Getting into a collision with a semi-truck is many drivers' worst fear since these are such large and destructive vehicles. Unlike standard vehicles on the road, semi-trucks have the capability to cause much more damage to your property as well as bodily injuries.
Semi-truck collisions can happen for a variety of reasons, whether it be driver error or a lack of safety measures from the trucking company. Either way, you will most likely want to seek compensation if you were the victim of a semi-truck collision.
In this article, we will discuss how semi-trucks collect data and how you can use this to make your case with the help of a personal injury attorney.
What Is an Onboard Computer?
Trucking companies have a variety of ways that they track their trucks, including where they are and how they are running. One of these ways is through an onboard computer that is mounted in the cabin and connected to relevant technical subsystems.
The onboard computer system is there to monitor driver safety and the truck's status. Depending on the type of onboard computer system, it may be recording continually or only start recording when a crash is detected.
It's also important to understand that data recorders for semi-trucks are not federally required. Many trucking companies use onboard computers for their own purposes, but that does not guarantee every semi-truck on the road will have one of the systems to access in the instance of a collision.
What Does a Semi-Truck Onboard Computer Record?
There are several different kinds of systems that monitor data from semi-trucks as they are being driven. Depending on the type of system the truck has, it will be collecting a slightly different variety of data. The majority of onboard computers record things like:
- Engine speed
- Steering wheel movement
- Tire pressure
- Transmission temperature
- Battery information
- Hard stops
- Acceleration and deceleration
- Hours driven
- Airbag deployment
- Year engagement times
- Cruise control usage
- Break application
How Onboard Data Can Help With Your Case
If you have been in a collision with a semi-truck, obtaining data from the onboard computer is vital for your case. It will contain information that can help prove who was at fault and get you the compensation you deserve.
Here are some examples of how onboard data can support your case and prove fault:
Recklessness: The onboard data will have records that can showcase whether or not the driver was driving responsibly at the time of the accident. They may have been speeding, which made it difficult for them to control the truck, or they may have failed to brake in time.
Accident history: What information the onboard computer collects will depend on the manufacturer and the type of system, but some will also collect data regarding crash history. Your trucking accident attorney may be able to access this data to show that the driver had a history of crashes but was still employed by the trucking company.
Vehicle problems: Trucking companies are required to keep their semi-trucks in tip-top condition, but this isn't always a priority. The onboard data records many elements and systems in the truck, which could help showcase if the truck needed repairs or if something wasn't working at the time of the accident.
Unsafe practices: Trucking companies are federally regulated when it comes to how long their drivers can be on the road. If they are ignoring these requirements and pushing drivers to work unsafe hours, this will often show on the onboard data.
How Is Semi-Truck Data Recovered?
When you get into a collision with a semi-truck, one of the first things you need to do is hire a personal injury attorney. Your attorney will be the one who helps collect evidence to support your claim so that you can get the compensation you deserve.
In many instances, the trucking company will not simply hand over the onboard computer data as it can be incriminating. Because of this, your lawyer will need to act quickly to get this data before it is lost or destroyed.
If your lawyer isn't able to retrieve the data, they may be able to obtain it through the trucking company's insurance carrier. Insurance carriers usually require this data and include it in their personal investigation regarding the accident.
Contact Low Cost Lawyer in Birmingham, LA Today!
At Low Cost Lawyer, we are dedicated to providing the best legal representation that is affordable for anyone. We provide a 30% contingency fee rather than the standard 40% fee many law firms require, which helps our clients get the most out of their settlement.
If you or a loved one was injured in a semi-truck collision, you will need to hire a personal injury attorney to represent your case. At Low Cost Lawyer, we can help you navigate this process as well as collect important information that will prove who was at fault. Call us today at 855-595-8889 for a consultation regarding your case.
Let Low Cost Lawyer Get You the Compensation You Deserve
Getting into a semi-truck collision can be life-changing, especially if you sustain serious physical injuries. On top of that, getting information and evidence from the trucking company can be quite a challenge if they are not cooperating. Let a low-cost lawyer fight on your behalf and build a strong case so that you can get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 855-595-8889 or contact us by filling out our online form.