Truck accident claims are usually complicated because they involve a commercial vehicle. These cases may also involve large trucking corporations, multiple parties, and powerful insurance companies. All parties fight to avoid liability because truck accident verdicts often cost millions.
Technological advancements and driver assistance technologies have improved safety and efficiency in the trucking industry. This technology can help truck drivers avoid catastrophic accidents; however, it can also impact truck accident litigation.
Learn how technology changes the landscape of truck accident litigation and how a truck accident attorney can use it to secure favorable client outcomes.
Examples of Technology Available for Commercial Trucks
Numerous types of technology have become standard for commercial trucks. In some cases, federal trucking regulations require specific systems to track data and information for commercial vehicles.
Examples of technology used in large trucks that may impact truck accident litigation include:
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
ELDs automatically record driving time to maintain accurate hours of service (HOS) data. Federal law limits the number of hours a truck driver may operate a vehicle without breaks and rest periods. The HOS rules are intended to reduce the number of truck accidents caused by fatigued and drowsy drivers.
Event Data Recorders (EDRs)
EDRs or “black boxes” record various data about the truck’s operation. Data collected by the EDR includes vehicle speed, GPS location, driver behavior, braking, and other information.
Driver Alert Systems and Driver Assistance Technology
Driver alert systems monitor driver behaviors to detect if a trucker may be distracted or drowsy. The system alerts the driver so they can correct the behavior to avoid an accident.
Driver assistance and driver alert technology includes, but is not limited to:
- Blind spot warnings
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear-automatic braking
- Lane centering assistance
- Forward collision warnings
- Backup camera
- Rear-cross traffic warnings
Truck drivers should always remain alert. Technology is intended to assist drivers, not replace safe driving behavior.
Dash Cams
Dashboard cameras can record what happens inside the truck, including the driver’s behavior. Dash cams can also record what happens outside the truck, including traffic, road conditions, and vehicle surroundings.
GPS Tracking
A Global Positioning System (GPS) tracks the movement of a truck in real time. It helps drivers by giving them turn-by-turn directions without the need to look at a map or written directions. GPS systems can also provide information about traffic conditions, allowing drivers to slow down before encountering congestion.
How Can Technology Impact Truck Accident Litigation?
Injured victims must prove causation and fault in a truck accident lawsuit. In other words, they must demonstrate how the collision occurred and who is responsible for the factors leading up to it.
Proving liability for a truck accident can be challenging, especially if there is no recording of the collision. The details of the accident will vary depending on who’s discussing how it occurred.
Technology impacts truck accident litigation by providing key information regarding the moments leading up to an accident. The data recorded by various systems allows accident reconstructionists and other experts to determine the factors contributing to the crash. Identifying how the crash occurred helps determine who is responsible for damages.
Jurors determine the facts of the case from testimony and the evidence presented during the trial. Data gathered from onboard recorders provides reliable and persuasive evidence of how an accident occurred. It strengthens the case, which can lead to a favorable outcome at trial.
Other Evidence Used to Prove Liability in a Truck Accident Case
Digital information from a truck’s recording devices can be compelling evidence in a truck accident lawsuit. However, it’s not the only evidence an attorney uses to prove their case.
Evidence in truck accident cases includes, but is not limited to:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Accident reports
- Statements from drivers and passengers
- Physical evidence gathered from the accident scene and the vehicles
- Opinions from expert witnesses
- Video and photographs of the accident scene
- Documentary evidence, such as cell phone records, maintenance records, etc.
An experienced truck accident lawyer has the resources, knowledge, and skills to investigate a claim. They understand federal and state trucking regulations that could impact the case and how to use technology to strengthen their arguments.
If you have questions about a truck accident claim, you can discuss your case with an attorney during a free consultation.