Do Big Trucks have a Black Box and how Can it Help my Injury Case?

In the attached video, attorney Bryan Garrett explains how a big truck’s “black box” can be the key to proving fault in a commercial vehicle accident. These devices—technically called Event Data Recorders (EDRs)—capture critical information such as speed, braking, hours driven, and more. When someone is injured in a truck crash, this black box data can serve as undeniable proof of negligence and help maximize the value of an injury claim.

EDRs are now standard in most commercial trucks and can offer insight into what really happened before and during a crash. For example, data may show that the truck driver was speeding, failed to brake, or had exceeded safe driving hours—each of which can support your injury claim. In one recent case, data retrieved from a black box showed a truck was traveling more than 20 miles per hour over the speed limit at the time of the crash—information that proved invaluable in securing a fair settlement.

However, black box data is not stored indefinitely. Trucking companies control this information and may delete or overwrite it within weeks of the accident. That’s why it’s critical to hire an experienced truck accident attorney right away—someone who knows how to request and preserve black box evidence before it’s lost.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait. Call a qualified truck accident lawyer today to protect your rights, preserve crucial evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

FAQs

What is a black box in a commercial truck?
A black box, or Event Data Recorder (EDR), is a device that records vehicle information such as speed, brake usage, and driving hours leading up to and during an accident.

Can black box data be used in court for a truck accident claim?
Yes. Black box data is often admissible in court and can provide strong evidence to support a personal injury claim against a truck driver or company.

How long is black box data stored after a truck crash?
Data may only be retained for a short period—sometimes just days or weeks—so it’s important to act quickly to preserve it before it’s overwritten or deleted.Who can access the black box data after an accident?
Typically, the trucking company owns the data. A lawyer can file legal requests to obtain and secure the data as part of an injury investigation.