, at Baumgartner Law Firm for a consultation after a severe injury or wrongful death accident. There is never a charge for the consultation. Call (281) 587-1111!
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
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Since establishing Baumgartner Law Firm in 1985, Greg Baumgartner has built a reputation as one of Houston’s leading personal injury attorneys, dedicated to representing severely injured victims and families who have lost loved ones due to negligence.
Greg holds two law degrees, a distinction earned by less than 1% of all attorneys, demonstrating his exceptional legal expertise. He is also a prestigious Trial Lawyers College graduate, further enhancing his skills in trial advocacy and litigation.
His relentless commitment to legal excellence and client advocacy has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers, the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and many others.
With decades of experience, Greg has consistently received top peer reviews. He holds a preeminent rating, a testament to his unwavering dedication to securing justice and maximum compensation for his clients.
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