Do all commercial trucks have black boxes?

Nowadays, commercial trucks come equipped with black boxes, but did you know that wasn’t always the case? Up until 2014, commercial vehicles weren’t mandated to have black boxes installed in their vehicles, meaning that anyone who was injured in a truck accident and looking to file a claim had a much more difficult time doing so than exists today. Continue reading to find out what exactly a black box is and how it can be useful in a personal injury case. 

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What is a Black Box?

A black box is a recording device that saves data on the vehicle’s usage and the trucker’s driving habits. Black boxes are usually helpful in a personal injury case because they include information on what the driver was doing about five to 10 seconds before an accident occurs. These may include the driver’s brake usage or lack thereof, whether or not he or she was wearing a seatbelt, if there were any steering changes and whether or not the driver was speeding. These devices also save information on how many hours the truck driver has logged. 

The benefits of a black box cannot be overstated. Not only can they protect commercial truck drivers and their companies if neither were at-fault for a crash, but it makes it easier to determine who was negligent after an accident occurs. For example, if a truck driver was unable to stop in time and ended up hitting another vehicle, the injured victim’s attorney may be able to use the truck’s black box device to discover that the truck’s brakes weren’t working due to a defect. A discovery like this may result in the trucking company being negligent for failing to inspect or properly maintain their vehicles before sending drivers out on deliveries. 

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Do Black Boxes Reduce the Number of Accidents?

Truck drivers are required to take breaks during their scheduled shifts, but unfortunately, the pressure to meet deadlines and get paid may overrule the desire to follow these safety regulations. However, studies show that black boxes may actually play a significant role in reducing the number of motor vehicle accidents that occur because it can help keep drivers and the trucking companies accountable for their unsafe driving habits. Information from the black boxes are sent to the trucking company, which can provide insight into how often drivers need to rest and provide invaluable information in pointing out any driving mistakes or reckless habits in an effort to curb the behavior moving forward. 

If you have been injured in a truck accident, don’t delay in seeking a consultation with a personal injury lawyer. At Team Law, we have decades of experience handling the most complex commercial truck accident claims. Schedule a consultation with us today. 

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Contact A Clark Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Your Truck Accident Case In New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a truck accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Team Law represent clients injured because of truck accidents in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 540-1394 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 136 Central Ave., Clark, NJ 07066, as well as offices in West New York, Perth Amboy, Edison, Summit, Newark, New Brunswick, Orange, Plainfield, and Jersey City.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.