Do 18 Wheelers Have Black Boxes? Learn What Information is Stored in a Big Rig from Our Albuquerque Trucking Accident Lawyer
Yes, 18 wheelers have black boxes. But not necessarily in the sense that you may be thinking like an airplane. Large commercial vehicles like semi tractor trailers, tankers, double trailers, 18 wheelers, big rigs, and other large box trucks have data recorders which check for certain information about the vehicle. The most common item is known as an electronic control module, or ECM. Some box trucks also have event data recorders or other more black box-like devices. It is important for everyone to know about a tractor trailer’s ECM because information on that device may help prove a New Mexico trucking accident case if a person is ever involved in one. While this seems unlikely to happen to you, unfortunately according to NHTSA information, approximately 4,000 people will be killed and 111,000 people injured in semi tractor trailer crashes.
Thus, it is also important to know that the ECM data is not forever available. It can easily be wiped by mistake-or intentionally-and needs to be gathered and collected immediately after an 18 wheeler wreck. It is critical for a victim of a New Mexico 18 wheeler wreck to do so. This is why if you have been involved in a big rig crash, please call our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers at Caruso Law Offices by dialing (505) 883-5000 to learn what your rights to compensation may be. We can send out accident reconstruction experts and ECM experts to quickly gather the information you need to help win your case.
What Does a Truck’s ECM/Black Box Contain?
The content and information that is stored on a truck’s ECM varies depending on the type of ECM and the brand of truck. For instance, a Mack truck and a Volvo truck may have different information stored by the ECM.
In general, a truck’s ECM could record some of the following information:
- A sudden deceleration (i.e., hard braking or striking an object);
- Speed of the truck;
- Whether the truck driver was applying the brakes or turning;
- Whether the truck driver was using cruise control and at what speed;
- How long the truck has been continuously operating (for hours of service violations);
- Whether the truck driver was changing lanes (both by flashers on and direction of the truck);
- Tire pressure and whether there was a catastrophic tire failure;
- GPS location of the crash;
- Whether the driver was accelerating or braking at the time of the collisions; and
- Many other information.
Injured in a New Mexico Trucking Accident? Ask Us to Preserve the Black Box Data NOW
If you have been injured in any trucking crash or wreck, please call the NM Truck Accident Attorneys by dialing (505) 883-5000 to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers. We handle cases throughout New Mexico, including in Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Roswell, Farmington, Hobbs, Lordsburg, or anywhere else in the state, including Albuquerque where our law office is located. You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.