Key Takeaways
- Most commercial trucks have a “black box” (event data recorder) that stores crash data.
- Black box info shows speed, braking, acceleration, and more at the time of the accident.
- This data is vital in serious injury or wrongful death cases, especially in truck crashes.
- Quick legal action is key — data can be erased if not preserved.
- We’ve used black box evidence to win cases in Fulton, Hall, and Clayton Counties.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Truck’s Black Box?
- Why Black Box Data Matters in Accident Claims
- What the Black Box Records
- How We Use This Data in Lawsuits
- Truck Crashes in Georgia: Common Patterns
- Call Hines Law Immediately After a Truck Accident
What Is a Truck’s Black Box?
Nearly all 18-wheelers and commercial vehicles have a black box, also called an Event Data Recorder (EDR). It records critical vehicle and driver information before, during, and after a crash — similar to flight recorders in airplanes.
Why Black Box Data Matters in Accident Claims
In serious collisions, this data can prove:
- The truck was speeding
- The driver never braked
- The vehicle had mechanical issues
- The impact force was enough to cause major injury or death
What the Black Box Records
Key info includes:
- Vehicle speed
- Brake and throttle use
- Steering angles
- Seat belt use
- Sudden deceleration
- GPS location at time of crash
This is hard evidence — far more reliable than driver memory or witness statements.
How We Use This Data in Lawsuits
Our firm immediately sends spoliation letters to truck companies, forcing them to preserve EDR data. In a recent case in Cobb County, we used black box data to prove the driver was going 77 mph in a 55 mph zone — securing a six-figure settlement for our client.
Truck Crashes in Georgia: Common Patterns
- Hall County (Gainesville): Many accidents involve poultry and freight trucks
- Clayton County: Heavy truck traffic from airport logistics routes
- Fulton & DeKalb: Frequent I-285 and I-20 commercial crashes
- Gwinnett County: Several recent rollovers involving delivery trucks near Norcross and Duluth
Call Hines Law Immediately After a Truck Accident
Truck companies act fast — sometimes erasing black box data within days. You need an attorney immediately to preserve and analyze that evidence.
Hines Law has the experience, experts, and aggressive litigation strategy to win your case — even against big trucking companies. We’re here for you and your family, no matter your background or language.
Contact us for a free consultation today — ¡también hablamos español!