Understanding ECM Data from 18 Wheeler Wrecks: New Mexico Trucking Accident Lawyer Explains Importance from Thoreau Greyhound Bus Crash
Our New Mexico trucking accident lawyer continues coverage on the very serious and fatal Greyhound bus collision with a large semi tractor trailer that occurred on I-40 near Thoreau, New Mexico. Multiple news reports have provided information that the semi tractor trailer blew a front driver’s tire which caused the large 18 wheeler to lose control. The big rig lost control and went into oncoming traffic. After crossing the center line, the box truck struck a Greyhound bus with almost 50 people on board. This resulted in a significant head on collisions and a powerful impact, including injuring almost all on board except for 15 people. Eight people were killed, including the bus driver. On Saturday night, the Office the Medical Investigator released the names of five people who were killed in the Thoreau, New Mexico crash.
Here at the NM Truck Accident Attorneys, our experienced New Mexico trucking accident lawyer knows how devastating of an impact this collision was. It was a head on big rig crash occurring on Interstate 40 where vehicles are typically traveling 65 MPH or more. Our law firm sends its deepest condolences to those affected by this tragedy. If you or a loved one were injured in this fatal Thoreau Greyhound bus crash, or in a similar semi tractor trailer crash, please call us to learn how we can help you today. We are licensed in New Mexico and California, speak Spanish, have Department of Transportation certified experts, and can travel to you in California to discuss your case. Call us by dialing (505) 355-2969 for a FREE consultation.
What is Trucking Data from a Semi Tractor Trailer? New Mexico Trucking Accident Lawyer Explains
Every semi tractor trailer like the one involved in the Thoreau Greyhound bus crash has an electronic control module, or “ECM.” This device is like a black box in an airplane. It records information about the truck and how the truck is being operated. It connects with the engine too and continuous is recording information about how the engine is functioning. However, the ECM continues to re-write over itself and erase itself. This means some data is going to be re-written over and erased.
But when there is a “triggering event,” such as a sudden deceleration, airbag deployment, or collision, the ECM stops erasing over itself and freezes. Some of the information that the ECM records after a triggering event include the following:
- Speed of the truck before, during, and after impact;
- Whether the truck driver was braking before, during, or after impact;
- How the truck driver was steering before, during, or after impact;
- Whether the truck driver was accelerating (on the gas) before, during, or after impact;
- If cruise control was on and what it was set to;
- Direction of the truck; and
- Many other important pieces of information.
Why is it Important to Get ECM Data After the Thoreau Trucking Accident?
It is important to immediately get the ECM data after any trucking accident, particularly like the Thoreau Greyhound bus trucking accident. This is because the insurance carrier for the trucking company will try to get that information first. They can then use that information for themselves and guard it, making it harder for victims to commence an action and fight what occurred. That is because the trucking company will know what the data supports, and begin to tailor its press releases and facts to what the data can support-or be manipulated to support. This puts victims at a disadvantage.
The reason why a victim must immediately hunt down that ECM data is because, once it is removed from the truck, it is wiped from the ECM data box. This means that it will no longer be available for downloading. If the trucking company, insurance company, or even the police improperly download the ECM data, it can erase all of this crucial information. You want to have a trucking accident lawyer with a certified Department of Transportation expert there to ensure that the ECM data is properly removed, recorded, and preserved.
Our New Mexico Trucking Accident Lawyer Knows How to Preserve ECM Data
In an 18 wheeler crash such as the Thoreau Greyhound bus crash, the ECM data is crucial. At the NM Truck Accident Attorneys, we have the experience and proven-track record of acquiring, processing, and using ECM truck data to support our client’s positions in lawsuit involving catastrophic trucking accidents. Call us today to come meet with you in California, New Mexico, or elsewhere to discuss your case FOR FREE. We speak Spanish and are able to send out our expert immediately to acquire ECM data. Call the NM Truck Accident Attorneys by dialing (505) 308-1556 to learn how we can help. You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
