If you have been injured in a semi-truck accident, you have the right to claim compensation from the negligent driver or trucking company. However, to increase the chances of a successful claim, you will need substantial evidence to demonstrate the negligence of these parties. Often, one of the most important sources of evidence is the truck’s “black box,” more formally known as its Event Data Recorder (EDR).

What Data Does a Truck’s Black Box Record?

An EDR is specifically designed to record data about a vehicle in the seconds surrounding a collision. EDRs are not federally mandated for commercial trucks, but most new vehicles have them installed. If a truck is equipped with an EDR, all of the following data may be recorded when an accident occurs:

• The truck’s speed and RPM immediately before, during, and immediately after the crash
• Engagement of the acceleration pedal and/or brakes in the time surrounding the collision
• The truck’s steering in the moments surrounding the crash
• The number of crash events, if, for example, the truck collided with multiple vehicles or objects
• Airbag deployment and seatbelt use in the truck

For injury victims, EDR data is typically most useful in demonstrating that an accident occurred because a truck driver was traveling at an unsafe speed, or because the driver failed to brake or take reasonable action to avoid the collision. However, EDRs do not make video or audio recordings, so victims may need to look for other sources of evidence to further substantiate their claims.

Over the past couple of weeks, DuPage County has experienced several instances of severe weather, including thunderstorms, a tornado, and heavy rainfall with possible flash flooding. These dangerous weather conditions can not only cause damage directly, they can also indirectly lead to damage in a motor vehicle accident. If you have been injured in a car accident in wet or rainy conditions, you should determine whether a personal injury claim is possible.

Driving Hazards in Rainy Conditions

According to a recent study, even light rainfall contributes to the increased likelihood of a fatal car accident. Heavy rainfall can be even more dangerous, creating the following conditions that can lead to accidents involving death or serious injuries:

• Decreased visibility - A torrential downpour can greatly reduce the distance a driver can see in all directions, making it more difficult to notice and respond to accident hazards.

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In many cases, car accidents can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, lacerations, internal injuries, and potentially even death in some cases. When a car accident results in an injury that puts financial strain on your family, you may be able to obtain financial compensation to help recover some of your losses through a car accident injury claim.

Types of Damages in Injury Cases

If you have been injured in a car accident, the first thing you must determine is whether or not the other party is at fault. The other party may be liable for damages if they violated their duty of care toward you, the violation caused you to sustain an injury, and that the injury caused you to sustain losses. Losses in personal injury cases can be both economic and non-economic and include damages such as:

• Medical expenses: You can request compensation for any medical expenses that you may have incurred as a result of the car accident. These costs may include emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, medical devices, rehabilitative care, physical therapy, and other medical costs.

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Distracted driving has been a serious problem for the past several years, and one of the biggest culprits is texting or otherwise using a cell phone or mobile electronic device while behind the wheel. When a driver looks at a phone screen or types out a message, they lose vital seconds of attention to the road, during which an accident can occur.

Distracted driving is especially dangerous among drivers of large commercial trucks. Not only does it take longer to make adjustments or come to a stop when driving a truck, but if a truck accident does occur, the size and weight of the vehicle often causes severe injuries. Federal regulations and state laws are in place to deter cell phone use among truck drivers, and this can help your case for compensation if you are injured in an accident.

Handheld Cell Phone Use is Prohibited

Illinois law is fairly strict when it comes to cell phone use among drivers of any kind. A person who is found to be using a handheld phone while operating a moving vehicle on the road can be fined at least $75, and they can face misdemeanor or felony charges if they cause great bodily harm or death.

In restaurants, malls, stores, and other places of business, wet and slippery floors happen from time to time. Some are caused by spills, leaks, or moisture tracked in from outside, while others are the result of cleaning or floor treatments. In most cases, these conditions are resolved without incident, but sometimes an employee, customer, or visitor slips and falls, suffering serious injuries in the process. If you have been injured after slipping on a wet floor, it is important to understand whether the business owner may be liable.

What Protections Are Provided Under Illinois Premises Liability Law?

According to the Illinois Premises Liability Act, business and property owners owe a duty of “reasonable care under the circumstances” to lawful visitors to their place of business. In general, this means that they are responsible for keeping the premises reasonably safe, and that they may be held liable for injuries resulting from a breach in their duty of care. However, the specific details of what this duty of care includes are often left to the court’s interpretation, making it vitally important that injury victims are represented by an experienced attorney who can help them make a strong case.

Common Questions in Premises Liability Cases

In a premises liability case involving a wet or slippery floor, the court may seek to establish answers to some or all of the following questions in order to determine whether the property owner owes an injury victim compensation: