A semi-truck’s engine control module, or ECM, works as the control center of the truck. Drivers and agencies can count on the ECM to collect data about the truck’s operations. Usually, the ECM makes it easier for drivers and agencies to track a truck’s overall condition and schedule maintenance when the need arises.
However, a semi-truck’s ECMs can also play a powerful role in someone’s recovery after a serious accident. Victims of semi-truck accidents can use ECM data to determine what kind of negligence contributed to their losses.
Our Indianapolis semi-truck accident lawyers can help survivors like you access a truck’s ECM data before insurance companies or trucking agencies lock it away.
What Data Does an ECM Track?
All trucking agencies require their semi-truck drivers to maintain an ECM on their tractor-trailers. ECMs help agencies ensure that their fleets are functioning at full capacity. Most agencies rely on ECMs to track a truck’s:
- Fuel consumption
- Speed
- Braking habits
- Engine performance
- Clutch use
- Cruise control use
ECMs can also help agencies and their drivers identify mechanical problems, including reduced tire pressure, engine temperature, and any problems with a truck’s airbags.
What’s more, you can count on an ECM to track a truck’s behavior in high-pressure moments. Each ECM comes equipped with an Event Data Recorder, which specifically records a truck’s statistics for up to two minutes after a quick stop, hard brake, or collision.
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
When Can You Use an ECM?
You know what an ECM is on a semi-truck, but how can you, as a private motorist, use it? It’s not always easy to determine what specific instances of negligence led to a truck accident in the weeks following a collision. While videos and photos can give you some idea of how a driver behaved behind the wheel, there’s no data as instructive as ECM data.
A truck’s ECM data goes into second-by-second detail about a semi-truck driver’s behavior at the time of a collision. You can rely on ECM data to supplement video footage, bystander statements, and environmental damage.
ECM data can subsequently play a key role in your efforts to secure accident compensation from insurance companies as well as trucking agencies and other liable parties. You can use ECM data to round out your insurance claim or when building the foundation of an Indiana truck accident claim.
How Does an ECM Impact Your Fight to Recover From a Truck Accident?
As mentioned, a semi-truck’s EMC tracks a wide range of truck-related data while the truck is operational. Usually, this data helps truck drivers determine whether or not their vehicles need maintenance. However, if you’re recovering from an accident, you can use EMC data to determine the following:
- A truck’s speed at the time of your accident
- The truck’s longitudinal acceleration
- Any relevant changes in vehicular velocity
- Brake application at the time of your collision
- The activation of the anti-lock braking system
- Steering wheel angle
- Use of seat belts
- Roll angle
- Tire pressure
- Gear selection
Our team does more than pull this data from a semi-truck’s ECM. We can also analyze our findings to better craft the narrative surrounding your losses. For example, if we notice that a truck driver didn’t brake in a reasonable amount of time to prevent your accident, we can claim that driver negligence caused you to suffer otherwise avoidable losses.
Can Insurance Companies or Trucking Agencies Deny You Access to a Truck’s ECM Data?
Insurance companies and trucking agencies recognize how essential ECM data can become to a victim’s attempts to recover from a serious collision. That’s why insurance claims adjusters and agency representatives do everything in their power to limit survivors’ access to ECM data.
Some adjusters pressure survivors into signing written agreements at an accident scene in which the victim waives their right to access ECM data. Other parties destroy a truck’s ECM or claim that a victim can’t request access to relevant data.
If you’re struggling to get ahold of ECM data, you can work with an Indianapolis personal injury attorney to subpoena the information you need to build your case. Our team doesn’t bow to agencies’ attempts to obscure the facts surrounding your accident. We can advocate for your right to reasonable data access, no matter what underhanded tricks liable parties use.
Contact a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer to Make the Most of ECM Data
If you’re struggling to get your hands on a truck’s ECM data, or if you can’t interpret what data is on a semi-truck’s EMC, don’t panic. You have the right to get in touch with a truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis after a collision. Our team can step in, let insurance companies know that you mean business, and help you make sense of the data available to you.
We offer our services on a contingency fee basis to eliminate any financial barriers standing between you and your right to legal advice. You don’t have to pay a dime to meet with our team and learn more about the impact ECM data can have on your recovery.
Moreover, you can count on our representation in and out of civil court. We can highlight relevant ECM data in settlement negotiations and emphasize that you have the right to compensation based on a truck driver’s negligence. If an agency continues not to recognize your right to recover, we can take your case to trial.
ECM Data Can Prove Your Right to Accident Compensation
ECM data helps you emphasize your right to damages based on economic and non-economic losses like the following:
- Reduced quality of life
- Temporary or permanent disabilities
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Emergency medical care
- Long-term medical treatments
- Lost wages
- Property damage, essential repairs, and replacements
You can refer to our testimonials to learn more about the semi-truck accident settlements we’ve secured on behalf of Hoosiers like you.
Let an Experienced Indianapolis Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Fight for You
So, what’s an ECM on a semi-truck, and how is its data relevant to your recent accident? ECM data, or the data collected by a truck’s black box, helps victims of truck accidents prove that a truck driver engaged in avoidable negligence at the time of an accident.
You have the right to access that data in the wake of a collision, but it’s easier to analyze when you have an attorney on your side.
You can ask an experienced Indianapolis semi-truck accident attorney to help you access, analyze, and integrate this data into your fight for truck accident compensation. Don’t let insurance companies or trucking agencies deny you the support you deserve. Ask for support from Indiana’s experienced legal professionals before time runs out.
