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The data collected by a commercial truck’s “black box” can serve as key evidence in the event of a serious or fatal accident. In Florida, a Fort Myers accident lawyer can seek to obtain the truck’s black box data from the trucking company and then use the data to seek just compensation—provided the data show that the trucking company deserves to be held legally responsible.

After a serious or fatal commercial truck accident in Florida, proving the cause of the accident is a key first step toward seeking financial compensation. Once the cause of the accident is determined, the team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. can investigate further to see which company is legally responsible.

In many cases, this will be the trucking company that owns and operates the truck. Most commercial truck accidents are caused by driver negligence, and as a general rule, employers can be held liable for their employees’ negligence on the job under Florida law. If a negligent truck driver was to blame for your (or your loved one’s) truck accident, the truck’s “black box” data could prove it.

Most Modern Commercial Trucks Are Equipped with a “Black Box”

Today, most commercial trucks on Florida’s roads are equipped with a “black box.” This is an electronic device that records data about numerous aspects of the truck’s operation. Black boxes commonly record data such as:

• Speed
• Acceleration and deceleration
• Throttle and braking inputs
• Engine diagnostics and metrics
• Hours of service
• Global positioning system (GPS) data
• The forces involved in a collision

All of these can be key pieces of information in the event of a collision. For example, depending on the circumstances, a commercial truck’s black box data could be used to prove that:

• The truck was involved in the collision (if the trucking company tries to deny that its truck was involved)
• The truck driver was speeding at the time of the collision (or driving too fast for the current conditions)
• The truck driver failed to slow down at an intersection
• The truck driver spent too many hours behind the wheel before the collision occurred
• The truck driver failed to brake before the collision (suggesting that the driver was distracted or fatigued)
• The truck driver had been driving erratically before the collision (which could also suggest the driver was distracted or fatigued)
• The truck driver slammed on the brakes (which could be to blame for a lockup, rollover, or jackknife)

These are just examples. Black box data can be useful in numerous ways in a wide range of circumstances. As a result, when you hire a Fort Myers accident lawyer at Spivey Law Firm to represent you after a serious or fatal commercial truck accident, obtaining the truck’s black box data will be among your lawyer’s top priorities in most cases.

Trucking Companies Can Be Compelled to Disclose Black Box Data Through the Discovery Process

While trucking companies often fight to avoid disclosing black box data after a serious or fatal accident, they can be compelled to disclose it through discovery. Discovery is a formal step in truck accident litigation during which victims and their families have the right to learn what evidence trucking companies (or other defendants) possess.

A Fort Myers accident lawyer at Spivey Law Firm who has experience in commercial truck accident cases will be able to take the steps necessary to obtain the truck’s black box data from the trucking company. Assuming the trucking company complies with its discovery obligations, your lawyer can then hire an expert to examine the data and determine what it says about the cause of the accident.

Black Box Data May Be Just One Piece of the Puzzle

While black box data can provide critical insights into the cause of a commercial truck accident, it is also just one piece of the puzzle. When investigating the cause of a serious or fatal collision, it may also be necessary to gather evidence such as:

• Forensic data from the crash scene
• The truck driver’s cell phone records
• The truck driver’s hours of service (HOS) log
• The truck driver’s receipts
• The truck’s maintenance records
• The trucking company’s internal communications
• Traffic camera footage or eyewitness testimony

These, too, are just examples. In many cases, it will make sense to hire an accident reconstructionist as well. Provided that sufficient information is available, an accident reconstructionist can use the truck’s black box data and other evidence to piece together the events leading up to a crash.

FAQs: Proving the Cause of a Serious or Fatal Commercial Truck Accident in Florida

When can truck accident victims and their families seek just compensation in Florida?

Truck accident victims and their families can seek just compensation in a wide range of circumstances. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Florida, we strongly encourage you to contact us right away so that we can assess your legal rights.

Is obtaining a truck’s black box data necessary for establishing liability after a crash?

While obtaining black box data from a truck accident can be extremely helpful in establishing liability, it is not strictly necessary. Depending on the circumstances, additional evidence may be available to establish that the trucking company (or another company) is legally responsible.

Should I hire a lawyer to represent me after a truck accident in Florida?

Yes, if you are facing the consequences of a serious or fatal truck accident in Florida, you should hire an experienced lawyer with Spivey Law Firm right away. Hiring a lawyer costs nothing out of pocket in this scenario.

Discuss Your Commercial Truck Accident Case with an Experienced Fort Myers Accident Lawyer for Free

Martindale-Hubbell has rated Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. with an AV Preeminent Rating which is the highest rating standard for professional excellence for legal knowledge, communication skills, and ethical standards. At Spivey Law Firm, we believe in our clients and their cases and devote ourselves to developing the cases to pursue justice for those involved in commercial truck accidents. Our team works with expert witnesses and state-of-the-art technology to provide the highest quality of legal representation. We work on a contingency basis, which means that clients never pay any attorney’s fees or costs unless their case results in a settlement or trial victory and the client receives compensation.  

If you need to know more about protecting your legal rights after a serious or fatal commercial truck accident in Florida, we are here to help. Call us at 239-337-7483 or toll-free 888-477-4839 or contact us online at SpiveyLaw.com to speak with an experienced Fort Myers accident lawyer at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. as soon as possible.