Using Black Box Data in Atlanta Truck Accident Claims
Truck accidents in Atlanta can cause devastating injuries. Unfortunately, victims and their families often face legal battles over liability in the aftermath.
When determining fault and your rights to compensation in a Georgia truck accident claim, one of the most valuable pieces of evidence is the Event Data Recorder or black box data. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain how it can provide powerful evidence to use in proving who is to blame.
How Black Box Data Strengthens Your Atlanta Truck Accident Claim
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that truck accidents in Georgia claim the lives of more than 200 people each year and cause potentially devastating personal injuries to over 4,000 others. In most cases, as the truck’s size and height provide protection, other drivers involved typically suffer the most harm.
In the aftermath, you have the right to seek compensation from the truck driver, other motorists, the trucking company, or whoever else is at fault. A truck’s black box records key information to help establish liability. Key information recorded by a truck’s black box includes:
- The truck drivers speed at the time of the crash;
- Their braking pattern, such as whether they attempted to stop before impact;
- Steering input, such as whether the driver took evasive action;
- Hours of operation to determine if the driver exceeded legal driving limits, leading to fatigue-related crashes;
- Impact force and seatbelt use, which provides insight into crash severity and driver safety compliance.
By analyzing this data, our Atlanta truck accident lawyers can establish whether the truck driver was negligent, violating safety protocols, or failing to react properly in an emergency.
Preserving and Using Black Box Data When Truck Accidents In Atlanta Happen
Black box data can provide crucial evidence in Atlanta truck accident claims, but it is not automatically available to victims. Trucking companies often refuse to turn black boxes over, and under Georgia Supreme Court guidelines, you may need a warrant to access the crash data. Unfortunately, while you wait for a warrant, the trucking company may delete or overwrite it.
To protect your rights in a claim and prevent this from happening, follow these steps:
- Act quickly, as trucking companies only retain black box data for a limited period;
- Contact our Atlanta truck accident lawyers so that we can file a spoliation letter requiring the trucking company to preserve relevant data;
- Continue getting treatment for your injuries and follow all doctor instructions;
- Gather police reports, repair estimates, medical records, and other evidence to support your claim.
Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers Today
When truck accidents in Atlanta happen, black box data provide important evidence. Shiver Hamilton, LLC takes the swift legal actions necessary to access this data and protect your rights in a claim. We serve clients in Savannah, St. Simons Island, Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and throughout DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett County. To get the maximum compensation, contact us today. Request a consultation with our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers.
Sources:
ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/CrashStatistics
gasupreme.us/
