How Can Black Box Data Help My Truck Accident Claim?

 Posted on March 20, 2025 in Truck Accidents

A truck accident can leave victims with life-altering injuries, mounting medical bills, and countless questions about what went wrong. In many instances, the answers lie within the truck’s black box, which is a powerful tool that records critical data about the vehicle’s movements before a crash. Officially known as an Event Data Recorder (EDR), this device can reveal whether the truck was speeding, when the driver hit the brakes, and even if the driver was on the road too long without rest. If you were injured in a truck accident, an experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer can help you obtain and analyze this important data to build a strong case for compensation.

What Is a Truck’s Black Box?

Most commercial trucks are equipped with an EDR, and these devices record essential data, such as:

• Speed before impact

• Sudden braking or acceleration

• Steering movements

• GPS location and route history

• Time since the last rest break

• Engine performance and potential mechanical issues

This information can help determine whether the cause of an accident was due to driver error, mechanical failure, or another factor.

How Can Black Box Data Prove Liability?

Black box data can serve as objective evidence in a truck accident claim, especially when the truck driver or trucking company denies responsibility. For example, if the truck's speed data shows the driver was speeding before the crash, this could support a negligence claim. 

Federal law limits how long truck drivers can stay on the road without breaks. If the EDR data shows the driver exceeded the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours-of-service limits, it could indicate driver fatigue caused the truck accident.

Who Has Access to Black Box Data?

A truck accident victim cannot access black box data on his or her own because the trucking company owns it. However, under 49 CFR § 395.8(k), commercial truck drivers and companies must keep specific driving records for a certain period of time. A skilled attorney can send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, formally demanding that it preserve the black box data as evidence. If the company refuses or attempts to delete the data, it could face legal consequences.

How Long Is Black Box Data Kept?

Black box data is not stored forever. Many EDR systems automatically overwrite old data after a certain period, sometimes as little as 30 days. It is therefore vital to act quickly after a truck accident to ensure that the data can be preserved. The sooner a lawyer gets involved, the better your chances of obtaining this crucial evidence.

What Other Evidence Can Support My Claim?

While black box data is valuable, it can be made even stronger when combined with other types of evidence, such as:

• Police reports, including statements from both parties

• Eyewitness testimony from those who saw the crash happen

• Traffic camera or dashcam footage of the accident

• Truck maintenance records that show past mechanical issues or lack of proper upkeep

• Driver logs and employment records detailing the driver’s work history, training, and potential violations

Contact a Washington County, MD Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it is important to act quickly. A Hagerstown, MD truck accident lawyer at Serafini Law can help you gather crucial evidence, including black box data, to support your claim. Attorney AJ Serafini will provide the support you need, while also being aggressive with insurance companies so that you can receive fair compensation. Call 240-744-1600 today for a free consultation.