It is normal after an accident to struggle to prove who had a fault and who did not. After the accident ends, you may not have physical proof of the mistakes.
Fortunately, there are ways, including using an event data recorder to trace a driver’s actions seconds before the accident.
How important is an event data recorder?
A trucking accident results in more severe injuries than most car accidents, including traumatic brain injuries, soft tissue injuries, fractured limbs and neck or spinal cord injuries. Most accidents have various contributing factors. Unfortunately, the different factors can make assigning blame for the accident difficult, even when you know the truth. An event data recorder can help reveal the trucker’s actions directly before the crash.
For instance, if a trucker did not hit the brakes before colliding with your vehicle, the EDR tracks it. A lack of braking can indicate that a trucker fell asleep.
What can an EDR do?
An EDR is a device a trucker can install in his or her rig. The EDR records information for a brief period, typically before, during and after an accident, including:
- Pre-crash system status
- Post-crash data
- Driver inputs
- Crash signature
Using information from an EDR can help professionals recreate an accident scene. In addition, the system can point to issues within the rig itself. For instance, if a problem due to insufficient maintenance caused an accident, a professional can find out using an EDR.
Event data recorders can hold commercial vehicles accountable for their actions on the road. If you are in an accident with a trucker who has an EDR, it may help you recreate the scene.