A commercial vehicle onboard computer is an electronic system that records and monitors various aspects of truck operation and driver behavior. The data it collects can provide evidence about what occurred just before an accident.
An Indianapolis truck accident lawyer can request the data from the commercial vehicle onboard computer as part of your case. From that data and other evidence, they can reconstruct the accident and determine whether the trucker was liable for your accident.
What Information Does an Onboard Computer Record?
Commercial vehicle onboard computers continuously monitor and record the vehicle’s speed, braking patterns, and acceleration at any moment. The computer also logs important safety-related events like sudden stops, sharp turns, and instances of harsh braking.
These computers, sometimes known as ECMs, capture data about the driver’s service hours and compliance with mandatory rest periods. This information helps establish whether driver fatigue may have contributed to the accident.
The systems also maintain records of vehicle maintenance, mechanical issues, and any mechanical failures that occurred before or during the incident. This includes details about engine performance, tire pressure, and whether safety systems were functioning properly at the time of impact.
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How Can a Commercial Vehicle Onboard Computer Help My Truck Accident Claim?
Onboard computer data provides objective evidence after a truck accident. When we review the computer records, we can identify potential violations of safety regulations or established patterns of dangerous driving behavior to prove liability and improve settlement offers.
The onboard computers’ timestamp features allow us to create a detailed accident timeline. We can determine the truck’s speed, location, and mechanical condition at critical moments before the collision.
Commercial vehicle onboard computer records, combined with other evidence like witness statements and police reports, help establish a clear and compelling case for compensation. Many insurance companies are more willing to offer fair settlements when faced with electronic evidence of their driver’s negligence.
An Example of How This Data Could Be Used
Consider a scenario where a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle during an early morning highway commute. The trucking company might claim their driver was well-rested and operating safely, but onboard computer data could tell a different story.
Electronic records could reveal that the driver exceeded federal hours-of-service limits the previous week, contradicting paper logs and the company’s initial statements. Further, the onboard computer might show the truck traveling at unsafe speeds.
The system’s maintenance logs might also reveal that the company ignored repeated automated alerts about potential brake system issues in the weeks before this theoretical crash. Such a pattern of overlooking safety warnings would demonstrate systematic negligence in the company’s maintenance practices.
When Should the Data Be Collected?
Federal trucking regulations require trucking companies to maintain certain electronic records for a specific period. However, if not properly preserved, some data may be automatically overwritten in as little as 30 days.
Securing onboard computer data as soon as possible after a truck accident is important. If too much time passes after the incident, trucking companies may overwrite or delete this valuable information.
Our legal team knows how to submit the necessary preservation requests to ensure this data stays available for your case. Once we have a copy of the computer data, we can take it to professionals to interpret it and confirm we have all of it.
What if the Trucking Company Won’t Share the Data?
Trucking companies sometimes resist providing onboard computer data after an accident. We can file court orders requiring them to preserve and share this critical information. Legal procedures exist to prevent the destruction or alteration of electronic evidence.
Our attorneys understand the state and federal regulations governing commercial vehicle records. We use these legal requirements to compel trucking companies to produce the necessary data. The courts take seriously any attempt to withhold or destroy electronic evidence that could prove liability.
Companies that fail to maintain or provide required electronic records may face additional penalties. This can strengthen your position during settlement negotiations and potentially increase the compensation you receive.
How Is Commercial Vehicle Onboard Computer Data Analyzed?
Professional analysts use specialized software to interpret complex data from onboard computers. These experts can reconstruct the accident sequence and identify any safety violations or mechanical issues contributing to your injuries.
The analysis process involves comparing electronic records with physical evidence and witness accounts. This comprehensive approach helps establish a clear picture of what occurred before, during, and after the accident.
We work with qualified technical experts who can effectively explain these findings to insurance companies and, if necessary, in court. This information helps demonstrate exactly what happened and may strengthen your position during settlement negotiations.
Contact Us for Help With Your Truck Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, we understand the complexity of building a strong case using evidence from a commercial vehicle onboard computer. Let us use our decades of experience and network of forensic experts to help you.
Reach out to our lawyers and staff at Vaughan & Vaughan today to discuss how we can help with your truck accident claim.
